Author:
Peles-Economist
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Date Posted: Wed, Sep 24 2008, 02:27:35pm
I would like to comment on the announcement made in Laiagam by the Member for Lagaip Porgera, hon. Philip Kiakala. It is apparent, there is a vision behind the announcement for road projects, hydro-power, development of the jail and finally the phyrethrum project. These are all very important projects that will built the capacity of the district to stand on its own feet, however, i would like to emphasise on one of this projects, that i think would have a greater impact on peoples lives.
The other projects, like road, hydro-power and jail would benefit the people much and those can be long term plans for the district. For the short term, i think, the phyrethrum project should be promoted, so as to give individuals in the district some money in their pocket and create a cash economy in the district level. I can remember the times, when pyhrethrum became a stable cash earner for individual farmers. Those were the days, then people could save some toea and pay their childrens school fees. At the moment, the district has no cash crop that is marketable, apart from ad-hoc, vegetables, and sweet-potatoe markets, just to make a few bucks.
Phyrethrum on the other hand will provide the people with a steady cash flow. Compare this to West New Britain province, they call Oil Palm, Green Gold because, the resorce is renewable, and it provides cash for the small holders, consequently, the cash flow in Kimbe is much higher than any other towns in PNG, except for Port MOresby. Such renewable cash crop would provide a stable income for the people in the village, encouraging people to work the land to make money. This project would put, cash back to the people.
However, one thing that needs to be clarified is, who will own the pyhrethrum factory? For several years, there has been political infighting and millions of kina being spent on project proposals, feasibility studies that were done by several people with no fruition. The money has been wasted. In this case, who will own the factory? can the factory be held in trust for the people by the provincial government until such a time that, the people can be allowed to buy shares in the factory and ultimately, the people own the factory? Some of this things have to be clarified before embarking on this project, because, i know this project is a very sensitive project, due to the fact that, over the years, lots of political interference on the project has already occured. There are people with vested interest in the project that are still around, who will do anything to jeopardise the project.
I once, was engaged in project, but due too much politics, i threw in the towel. Politics should be struck out of this project, and allow people with technical capabilities and qualifications to run the project. Only then, will this project kick off and give much needed cash into the district.
This is a major project, and i would encourage the Hon. Kiakala to embark on this project. This should be the first project i would recommend Hon. Kiakala to embard on, as the benefits are spread across the district.
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