By LYNETTE KIL
NEW Morobe provincial government office officially opened in Port Moresby on today to manage the affairs of the province.
Governor Luther Wenge who officiated at the event said the office setup was to ensure that the people of Morobe are connected to Papua New Guinea administration.
“The new office will manage all the funds coming from royalty, equities, infrastructure, and business developments.
“Also, it will be one of the costs cutting measures, especially traveling to and from province to address issues,” Governor Wenge said.
He added that a provincial committee has been set up to manage the office operations.
Wenge thanked the provincial administrator for his leadership to have this milestone achieved.
He said meetings of PEC and DDA will be conducted in the new office with his office space being set up as well.
Member for Tewae-Siasi and Minister for National Housing Corporation Dr. Kobby Bomareo said Morobe is a leading province in-terms of population and land mass but is behind service delivery.
“People with merits should run this office and see that the office gets a structure and adopt regulations and policy of private entity and a board must be set-up,” he said.
Dr. Bomareo added that in the long run the Morobe provincial government must construct an office compartment to generate revenue for the people and children of Morobe in the future.
Provincial Administrator Max Bruten said the establishment of the office is an idea that was long awaiting political support that came into fulfilment under the leadership of Governor Wenge.
“The office will basically be managing the affairs of Wafi-Golpu and other landowners’ issue in Morobe province.
He added that it would not only manage mining issues but also the affairs of PNG and assist Morobeans with the distribution of cash crops, oil and gas as well.
“The office will enable the flow of information and fast track documentations process to the stakeholders concerned.
“We are also planning to have Wafi-Golpu credit scheme and development foundation set up in the new office, to cater for tertiary students’ school fee scholarship for all Morobe people including those residing in Morobe.
“The school fee will be provided by Wafi-Golpu development partners and I will ensure we will put frame work structure to see these things up and running,” Bruten said.
Caption: Governor Wenge cutting the ribbon of the new Morobe Provincial Government Office in Port Moresby as Member for Tewae-Siasi and Minister for National Housing Corporation Hon. Dr Kobby Bomareo looks on.
