Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has acknowledged Bulolo and Wau in Morobe as two of the earliest economic hubs in Papua New Guinea which continue to this day.
He made the acknowledgement in Parliament on Friday (November 25, 2022) when answering a question from Bulolo MP Hon. Sam Basil Jr about the urgent need for housing in the district; as well as resettlement of displaced settlers from East Sepik.
Bulolo and Wau came under one district, Bulolo, until earlier this year when they were split into two separate districts: Bulolo and Wau-Waria.
“Wau-Bulolo is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, economic hubs in the country,” PM Marape said.
“It has been attracting investments and business activities since the 1920s, up to today, and remains a very important part of our country’s economic activities.
“This continues with Wafi-Golpu and it will remain a very important melting pot of our country with people moving into Wau, Bulolo, Mumeng and others.
“I acknowledge the importance of these areas.”
PM Marape said as the 2023 Budget was handed down on Tuesday, November 29, there would be allocation for land mobilisation and urban extension of historical towns such as Bulolo and Wau.
“Certainly, Bulolo and Wau will feature in consideration for mordernisation, and refurbishment of existing town facilities,” he said.
“On the issue of resettlement of people, we will look into this, given the importance of Bulolo and Wau as economic towns.”
PM Marape also announced that old town houses in Bulolo would be given away to existing tenants under a programme being worked on by the Housing Ministry.
“Hopefully, this programme should be completed by the end of December, not only for Bulolo and Wau but right across the country,” he said.
“We are looking at a giveaway programme for tenants who have been living in those houses at very low costs.”
