By Staycey Yalo, EMTV News, Port Moresby
Gulf Province is the only province in the country which has a civil relation with PNG Defense Force.
With the recent christening of a PNGDF Navy ship after a village in East Kerema, the Gulf Provincial Government is looking at establishing the Southern Region Engineering Battalion in the Province.
Gulf Governor, Chris Haiveta, said their request is before the PNGDF Council.
The recent christening of a the navy ship, HMSPNG Lakekamu, is the start of many good things for the province, Governor Haiveta told EMTV News and other visitors to the event.
Soon after giving his blessing to the HMSPNG Lakekamu, the Governor said Gulf will use the ship to transport supplies for the province.
He said the relationship the people of Gulf has with the PNGDF is a long-time relationship their forefathers have had when they enlisted in the Papua Infantry Battalion.
Haiveta further stressed that as a result, the request to have the Southern Region Battalion is not a mistake.
He said once the MoU has been signed, there are plans to revive the Malalua airstrip. He also announced that the Exxon Mobil’s buildings at Papa Lealea was given to the province and will be transported to the province.
Colonel Diro said the naming of the ship is not a mistake as Gulf has a long existing history with PNGDF. He assured the people of Gulf that the ship will give them priority.
