PNG DF is ideal for nation building

Since is no foreign threat to PNG at the moment and even if so, PNG can not defend itself alone. Thus the PNG DF should be used for nation building. More men and women should be recruited to the PNGDF, discipline them, train them and they will built PNG infrastructure. It will provide employment for our young men and women also build the nation. The building of the Mt hagen Madang road is a classic example.

As reported by the post courier
By NIKINTS TIPTIP



THE alternative Highlands Highway from Western Highlands to Madang is underway with two kilometres of the road already covered with clearing and grading.

PNG Defence engineering battalion from Igam Barracks has already moved equipment to the site and work started three months ago.

In a meeting with stakeholders in Mt Hagen, detachment commander Lt Sarufa Eka said the road will run from Baiyer – Mika bridge - Iki – Simuga – Ruti Valley – Jimi River– Simbai – Ayom – Ramu River – Transgogol and into Madang.

He said they will cover about 37 kilometres from Baiyer to Jimi River which is within Western Highlands Province and then proceed with feasibility work towards Madang.

Lt Eka acknowledged the commitment of 17 councillors and leaders from the Ukni Meiwo tribes who signed on behalf of the community to allow the road to pass through without any compensation claims.

“They wanted the road so they could allow for services to reach their villages and communities,” Lt Eka said.

He said while the road was funded by the National Government, they also faced problems on the site including communication, lack of medical officers or a support vehicle, especially a troop carrier to load their cargo during the wet weather.

“We cannot stretch any further with medical staff, as we are down with manpower in these areas due to downsizing in the PNG Defence Force,” he said.

The National Government has allocated K20 million for the project but funding is yet to be expedited for the project.

Lt Eka said PNGDF was not only there to build roads but also help the community in other projects.

“We are not profit oriented and therefore the Government can utilise our skills by providing the necessary resources so we can build this nation with less cost,” he said.

Western Highlands provincial engineering manager Issac Kumbomong praised the PNGDF for providing the skills and manpower to build the road.

Mr Kumbamong said on behalf of Governor Tom Olga and the provincial government that they were committed and would assist wherever possible.

He said they had already allocated a ten-seater Landcruiser and K100,000 to the engineering unit. Mr Kumbamong said the Highlands Highway was the lifeline to the Highlands provinces and it was appropriate for other provinces to assist with resources to speed up the project