01/03/2024
PM Marape urged Central Provincial Government to Tap Economic Potential in the Province
Tuesday 27 February 2024
Prime Minister James Marape urged the Governor for Central Province Hon. Rufina Peter and her Provincial Administration to recognize and unleash the untapped economic potential in the province at the Sir Manasupe Haus in Port Moresby yesterday.
He stressed particularly on the unique tourism potential that is enormous in the region given its proximity to the nation’s capital and the opportunity it may offer to generate income for the province.
“Central Province’s culture and natural environment is ideal for tourism and visitors from Papua New Guinea, Australia and other neighboring countries would want to see what Central Province has to offer,” said the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Marape also stressed about the rich agriculture potential that Central Province has across its five districts and 16 LLG areas.
“You have enormous potential in the agriculture sector right across your province. And you can supply and feed Port Moresby with your food,” he said.
Marape also highlighted the construction of the Central Provincial Hospital, urging Governor Peter to prioritize it so the National Government could come in to support its construction. He also mentioned the Edevu Power supply project, the reopening of Tolukuma mine and the Central/NCD boundaries for better clarity for better GST management.
He told the Honorable Governor for Central that despite her being in the opposition, his government prioritizes service delivery for the people and not about politics that he will support central and get them funding.
The Prime Minister made those remarks while receiving the K405 million 2024 Central Provincial Government Budget at the Sir Manasupe Haus.
The budget was presented by Governor Rufina Peter who was joined by her new Acting Provincial Administrator Edward Kila and senior members of the administration. The budget totaled was totaled up to K405, 672,688 with infrastructure, Economic and Law and Justice as priority areas to focus on.
Governor Rufina Peter acknowledged Prime Minister Marape for affirming National Government support to assist Central Province in the budget implementation, with some projects already off the ground.