Prime Minister James Marape has recently commended leaders of Enga Province for demonstrating unity, maturity and statesmanship in their collective stand to end gun violence and restore lasting peace in the province.
PM Marape said the headline on one of the dailies is a reminder that leadership, humility and unity remain the strongest weapons leaders have against violence.
In a media statement released recently, Prime Minister James Marape said the image of Enga’s leaders standing together sent a powerful message not only to the province, but to the entire nation.
He particularly commended Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, Police Minister Sir John Pundari, former Kandep MP Don Polye and member for Wapenamenda Miki Kaeok for stepping forward together to place peace above political differences.
He appealed strongly to the people of Enga particularly those who operate anonymously or seek to stir division between leaders to allow the current leadership to do its work.
“Elections will come, and every citizen has the constitutional right to contest.
“But between elections, we must allow leaders to govern. Enga is fortunate to have four senior national leaders working together.
“When leaders are united, the people must also unite. When leadership stands together, the province moves forward together.”
Prime Minister Marape emphasised that peace, law and order are fundamental for Enga to fully benefit from major national investments and resource developments.
The renewed Porgera Mine operations under the new SML 11 framework, which now deliver significantly improved benefits to landowners, Enga Province and the State.
PM Marape outlined major government investments already delivered or are underway in Enga Province, including:
• K600 million Enga Provincial Hospital, completed by the National Government
• University of Enga Programme, now operating alongside the technical college campus
• Porgera Tax Credit Scheme projects to drive long-term provincial development
Furthermore, Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to open up Enga through critical road infrastructure under the Connect PNG Programme, including:
• Porgera–Tari road corridor
• Magarima–Kandep–Laiagam corridor, including Mendi–Laiagam access
• Rehabilitation of the Wabag–Mt Hagen Highway
• Wapenamenda–Wabag–Baiyer link roads
• Wabag–Kompiam Road
• Wabag–Maramuni Road — marking the starting point of the Sepik Highway
• Completion of the Enga Ring Road network, connecting to Baiyer
“These roads will open up Enga, stimulate agriculture and commerce, improve service delivery, and ensure mining revenue sustains the province while contributing to the national
economy,” PM Marape said.
He reaffirmed his support for Police Minister Sir John Pundari to
Restore law and order across Enga and neighbouring Highlands provinces.
“I will fully empower the Police Minister to protect our police officers,” he said.
“We will ensure police resources, logistics and lawful firepower are available to deal decisively with those who choose to carry illegal guns.”
Marape said the campaign against gun violence must extend beyond Enga.
Marape further reaffirmed the National Government’s commitment to supporting Enga’s leadership and people to end gun violence and restore peace and order in the community.
