By Elizah Palme – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Motorists of Gerehu suburb in Moresby North-West of National Capital District will no longer drive further for fuel services as it is now available just next door.
This was made possible following an opening of a new multi-million Kina worth fuel facility this (July 4) afternoon.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Member for North-East and Minister for Housing and Urbanisation John Kaupa, top brass of NCD police and public witnessed the ceremony.
There used to be one some six years ago. It was made redundant and renovated into a supermarket.
Mr Parkop cut its ribbon and unveiled its plague signifying its doors being open to customers for fuel starting today.
Pubic Relations Officer of Bismillar Group of Companies Lohia Koani said owner Amin Rahman of Bangledesh origin, a naturalised citizen, started his business from a humble beginning in Port Moresby 21-years ago into now a multi-million company which has ventured into varies businesses.
The Bismillah group of companies have dominated the shops in Gerehu after buying off what used to be TST shop.
Mr Rahman said the state-of-the-art facility was built from a Bank South Pacific loan.
He added that it cost the company some K10 million.
He stated that it has plans to venture into hotel or tourism and hospitality, real estate and others.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Parkop said the company owner’s journey should become the lesson of the city residents.
He said there is still a room for citizens to tighten their belts on unnecessary spending, adding customary obligations have taken up most of their start-up capitals.
The government’s aspirations on SME empowerment and growth will only be materialised fully if fiscal discipline takes the centre stage in personal budgets, he warned.
Governor Parkop, a long-time resident of Gerehu, used the occasion to announce his plans to redevelop the suburb into a sub-city of its own.
The sport and recreational area will be converted into a huge shopping mall with inbuilt sport and swimming facility, he said.
He said its design was already done but he was only seeking for investors to get it off the ground.
Governor Parkop said the newly-sealed roads and movement of the main wharf to Motukea has made the investment climate conducive in Gerehu as it is located much closer.
The facility, he said, will give a facelift to the suburb.
Source: Press Release
