PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has assured the country of equality in development but more emphasis will be placed on growth of cities and towns.
“The trend and movement of people moving from rural to urban cannot be blamed; the Government must develop growing towns into cities,” he said during the ground breaking ceremony for new National Capital District Commission (NCDC) City Hall.
“The K700 million for the NCDC road project does not mean other provinces don’t need the money but the population is here in Port Moresby.
“We have planned and we know how and where the money will come from.”
O’Neill said besides the 2015 Pacific Games projects, there would be other infrastructure developments in the city such as the improvement of Ela Beach facilities.
He added that PNG would be bidding to host the next Asia Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC) meeting in 2018 as it was vital for the country to showcase its investment potential to APEC countries.
O’Neill commended NCD Governor Powes Parkop for the City Hall project and other developments taking place in the nation’s capital.
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| IPI Building Lae. Artist's impression by PACIFIC ARCHITECTS CONSORTIUM |
“As a government of the residents of this city you are positively working towards developing the city in a manner the government wants.”
Parkop said it was a milestone event of Port Moresby for the NCDC and its residents.
“The project had eluded the past leaders of the city hall but not me now the long eluded project can start,” he said
“It is not a grand hall like other cities in the world but is reflective of the leadership and growth of the economy as our nation grows the city is consistent with the growth.”
Acting city manager Lesley Alu said the building would cost about K53 million would be built by China Railway Construction Engineering PNG Ltd.
He said the building would be located next to the existing City Hall and would consist of five levels for offices and other facilities.
Pacific Flash/The National