(PHOTO FILE: Courtesy of Connect PNG road and highways program.)
MEMBER for Hiri-Koiari district, Keith Iduhu voiced his urgent concern today regarding the Marape Government’s ambitious Connect PNG Road and Highway program that aims to build inter-provincial highways across the country. Instead, he urged the government to prioritize the construction and improvement of district and provincial roads, enhancement of social services, and bolstering of local economies.
Mr Iduhu acknowledges the long-term necessity of a nationwide road network, but insists that immediate attention should be given to pressing local issues.
Many residents of his district and Central Province share his skepticism towards a program that focuses on linking distant provinces, while many key social programs are yet to be implemented by the government.
The MP, who is part of the Marape Government, said although he subscribes to government policies, he felt obligated to express his constituents’ reservations.
He pointed out that the country currently faces a law and order situation spiraling out of control, compounded by economic difficulties that are straining society.
He highlighted the struggles of districts and provinces in fulfilling the basic rights of their people, including services in education, law and order, health, infrastructure, economic development, and housing.
He stated, “It is apparent that most districts and provinces are lacking in access to water, power, police and judicial services, housing, and basic infrastructure, and yet the proposed connection of provinces and regions will only create more problems for local leaders.”
Mr Iduhu also raised concerns about the lack of credible data on population and demographics, stating that without key development indexes, the country risks further social issues and the exacerbation of existing problems.
The MP pointed to the example of Port Moresby, which he claims, is struggling to accommodate the millions of Papua New Guineans seeking a better life.
The city’s inability to meet the growing demand for services and opportunities has led to issues such as land grabbing, criminal activity, and environmental degradation.
Mr Iduhu emphasized that the desire to migrate stems from a lack of services, not roads. He called for prioritizing district and provincial economic development before opening borders to the rest of the country.
He asked, “How can we deal with further migration when our current services are not capable of taking care of the local population?”
He suggested that the government should consider reallocating the funding for these highway projects to improve basic services throughout the country, building up local economies and service centres first before embarking on this program.
Mr Iduhu made these remarks on behalf of concerned citizens, and appealed to the government to respect their concerns and rethink the Connect PNG program.