The plight of the people of Mt Bosavi is real and I have been very vocal about it since the first day I stood in Parliament in 2022, and I have not stoped talking about it.
It’s a shame for myself as the current MP, I do take responsibility, a shame for the Southern Highlands Provincial Government, a shame for the National Government past and present. We as a government take collective responsibility as they are our citizens; suffering out there in the bushes left to their own devices. It’s a shame for the LLG presidents for Kutubu and Mt Bosavi; which are beneficiaries of the oil and gas projects together with SHPG. It’s a shame for the extra creature called Special Purpose Authorities that also walks way with unaccounted millions for projects in the host districts. It’s a shame for the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority; which has the mandate to provide health services within the jurisdiction of Southern Highlands Province; Mt Bosavi included.
Nipa Kutubu DDA benefits nothing, zero, from the oil and gas projects in its district although it is the best and fair representation of the host district. When we talk about fair and equitable distribution of the wealth and resources of our country; I don’t see that happening in our resource laws especially the Oil and Gas act.
Santos and ExxonMobil operates the PNGLNG project; and Kutubu, Moran, Southeast Mananda project area surrounds the land locked Mt Bosavi LLG; so while I am thankful for Santos for providing the emergency medevac, this is not a permanent the solution. The solution is to connect Mt Bosavi with a road. It requires all of us to put all our resources together to connect the people of Mt Bosavi.
Santos must be acknowledged for always stepping in to help our people in such situations. I thank them. Having said that, we have much to do.
Nipa Kutubu DDA is building the first 17km of road towards the Tagali that borders Kutubu and Mt Bosavi. We have consulted Japanese engineers to come and inspect the 75m width Tagali river to construct this vital bridge to connect Mt Bosavi. Apart from that there will be 7 other smaller bridges before reaching Muluma station; which we want to reach before 2025 September 16.
All hope is not lost. I must thank the Marape Rosso Government for allocating the infrastructure component of K5m direct to the districts and another K5m to match district infrastructure programs. The Prime Minister Hon James Marape has assured me that the people of Mt Bosavi will not be forgotten in 2024. And Minister for Works & Highways in Hon Solan Mirisim has also committed on the floor of parliament to include Mt Bosavi on missing link program. And I am aware that Works & Highways will tender this important missing link road to Mt Bosavi.
I also acknowledge Hon Governor William Powi and SHPG for committing K10m to connect Mt Bosavi in 2024.
Again, all hope is not lost. Help is on the way. And as their local member, it is my job to knock on every door to make sure it happens.
Connect PNG save Lives. Dis connectivity kills.
