Former Hela Governor and Komo-Magarima MP, Francis Potape says Hela needs better leadership to see essential government services reach minority communities.

Potape said there a multiple reason and service delivery indicators pushing him to contest the Hela Regional seat. He said the current leadership by incumbent Governor Philip Undialu has deteriorated in the past 5 years.

“In many communities in Hela, people have fled to the bushes and are left to fend for themselves. He said people have suffered because of poor leadership. Potape expressed that elected leaders have not proven real leadership on the ground to move the Province forward like other Provinces in the country.

The former Governor said many have been killed with no real justice enforced by government authorities. “At one stage almost 20 people were killed. No one has been arrested and charged for these crimes, “said Potape.

“I have nominated to return and bring normalcy with better leadership to bring peace to communities and push people to be partners of development, said Potape.

Potape said his second reason to contest was to fight the ongoing corruption practiced by those in the Provincial Administration. He said many funds were misused and remain unaccounted for. “Huge amount of development funding have remained unheard of. Where has the money gone to?

Corruption within the Provincial Administration has left the people to suffer. “I want to stop all these misuse and abuse by those in power, he added. Infrastructure grants including IDG, PSIP and other funding add to millions but there is no tangible development in Hela. He said the financial books of the Province must be checked.

He said the projects like NDB, airport and roads are all high impact projects initiated by the National Government. “Undialu has done nothing for Hela people,” Potape added.

Speaking on policies, Potape said while Health services are progressing while other essential services are degrading. He said education services continue to deteriorate with few students entering higher learning institutions.

“I want to get the basics correct. Extend the terminal area, improve road network, impart business knowledge to grow SME, build public service housing, proper town planning and other essential services will be reviewed to allow people access services at their doorstep, said Potape.

“There is no provincial market for Hela. People are selling their produce on the ground. Leaders have not empowered the small people.

Potape said he is also prepared to work with stakeholders in the PNG LNG Project to improve relationships and address differences between the landowners, Hela Provincial Government and other stakeholders.

The former Hela Governor also urged Hela’s voting population not to accept bribes, or favors by those contesting. He said people should assess the current leaders and vote for a better leadership.

He said there is no leadership provided by elected leaders. “It is the duty of leaders to put peoples interest first. People have suffered. He said people have the freedom and power of choice and now is the time to elect honest leaders, said Potape.

The former Hela Governor said if Hela is to see better and improved services, change in leadership is key. “Do not be blind folded by money and other benefits, but vote for a leader who will bring change and lasting benefit for a better Hela.

“Hela people need a transparent provincial government, now is the time, vote for Francis Potape Box 19 for the Hela Provincial Seat, he added.

A massive gathering of people from Daulo district recently gathered to show their support toward their Member and incumbent Minister for Environment Conservation and Climate Change, Pogio Ghate.

A convoy of more than sixty vehicles loaded with supporters travelled from Daulo to Goroka town.

Speaking to his supporters, Ghate said despite limited funding from DSIP funds, he has gone out of his way to secure funding to ensure Basic Infrastructures & Social services are delivered to the people.

“Despite serving the people of Daulo for the limited time of two years, I must say that I am proud of what I have done so far.” Ghate said.

“I have no regrets for the three years that have gone into election petition case I am happy and determined to contest for this general election.”

He added that Daulo district is fortunate to have many developments in the last two years compared to other districts in the Province.

He also challenged the people to choose good leaders, who are focused on effective service delivery.

“Elect a God fearing person so that he or she will remain focussed on service delivery.” Ghate said.

The National Election Security Operations in West New Britain has been launched.

New Guinea Islands Assistant Commander of Police Perou N’dranou was in Kimbe to official declare the commencement of the operation yesterday.

Speaking there the Divisional Commander said the operation is critical to ensure there is a free and safe election national election in 2022. “We now are election ready to execute this operational order by the Police hierarchy,” said N’dranou.

N’dranou said police in WNB must now begin the NATEL Operation. He said security plays a crucial role in elections. N’dranou said Commanders will be given specific commands and guidelines to assist police carryout their duty.

The NGI Divisional Commander said police are at the frontline and must lead the way for a safe society. He also expressed the need for police officers to be presentable during duty hours. “You shouldn’t be chewing betel-nut while on duty, how can you face a victim or complainant? Commander N’dranou said this attitude has to change.

N’dranou said frontline policing is not functional and this are basic policing that has become dysfunctional in the past 10 years. “Not only in WNB but this is also visible in New Ireland and Manus.

The NGI Divisional Commander said the Police Department has spent millions to resource police commands in the country and officers must be honest while on duty. He said some operations do not necessarily require funding.

“Foot patrol is an effective policing method and directly engages police with members of the community,”. If police actively carryout this, there will be less trouble caused, said Commander N’dranou.

N’dranou said all PPC’s in the New Guinea Islands have been directed to address police deficiency and address discipline in their commands.

Commander N’dranou made these remarks while addressing a parade in front of the Kimbe Police Station. The parade also included Correctional Service officers. This is also his first official visit to West New Britain following his appointment as NGI Assistant Commander.

Meanwhile WNB Police Commander Cheif Inspector John Iara has called on candidates and supporters not to overload their vehicles when moving around. He said this was tolerated during the nomination and police will keep an eye out during campaign, polling and counting.

PPC Iara also appealed to the mass population to work with police during the Election period.