By Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV, Port Moresby
Fisheries Minister, Mao Zeming, says Lae is a growing city that must have an authority to take charge of maintaining infrastructure, and delivering its municipal services.
Zeming attended the Special Tutumang session in Lae on Thursday, and his prepared remarks were incorporated into Tutumang’s hansard.
The Tewai-Siasi MP said Lae’s strategic location was important to the nation and its economic growth.
“It is Papua New Guinea’s manufacturing centre. It hosts the nation’s largest sea port facility.
“It is the gateway to the nation’s multi-billion kina mineral and hydro-carbon projects located in our own province and the highlands region.
“Over K35 million is being spent to redevelop Angau Hospital.
“For the future, the new Angau Hospital will be built for close to K1.6 billion in partnership with the Australian Government.
“All these development are for the good of Lae city, its residents, Morobe and the rest of PNG. But it cannot happen in a vacuum.
“Lae city needs an authority to oversee these developments, to maintain an efficient and effective municipal service in partnership with the Lae Urban LLG and the Ahi LLG, and the Morobe Provincial Government.
“The authority will not undermine or overtake the responsibilities of these entities.”
