National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop says criticisms by Paul Barker levelled against the Government’s infrastructure policies was no longer constructive criticisms, but very anti-Papua New Guinea.
Mr Barker, the National Research Institute’s executive director, was reported as telling a forum at the National Research Institute last Thursday that the people of PNG did not need all the road development that was going on in the country right now, especially the Paga HIll ring road in NCD. Currently there is no link to connect the Hubert Murray Highway and the freeway as both roads led to the CBD without exits. The Paga Point ring road is the link to connect these two highways. The Governor said this road is the only solution for reducing the traffic congestion in the CBD as it will divert all incoming and outgoing commercial heavy goods vehicles from Hubert Murray Highway/Ela Beach road into the sea port, so that the main CBD road network is left to private cars and the public transport to use at manageable congestion levels. This road also complements the overall development of that seafront when the Port is relocated and is being built in preparation for APEC. The Governor said the road will also accommodate walking and pedestrian facilities for residents to enjoy their morning or evening sea front walks. Besides, this will align the NCDC’s plan for redeveloping the Ela Beach Road and Stanley Esplanade into four lane roads together with redevelopment of the Ela Beach. "It is not a road to nowhere. It has a strategic social and economic purposes which if Paul Baker and INA cannot understand then they have a problem," Mr Parkop said. "Mr Barker’s views on government policy are no longer constructive. "They are anti-development, and very anti-PNG. I have to question what his motives are in using public owned institutions and facilities to mount his anti PNG sentiments. "The state of the nation’s infrastructure, especially our roads, is a legacy issue inherited by the O’Neill Government, and it’s a massive challenge we as a government decided to take on rather than turn a blind eye on. "Just maintaining what we have, as Barker suggested, is not good enough. "We have to build new ones also, in the capital and around the country. We need to open up our country and create access and opportunity for more and more of our people. "Our capital Port Moresby has grown quickly in such a short time, its existing infrastructure including the roads can no longer support the growth of the population and business in and around the city. "The capital is also playing host to very important regional and global events that are coming up soon – the South Pacific Festival of Arts, the South Pacific Games next year, and the APEC Meeting in 2018. "The road projects which are being developed now will ease congestion and lift the image of our capital as a modern vibrant and liveable city. "We are building these for our people, and for visitors to our country to use and enjoy. "What is wrong with that? Does Barker not want to see Port Moresby develop into a modern city that is capable of hosting major regional and global events? "Why is Barker against the government’s plan to develop roads and other infrastructure in our cities; I have to really question his motive for being anti-development and anti PNG," the governor said. The Governor called for appropriate Government authorities to investigate people like Paul Barker who promote anti sentiments against Papua New Guinea. "I am sure his consistent conduct and criticisms of our leaders, the Government and people could be in breach of his visa and work conditions. "It is time people who PNG has given a better life must respect the Government and the country, and if they can’t and continue to treat us with contempt, they must leave voluntarily," said Governor Parkop. Comments are closed.
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