By Miriam Malawa
PRIME Minister James Marape has emphasised the importance of ensuring that every resident in the city is duly accounted for. He said this while expressing his support for the NCD Governor Powes Parkop’s initiative to convert settlements into proper residential areas and guaranteed continued assistance from the government.
Marape made these remarks during the opening of the 9-Mile to Pacific Adventist University four-lane road on Monday.He said the goal is to ensure that all individuals residing in the city have a recognised residential address and is accounted for accurately. Marape stressed the need to combine modern infrastructure with a livable environment, where residents have established addresses.
“I want to tell our city residents that we want to account for you — who you are, where you are, what you are doing, (and) where you are living at the moment,” he said.“I do not want any more – as someone who has come from the ordinary like all of you out there – I don’t want any more displacements, but proper accountability so that we account for all our people, especially those who are working. Whether you are a casual, a security guard or you are a cleaner – up to the Prime Minister – we must account for proper living in our city and Governor Parkop, I want to indicate to you today my government’s support for continued progress of ensuring that our city residents, ensuring our settlements are tidied properly, with proper water, proper roads, known allotments given to those who live there and we account for them and make them also be part of the ‘mainstream’ Port Moresby.
“Let’s take stock of our city – to be a livable and place for each and every one of us.”Marape said while constructing roads, the government also aims to enhance the development of the city and transform it into a detailed, planned urban residence. “We aspire to provide a welcoming environment for individuals seeking education, health services, or employment opportunities in our city,” he said.“At the same time, we are committed to upholding the rights of our indigenous owners, including those from the Central Province, who hold a significant stake in the city.”