Australia’s generosity is commended

Australia’s continuous commitment in infrastructure development in Papua New Guinea is commendable. Western Highlands Province has been the major beneficiary of some of the major projects undertaken by the Australian government. The Mount Hagen market, rebuilding and reconstruction of Baisu jail facilities, and the road from Konfam to Baisu are major projects funded by the Australian government.

The people of Elti, Pinambe, Kawilka, Warike, Moge Pangnabo and Engan settlers around Baisu are so glad that the Australian government has made a commitment to seal their road. The road has been neglected for decades by both past and present governments of Papua New Guinea as well as their leaders.

Baisu not only has the largest Correctional Service facility in the Highlands but the Kuk/Baisu Primary School as well as major coffee and tea estates.Riding on that dirt road from Baisu to Mount Hagen was a hassle and time consuming for the last three years when I was teaching at Kuk/Baisu Primary.

I know now that all the Kuk/Baisu people will be happy that their pleas for decades will finally be put to rest. We commend Australia’s generous support in cash and kind for the grassroots people of Papua New Guinea where their government has and will continue to fail in delivering the much needed goods and services.

The people of Kuk/Baisu should be mindful that this kind gesture from the Australian government and it’s people is a once in a life time gift to the people of Kuk/Baisu so let the project roll without any infighting for compensation demands for land or whatsoever.

In the meantime, we overwhelmingly welcome this great news with open arms and thank the government of Australia and it’s people for recognising our plight in those years for a better road link.

David Ulg Ketepa

Detroit, Michigan, USA

Source: Post Courier editorial