Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, says peace and unity must prevail amongst the leadership of Southern Highlands Province, in order for our people to maintain and promote peace and unity.
He said the Government fully supports the move made today by the leaders of Southern Highlands Province, to establish unity and peace for progress, in the province.
Prime Minister Marape was present to witness the swearing-in ceremony of SHP Governor William Powi, as the Chairman of the Provincial Executive Council, in Mendi Township this morning.
Following the swearing-in of Governor Powi, he continued the process by officially swearing-in the other SHP MPs, including Imbonggu MP, Pila Niningi, former PM and Ialibu-Pangia MP, Peter O’Neill, Nipa-Kutubu MP, Dr Billy Joseph and Mendi-Munihu MP, Raphael Tonpi.
Kagua-Erave MP, Maina Pano, who was in his electorate to open a school with the Minister for Finance, Hon. Renbo Paita, could not make it to the ceremony on time, so he will be sworn-in at a later date.
In addressing the people of SHP and neighboring provinces, PM Marape said he was pleased to see reconciliation between leaders of SHP, during the Provincial Assembly swearing-in of MPs and said this would enable our people to promote and maintain peace and unity in the province.
He appealed to the leaders of SHP to come back home and promote vital sectors such as agriculture, health, infrastructure and education, among others.
PM Marape also thanked his predecessor Hon. Peter O’Neill for putting his differences aside and attending the Provincial Assembly, expressing forgiveness, true leadership and maturity.
“This is a form greater transformation to restore leadership in governance, for this province.
“It is good to see our SHP leaders are now working with Governor Powi to transform this province, for the better,” PM Marape said.
He said Governor Powi has brought back unity to SHP.
“Let us all return as ‘One Mendi’ and move forward in rebuilding Mendi Township again.
“I acknowledge Mendi-Munihu MP Tonpi in his vision to grow mendi in agriculture, infrastructure, education and health.
“Enough of remaining stagnant. It is us the leaders who have caused so much unrest and now we have to work together to bring back peace and untiy to Mendi, especially,” PM Marape said.
He said when Governor Powi returns to Mendi, I want you to welcome him and let bygones, be bygones, and work with him to improve and rebuild Mendi Township.
“For impact projects, the National Government is giving a total of K53 million, to distribute amongst the five electorates of SHP, to assist them in completing outstanding projects,” PM Marape said.
He also delivered K4m for the the completion of the Mendi Airport.
He thanked Gov. Powi for the SHP Provincial Referral Hospital by 2027 and announced that the National Government stands ready to support the provincial government is completing high impact projects in SHP.
“I further urge contractors to be true to our people and complete their contracts or their contracts will be terminated.
“I expect local contractors to do their part and deliver what they owe us, as funding had already been released,” PM Marape said.
He also said for unity to grow, we must adhere to rule of law. And, this starts with us the leaders.
He advised public servants to work accordingly and lawfully.
“For the next five years, I want all leaders to work together and lawfully, for our people’s benefit.
“That’s the least we can do for our people,” PM Marape concluded.
