Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: Prime Minister Hon. James Marape commended the Transport Sector of Papua New Guinea today as they made organisational report presentations to him at Melanesian Haus, Waigani.
This is part of the continuation of Reporting Meetings initiated by the Prime Ministerfor Government Departments and Agencies over recent weeks to enable efficiency in successfully achieving performance outcomes and identifying progress in Key Result Areas for each sector and organisation, thus aiming to secure a firm foundation for PNG’s future.
In their Report presentations, Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation Hon. Walter Schnaubelt was joined by organisational heads and senior officers from Department
of Transport, National Airports Corporation, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, NiuSkyPacific, National Maritime Safety Authority and others.
Prime Minister Marape expressed gratitude to the Sector Agencies for the positive progress thus far, whilst also encouraging the Sector to continue the strive towards achieving better quality service, given the ever-evolving demands of the Transport Sector in terms of meeting international standards and with continued advancementtrends in technology.
“I would like to commend the Transport Sector on the progress so far, as per my Government’s expectations. I understand that there are challenges there as well, particularly in terms of funding allocations in the National Budget not reaching your organisations on a timely basis to enable efficiency in capacity building and operational activities, but some good work has been achieved in the Sector whether it be in the Land, Sea or Air Transport. I also want to specifically compliment the
Department of Works and Highways for the wonderful work they are putting into our Roads Infrastructure throughout the country under the Connect PNG Program.
“It is evident that we have stepped up in delivering outcomes in recent months and years, which is a step in the right direction as my Government works to set a strong foundation for our future generations.
However, we can never be complacent with what we have now as the world continues to change in the way things operate and emerging new technology innovations coming on. I urge us all to always be on top of our game and work ahead of what is expected of us,” PM Marape stated.
Marape also stated: “The Transport Sector is an important sector for Papua New Guinea at this point in time as we endeavor to strengthen our people-to-people relations within our culturally-diverse nation, as well as connecting with theinternational community through various modes of transport and for different purposes.
“As we celebrate 50 years of Independence this year, we have Vision 2050 as our overall guide and we have to live up to it. Other short-term plans like Medium Term Development Plan 4 are also there to provide effectiveness and accountability on our path as we walk in the bigger vision for the future of this country. Therefore, there is no time to waste. Let us all play our part well and build a future that our children can be proud of.”
Based upon presentations made by the different organisations in the TransportSector, Prime Minister Marape emphasized on improving critical infrastructure in the country to service the people and meet business demands such as Domestic andInternational Airports around the country. He said this is important for tourism,commerce and trade, especially given major resource projects like Papua LNG, P’nyang and Wafi-Golpu coming on board very soon. The Prime Minister highlightedthat the Transport Sector has enormous potential in enhancing economic growth for the country, as resource projects in both the Extractive and Renewable Sectors increase in demand and productivity.
Marape also acknowledged the Railway concept involving the Electric Train initiativethat was also part of the presentations by the Department of Transport, saying it is an area that his Government will be taking on board and investing in for greaterconnectivity between the different Provinces and Regions of the country at greater efficiency “As we construct the next 50 years of our nation, let us maximize the full use of our potential and capacity, with the passionate drive for a truly transformed Papua New Guinea. And this has to start at this time, during our generation,” he said.