Lack of basic infrastructures in the rural areas of Morobe province is a contributing factor towards an increase in rural to urban drift.
This has also contributed towards the growing number of illegal settlements and law and order problems in Lae city.
This was a concern raised by Fr. Arnold Schmitt, a priest at the St. Mary’s cathedral in Lae.
Fr. Arnold says a way to downplay the number of law and order problems in Lae city is for the relevant government authorities to provide basic infrastructures to the people in remote areas.
He says most people come to Lae mainly to seek employment, education and health care. If only they find these basic services back in the villages or districts, then they won’t have to migrate.
“And if there is also proper roads and transportation to transport their coffee beans or other agricultural produce to sell, then they’ll go back home and won’t think of travelling unnecessary into towns and cities.
