Central Province News

21/01/2024

Kumul Petroleum PNG Lewas Women’s Cricket Team hit 102, and kept 2023 EAP Winners Vanuatu from repeating last year’s performance, and win by 23 Runs

PNG WON BY 23 RUNS

TOP BATTERS:
Tanya Ruma 50 (52)
Sibona Jimmy 14 (17)

Match Results: https://scoring.nzc.nz

📷 The SouthSeas Pacific Cup

Australian High Commission Papua New GuineaKumul Petroleum The SouthSeas Pacific Cup

21/01/2024

See you tomorrow at the SJA HQ.

Remember to bring a bottle of water and snack. Come with all the required documents as well.

21/01/2024

The Kumul Petroleum Lewas came out Victorious with an impressive win over the Cook islands.

PNG WON BY 128 RUNS

TOP BATTERS:
Naoani Vare 54 (48)
Pauke Siaka 43 (30)
Tanya Ruma 21 (15)

Match Results: https://scoring.nzc.nz/?tab=m_scorecard -188d-4b85-b0a2-84f555809b18

📷 photosport.nz

Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea Kumul Petroleum The SouthSeas Pacific Cup

20/01/2024

Robert Agarobe

Good afternoon all my friends and family after working extremely hard all my life I'm taking it easy and enjoying the simple things we take for granted.

I'm out here in the open country doing some soul searching and enjoying the fresh air the good roads the nice public facilities and meeting a lot of nice friendly people along the way. All that adds up to is the peoples taxes being utilised well by governments.

Let's not be in a haste to change Government as nothing concrete gets done and we repeat the same mistake every 18 months when the whole country comes to a stop and history repeats itself. Patience is of essence and trust is all we have for now until 2027, then you make sure you cast your vote for the right type of leader you want without fail.

Until then I advise you get on with life and do your best to protect, feed, cloth and educate your family and if not in the city please go back home as God has already provided for us in the best environment.

God bless.

16/06/2023

HIRI-KOIARI SIGNS K1 MILLION CREDIT GUARANTEE SCHEME WITH MICRO BANK (MiBank)

Friday, 16 June 2023

Great news for Hiri-Koiari small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs!

Yesterday, the Hiri-Koiari District Development Authority in partnership with Micro Bank Limited, signed a memorandum of understanding to pave way for Hiri-Koiari small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs to apply for loans through the K1 million funding provided by HK DDA.

This now means that so long as you meet the requirements of MiBank, you are able to secure a loan from K2,000 to K50,000 to progress your business.

As MP for Hiri-Koiari, I was delighted to witness this momentous occasion and I am confident this scheme will go a long way for our business owners of Hiri-Koiari.

I thank MiBank for working tirelessly with the DDA to ensure this MOU was signed, and also give immense gratitude for their level of confidence for partnering with a newly established district like ours.

I am grateful for the hard work put in by the DDA, and stress that those who do apply for a loan, to ensure greater benefit through employment, community support and development goes back to our local communities.

I wish you all success in progressing your business plans, and look forward to hearing many success stories in the months to come.

Please find below photos from the event, and more information from the MOU signed.

15/06/2023

HIRI-KOIARI TO DEVELOP AND INTRODUCE HIRI-KOIARI CITY AUTHORITY BILL

APPROVED FOR RELEASE (09/06/23)

HIRI-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu has given notice that through the HK District Development Authority, he intends to develop necessary legislative framework and requirements for Parliament to consider the ‘Hiri-Koiari City Authority Bill’.

Following on from his debate in Parliament on Thursday’s sitting on the increase of GST for city authorities across the country, Mr Iduhu said the time is now ripe for Hiri-Koiari to develop plans to elevate the district to a city authority status.

Mr Iduhu said he has already spoken and formally written to Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, to give notice to his government and relevant stakeholders about the ambition.

Mr Iduhu said: “This proposed Bill has been a longstanding area of focus for my District since my inception as MP – and will be a steppingstone for Hiri-Koiari to formally establish itself as a crucial contributor to the development of this nation.

“As a newly established district, there are endless opportunities and potential for Hiri-Koiari, all of which require proper planning, coordination, and financial stability to achieve.

“Through our land and natural resources, Hiri-Koiari is already a major contributor to the functioning of Central Province, and more broadly, the Southern Region, through the accommodation of resource projects like PNG LNG and Papua LNG, wealth creation from the bustling industrial sector west of Port Moresby, the Sirinumu Dam providing water and power for our Capital, and as the immediate land mass that surrounds Port Moresby, to highlight a few.”

“Elevating Hiri-Koiari District to become a City Authority will provide the necessary legislation to better control the use of land as our Capital expands, equitably introduce proper customary land formalisation, and generate much needed internal revenue to solidify the district’s development aspirations,” Mr Iduhu said.

Mr Iduhu noted that like Mount Hagen, Lae, Kokopo, and Port Moresby, Hiri-Koiari envisions to be a key generator of industry, commerce, and trade for our country – “and we indeed have the potential to do so,” he said.

Mr Iduhu said: “My office will commence the drafting of necessary legislative framework and requirements for Parliament to consider this Bill, and therefore, will be seeking the consideration, consultation, and support from the government, departments, provincial government, and of course Hiri-Koiari.

“I am confident this Bill will pave the way for greater wealth creation for our country and be the foundation for improving the economic and human development of a largely uncoordinated region of our country,” he said.

Mr Iduhu noted that while most, if not all, provinces have a city in which they call their ‘Capital city’, Central Province still lacks a central city, thus Hiri-Koiari City Authority envisions to fill this gap.

“We hope to bring this Bill to Parliament before the end of the year,” said Mr Iduhu.

28/05/2023

09/04/2023

INCLUSIVE WASH FACILITIES FOR STUDENTS

Loop PNG | April 8, 2023

More than 1600 students and 40 teachers from three remote schools in Central Province are now able to use either flush toilets or upgraded pit toilets as well as wash hands from piped running water next to their ablution blocks.

This is a result of three recently commissioned water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities constructed by WaterAid PNG and local contractors with funding support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and commissioned during the recent World Water Day on March 22nd.

This year’s World Water Day theme: ‘Accelerating Change’, focused on accelerating change to solve water and sanitation crisis in the world. The new WaSH facilities will contribute towards accelerated health and education outcomes for the students and teachers of the three (3) schools.

Each of the three schools have improved male and female standard toilets, two disability inclusive toilets (one for females, one for males), two male urinals, and two handwashing facilities (one for males, one for females).

Additionally, 9000 liter tanks were provided to each school to support the flush toilets as well as the handwashing facilities.

Three menstrual hygiene management units (one in each school) were constructed to support girl’s hygiene needs in each of the schools.

Speakers from various partner agencies expressed gratitude and highlighted the importance for having such a facility.

Assistant Secretary for NDoE, Avea Avaroa said that education was every child’s right and students would stay in class if there were appropriate facilities. That the government needs support from development partners, local governments, schools and communities to work together to provide a conducive environment for students to be in schools.

WaterAid PNG Director for Operations, Jenny Mori thanked the NDoE, the local community and the school for allowing WaterAid PNG to construct the facilities.

She also thanked The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the funding and urged students and community members to look after the facilities so that more students will benefit in the future.

Since 2013, WaterAid has reached 10,675 people with access to WaSH services, 5,620 school children and teachers and a further 10,147 students with handwashing facilities and innovative hygiene behavior change campaigns.

05/04/2023

POREBADA VILLAGE APPEALS FOR RELIEF

Post Courier - April 05, 2023
BY CLAUDIA TALLY

VILLAGERS from Porebada, Central Province, have called on the provincial government and their leaders to fast track relief assistance a week after a violent storm destroyed nine houses and left 17 others partially destroyed.

According to chair of the Porebada Disaster Relief Committee Goata Bosina, more than 50 families have been affected and classes at the primary school have been suspended indefinitely as a double-storey four-in-one classroom was damaged.

“The storm on Thursday last week affected more than 50 households. On Friday the provincial disaster committee and a team from the MP Keith Iduhu’s office went to do assessment. After that there has not been any relief assistance. The authorities are aware that the people are displaced,” he said.

The committee has approached several business houses for assistance and appealed to those operating along the Napanapa Highway to step in and assist the people who are victims of the storm and strong mini cyclones.

Committee member Kaia Gau said there are men, women and children who were injured on the night of the storm, but no medical assistance was provided.

“We are appealing to the leaders if they can organise some kind of mobile clinic to check our little ones and, especially, the older citizens. There are some that need medication and treatment,” she said.

According to the Member for Hiri-Koiari, a report will be compiled following the assessments done on the extent of damages.

That report will be submitted to the National Disaster Center who will then mobilise relief support as per the report.

VILLAGERS from Porebada, Central Province, have called on the provincial government and their leaders to fast track relief assistance a week after a violent storm destroyed nine houses and left 17 others partially destroyed.

05/04/2023

IDUHU: AM HOPEFUL OF THE BENEFITS

Post Courier - April 5, 2023

WORK on proper water supply for villages in Hiri Koiari electorate in Central province is under way after an agreement was signed between Water PNG Limited and the district development authority.

The signing last Thursday paves the way for Water PNG to provide technical assistance to the district through technical assessments, feasibility studies and review of technical documentation.

Minister for State Enterprises William Duma, at the signing, said the national government will ensure that communities receive proper water supply.

“The people of Hiri Koiari and Central Province have made sacrifices for the capital city of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby.

“They are the traditional owners of the land on which the city is built,” Mr Duma said.
Member for Hiri Koiari Keith Iduhu said he is hopeful of the benefits this development will bring to his people.

“I thank Mr Duma and Water PNG. The agreement is a first step forward for all communities in Hiri Koiari district,” he said.

Water PNG Chairman Aiwa Olmi, at the signing, said the Hiri-Koiari project is an example for other similar projects that Water PNG will embark on.

He urged Water PNG to be innovative when putting together plans for water projects using provincial and district services improvement program funds for plans and costing to be accessed for decision making purposes.

WORK on proper water supply for villages in Hiri Koiari electorate in Central province is under way after an agreement was signed between Water PNG Limited and the district development authority.

02/04/2023

ROAD PROJECT WORTH K68.294 MILLION SIGNED

MEDIA RELEASE - MARCH 31, 2023

Four local contractors from impact area of the PNGLNG project signed road contract worth K68.294million under the Exxon Mobile Tax Credit Scheme.

This project signing is part of the Marape-Rosso government flagship Connect PNG 20 years program.

Minister for Works and Highways and Member for Telefomin Hon Solan Mirisim says the project signing signifies the confidence this government have on local contractors.

"Connect PNG aims at promoting local content, we need to promote local contractors so they provide direct employment to our people, engage sub-contractors so the money stays in our economy."

Minister Mirisim says so far the Connect PNG program has engaged 250 local contractors and sub-contractors who have provided more than 10,000 direct and indirect employments.

He further stated that the people of impact project areas deserve such road infrastructure and it was timely.

“We need to give these people what they really deserve. They contribute enormously to the national economy through the resource and its by time we as government look at improving their road conditions so it improve their daily lives.”

Four local contractors engaged under the Exxon Mobil Tax Credit Scheme are:

a) Hides Gas Development Company-8.1km(K4,274,334.04)- Specific and General routine maintenance and repairs to Sealed Pavement, Drainage Structure, Road Furniture from Piribu Junction to Halimbu Junction on the Highlands Highway in Hela.

b) Ipwenz Construction-32.8km (K6,000,000.00) Specific and General Routine Maintenance and repairs to Sealed pavement, drainage structure, road furniture from Piribu Junction to Ambua Top on the Highlands Highway in Hela Province.

c) Hides Gas Development Corporation -32.65km-Specific and General routine maintenance to seal pavement, drainage structure, road furniture from Idauwi Junction to Komo Station on the Halimbu to Komo Road in Hela Province.

d) Urunawini Ltd- 20km-( K42,895,991.70)- Construction of a Pilot tract from Piribu near Tari town to Angore near Komo for the linking of the Tari to Angore road in Hela Province.

e) Turra Holdings Limited- 25km (K8,332,038.00)- Survey, Geotechnical, and preliminary Design of the proposed 4 lane road from Baruni Junction to Lealea village and Napa Napa feeder road along Baruni road.
Investigation and Recommendations for a Water Supply System for Porebada, Boera and Lealea (LABA) village.

Photo attached

31/03/2023

COURT BATTLE CONTINUES

Loop PNG | March 28, 2023

Member for Kairuku, Peter Isoaimo has appealed to his followers and the communities to remain calm about the court of disputed returns for the Kairuku Open seat.

Isoaimo has been attending court for about six to seven months with defendant and runner-up of the 2022 General Elections, Paru Aihi.

He stated that the courts will decide on the evidence presented so he hopes for a good outcome for both parties.

“Submissions have now been done by the lawyers and her Honour Justice Teresa Berrigan has nominated the 28th of April at 1:30 to hand down her decision. So we’ll come back to know whether I remain member or she decides otherwise, but as the sitting member we will take this rightfully to the end.

“We appeal to everybody, I’m a Catholic myself of Easter and Lent so people should really be calm about the whole matter. The courts will decide on the evidence presented so we hope for a better outcome for myself and the defendant or respondent to this matter,” he stated.

Isoaimo was declared the member the Kairuku open seat on the 30th of July, last year.

30/03/2023

CENTRAL PEOPLE VENTURE INTO WATERMELON FARMING

Post Courier - March 27, 2023

WATWERMELON is proving to be yet another high value crop cultivated by farmers in the Central province with the ‘Gloria Jumbo’ variety a major concentration.

According to Fresh Produce Development Agency officer-in-charge (OIC) in Port Moresby, Poela Utama, Central people are taking a keen interest in watermelon production.
She Utama said many growers value watermelon because of its high returns and its ability to yield more than three times in a year.

“Many farmers in Central regard watermelon as a major crop which enables them to attain financial sustainability, as well as helps with food security during the off seasons of other major staple food,” Ms. Utama said.

Apart from meeting the farming family’s financial needs, watermelon production contributes to improved living standards.

“Families can be able to build decent houses, pay children’s school fees and use the cash earned to pay for other basic household needs like food and clothes.

An edible and luscious fruit, watermelon (Citrullus Ianatus) is one of the cucurbitaceous families.

Ms Utama said that different varieties are sold at agriculture stores but most go for the Gloria Jumbo.

This is because it matures early (at 2 to 3 months) and farmers benefit from three rounds of harvests per year.

“Watermelon bought from stores can be planted and replanted three or four times from the watermelon seeds.

“Yields are huge and the fourth stage of seed taken from the same watermelon seed yield drops at the fourth stage.

“Many watermelon growers do not replant watermelon seeds but buy straight from the agriculture stores, while others replant from the seed until the third stage of seedlings,” Ms Utama said.

WATWERMELON is proving to be yet another high value crop cultivated by farmers in the Central province with the ‘Gloria Jumbo’ variety a major concentration.

30/03/2023

RESIDENTS DEMAND BETTER ROADS

Post Courier - March 30, 2023
BY CLAUDIA TALLY

Residents and business houses along the Napanapa highway just outside of Port Moresby have appealed to the national government to address the deteriorating road conditions that continue to affect their lives and business operations every day.

The frustrated group called for the government to fast track the Napanapa Road project that was announced two years ago but has not materialised.

Their their petition was was received by member for Hiri Koiari Keith Iduhu.

Chair of the Edai Roads Committee Alice Kuaningi highlighted the importance of the road especially considering the multi- billion kina liquefied natural gas project is also located along this stretch of the highway.

Ms Kuaningi said: “Napanapa highway is an important government infrastructure that serves not only villagers and communities in the area but also businesses including the multi-billion kina PNG LNG Project the upcoming Papua LNG and other privately run commercial activities along the highway.

Since the relocation of PNG Ports Corporation owned wharves from Down Port Moresby to Motukea, the transportation of all import and export are done using the Nananapa highway.” A committee member, Wesley Spinder said that potholes slow down traffic in general, putting the commuters’ lives at risk as there were instances of carjacking and hold ups.

He said that the current road condition has also resulted in unreasonable wear and tear costs on vehicle and vehicle parts.

“There have been several holds ups in the Baruni roundabout and Koukou areas, and our Edai Town families are among those who have been victimised,” he said.

MP Iduhu when contacted on the matter said the road is a national highway and does not come under his responsibility but he made sure the matter was brought to the attention of the Minister for Works and Highways.

“I have brought the matter to the attention of the Minister for Works and he will be dealing with that,” he said.

Residents and business houses along the Napanapa highway just outside of Port Moresby have appealed to the national government to address the deteriorating road conditions that continue to affect their lives and business operations every day.

29/03/2023

DABARIS COACH OPTIMISTIC

The National - March 29, 2023

IMPRESSIVE preseason form has boosted improving franchise Central Dabaris as they eye another finals appearance in the 2023 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup following a 26-0 win over the Port Moresby Vipers in a trial match played at Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday.

Dabaris coach Steven Gunua told The National yesterday that his side’s determination to finish one better this season was evident in the win over the Vipers.

“We had a good preseason and I was expecting such a performance from us,” Gunua said.
“We scored six tries and our defence was exceptional in that the Vipers didn’t score a try.
“I was impressed with our fullback Moses Damena and our backline.

“Halfback Lote Kuman starred in the win as he scored two tries.
“Our forwards led by Agiru John, Ade Kawa and Rex Kaupa were solid in the middle.
“Such a performance is a promising sign in the lead-up to the season.”

However, Gunua said his men would need to improve on some areas in their game.
He said the trial results were pleasing but that would not guarantee great results in the season matches proper and his side would need to work hard to be consistent and play an entertaining brand of football.

“Despite the win I think we made a lot of errors especially in our attack,” Gunua said. “There were too many handling errors, lack of communication and other areas that need improvement.

“This is only a trial but when the season starts, little things count so we need to be better in those areas if we want to finish well. I will still make changes in our line-up before round one so there’s no guarantee for spots regardless of trial results.”

29/03/2023

DRUG SEIZED AT H’WAY CHECKPOINT

Loop PNG | March 28, 2023

Police officers from Central Province had arrested nine men from Goilala who were about to transport more than 20 kilograms of ma*****na into Port Moresby during the weekend.

Police officers who were doing motorist patrol along the Hiritano Highway were notified of the movement of the nine men who were travelling from Tapani into Port Moresby.

Central Provincial police commander Superintendent John Midi said the police officers were doing motorist check at Doa towards Agevairu on vehicles travelling along the highway when they sighted a suspicious Toyota Land Cruiser that had nine people inside the vehicle.

“The police officers quickly stopped the vehicle and searched it and upon searching the vehicle they discovered the ma*****na that was neatly packed in bags and inside the vehicle. The suspects were questioned who confirmed that the bags that were neatly loaded had drugs inside,” PPC Midi said.

The police officers then took the drug suspects with the exhibits and escorted them to 15 Mile police station. The suspects are now detained in the police cell. They will be charged accordingly.

PPC Midi said the suspects were all adults whose ages range from 22 years to 52 years.

“Those involved in producing, smuggling and consuming ma*****na must know that the penalties for people who are convicted for drug offences had increased. People are sentenced to more than a year for having in their possession only one pack of ma*****na. I want you all to stop this illegal activity and do something productive,” PPC Midi said

“Police officers will be working hard to arrest people who are involved in such activities. I want to thank my police officers who responded quickly and arrested these nine suspects. Their conviction will now teach the others who are making their living on the sales of ma*****na.”

03/03/2023

PETER: HOSPITAL NOT TOP PRIORITY

Post Courier - March 03, 2023
BY CLAUDIA TALLY

The proposed K700 million Central Provincial Hospital is not a priority for Governor Rufina Peter, as existing health facilities need urgent attention to properly serve the people of Central Province.

She said maintaining and equipping health centers and aid posts located within communities across the province is the best way to offer door step health care to citizens.

“I would like to see district hospitals and the lower health services or infrastructure are maintained and built in areas that don’t have them,” she said.

“At the same time these big infrastructure things do not happen overnight so the funding that the base work.

“In terms of where my priority lies, it will be maintaining the health infrastructure that is at the local level and ward level in the districts. Why? Because it is very accessible to our people.”

When the groundbreaking ceremony was held in 2021 by Prime Minister James Marape and former governor Robert Agarobe, it was noted that by this year the 330-bed hospital would have been completed.

However, the site at Bautama remains covered in a healthy patch of vegetation, untouched.

Just this year the government allocated K9 million for the proposed hospital, which Ms Peter says is being used to set the foundation.

“It is just about common sense and logic.

“Let us look at the small things, the services that are very accessible to the people and make sure they are accessing those services before we can move on,” she said.

The proposed K700 million Central Provincial Hospital is not a priority for Governor Rufina Peter, as existing health facilities need urgent attention to properly serve the people of Central Province.

02/03/2023

NCDC HONOURS ITS FINANCIAL OBLIGATION TO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT - CITY SIVARAI

PORT MORESBY, WEDNESDAY 01ST, MARCH 2023: The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) has honoured its legal and financial obligation to the Central Provincial Government with over K3.1 million.

The payments are from the NCD Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue collected for January and February this year (2023).

The payment on Tuesday (yesterday) was a double celebration for the Central Governor, Hon. Rufina Peter after having won her election petition.

Witnessed by City Manager Ravu Frank, her NCD counterpart, Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop presented the dummy cheque to her at the City Hall.

Speaking during the presentation, Governor Parkop assured fellow Governor Peter that NCDC is willing to give whatever that is due to the Central Government under the Law.

Governor Parkop said despite the court cases and other issues with the Law, they will continue delivering to our people what is required.

He added that both NCD and Central Provincial Governments could share their development road maps and find a middle ground on how they can share resources and ideas for the betterment of Central and NCD.

“Court and legal issues can continue, but nothing will stop our working relationship and understanding. We can still work together; we don’t want to have bad relationships,” Parkop said.

Governor Parkop thanked his fellow Central Governor for making time available to receive the payment on behalf of her Government.

Central Governor Peter thanked Governor Parkop and the City Manager for the funding.

She said she was looking forward to working in partnership with NCD for the good of the people of both provinces.

01/03/2023

PM MARAPE MEETS WITH OFFICIALS OF TOTALENERGIES IN GABON

MARCH 1, 2023

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape met with officials of TotalEnergies and Compagnie des Bois du Gabon (CBG), in Libreville, Gabon, today.

He was accompanied by Forests Minister Hon.Salio Waipo and Environment and Conservation Minister Hon. Simon Kilepa.

Compagnie des Bois du Gabon (CBG) has partnered with France-headed global oil, gas, and energy major TotalEnergies SE to develop a forward-looking model of sustainable and responsible forest management that combines sustainable harvesting, biodiversity conservation, and long-term carbon storage.

CBG is a key player in Gabonese forestry, recognized for its responsible and sustainable management of 600, 000 hectares (ha) of forest, certified to the highest international standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and for its ongoing contribution to protecting biodiversity.

PM Marape wants such an arrangement in PNG.

“TotalEnergies and CBG have a very good partnership here in Gabon,” PM Marape said after the meeting.

“They are also in partnership with the government here on land use in regards to forest management.

“Such a partnership has already started in Papua New Guinea at Kuriva in Central Province.

“TotalEnergies is also looking at more such partnerships in PNG to offset their carbon footprint (through the Papua LNG Project).

“I also want major oil and gas companies in PNG, such as ExxonMobil and Santos, to get involved in such partnership.”

Meanwhile, the two-day ‘One Forest Summit’ in Libreville started today.

The Libreville meeting, on 1 and 2 March 2023, aims to lead to new commitments and concrete initiatives concerning the advancement of knowledge and the promotion of scientific cooperation on forest ecosystems, the promotion of sustainable value chains in the forest sector, the development of innovative sources of financing, notably by exploring market-based solutions for biodiversity conservation.

The One Forest Summit also expects to promote solidarity between the world’s three major tropical forest basins, the Congo Basin, the Amazon Forest and the forests of South East Asia including PNG.

01/03/2023

GOVERNOR PETER WELCOMES COURT DECISION

Loop PNG | BY: Jasmine Iru - March 1, 2023

The fight is finally over for the Central Provincial seat. Governor for Central Province Rufina Peter announced on Tuesday her election petition victory.

Attending court for disputed returns has set the governor back six-seven months in service delivery.

An elated Governor Peter said, “Yesterday was a day of victory for the people of Central Province a decision had to be made and it was made yesterday, this is because its 6-7 months of going through the court proceedings and that is a long time for work actual development work.”

She acknowledged former governor and election petitioner Robert Agarobe for practicing his democratic right to dispute the election results.

She thanked supporters of both parties for exercising respect throughout the proceedings.

“I think most of the people in Central Province are talking about roads and bridges and so that’s the first thing that needs to happen to make sure the roads and bridges are maintained at the Hiritano Highway there are some major bridges are gone and I’m sure on the Magi highway similar are happening so roads and maintenance is important,” she said. “It’s so important that we work together because a lot of people constituents of central province maintaining our roads and bridges so they can travel, market and basic services.”

“The other urgent need is safe drinking water along the coastlines here have problems with this from Hiri-West and East and along the Aroma coast and big communities. They don’t have safe drinking water.”