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.
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