PNG Deputy Opposition leader, Sam Basil has called on Papuan leaders to let the Government build the road that will connect Port Moresby as it will create economic opportunities for the rural areas, says .
The Deputy Opposition and Pangu Party leader said he respects the opposing views of early and current Papuan leaders, but the highway was planned and much talked about since the 1980s. "People travel across districts and provinces for reason such as education, health, business and trade," Mr Basil said. "There is road connecting the Highlands region and parts of Momase, with even cheaper sea and air access to other regions. People do not move en masse to Sepik or Bulolo or Rabaul. Even airfares have been reduced drastically but there is constant movement of people to and fro. "Let us look at the economic impact which might address the negative social repercussions. If we create economic opportunities in the rural areas, it might reduce the rural urban migration," Mr Basil said. He said the people of Bulolo and Menyamya travel to Lae to sell their coffee, garden produce and gold, they are subjected to pickpockets and rascals, but their movement also imparts a lesson to those who are jobless to return home to earn a decent living. Mr Basil said with respect to the concerns of Papuan leaders, the proposed route will open up the hinterlands of Obura-Wonenara, Menyamya, Bulolo, Kerema and Goilala districts that had no access to roads since 1975. "As for control of movement, we must establish checkpoints and reintroduce the Vagrancy Act whilst we open social, economic and political opportunities to people of our hinterland districts." He called on Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to introduce the matter in Parliament so all leaders could discuss and debate the proposed highway with possible routes and other issues.
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