9 Dec 2013

MP says roading improvements in rural PNG should be priority

4:43 pm on 9 December 2013

A Papua New Guinea MP says the government needs to put more money into roading infrastructure outside of Port Moresby where far greater economic gains could be achieved.

Seven major roading projects within the capital are either underway or are in the planning stages as part of a $315 million US dollar improvement programme.

Kundiawa-Gembogl MP, Tobias Kulang, says it doesn't make sense to allocate such large sums to the city, given about 85 percent of the population lives in rural areas.

He says there is a dire need to increase employment and engage rural populations in economic development so upgrading the Highlands Highway, which connects several major cities, would be a better investment.

"So far we have not seen any meaningful and decisive funding for the Highlands Highway. It's an indication of the lack of priority, a lack of focus in infrastructure that will stimulate the economic growth."

PNG MP Tobias Kulang.