Bulolo MP and Shadow Minister for Transport, Civil Aviation, and Correctional Services, Sam Basil Jr has shared his plan to improve Papua New Guinea’s transport and civil aviation sector.
The plan was announced on Wednesday September 4th in a statement ahead of the Vote of No Confidence, expected this September proceedings.
“There have been many calls for Alternative Government Policies, and I have made it clear that in the absence of any new Government or Ministerial Policy Statement, we cannot provide an Alternative Policy.”
He added that the country already has many big plans like Vision 2050, Strategic Development Plan 2030, and the National Transport Sector Plan, but what is missing is strong leadership to make these plans work.
“What the country needs is leadership, direction, and supervision to implement key impact policies,” he said.
“As Shadow Minister for Civil Aviation and Transport, I bring my experience as Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Civil Aviation and also Member of Parliamentary Committee on ICT and the Public Accounts Committee and National Research Institute Council and I am proud to stand with the Alternate Government in announcing our resolute commitment to transforming Papua New Guinea’s Transport and Civil A viation sector.”
Basil also suggested that the current Marape-Rosso government has not focused on making the transport and civil aviation sectors better; thus, slowing down the country’s development and causing problems for the people, especially those living in rural areas.
“The Marape Government’s failure to prioritize and modernize these critical sectors has left Papua New Guinea lagging behind in terms of connectivity, safety, and efficiency.”
“The current state of our transport infrastructure and civil aviation services is a significant impediment to economic growth, social development, and the overall well-being of our people,” further stating that, “Our (Alternative Government’s) Strategic Policy Action Plan, which was meticulously developed over the past six months, represents a bold and necessary step towards rescuing our nation and setting it on a new trajectory of development.”
Basil outlined these key points in his plan to improve these areas:
1.Regulatory Reforms: Basil said they will reduce government delays and create a new body to oversee transport safety.
2. Capacity Building: He said they will invest in training to ensure workers in transport and civil aviation are ready for the future.
3. Infrastructure Modernization: Basil said they will fix and expand roads, bridges, ports, and airports, especially in rural areas.
4. Enhancing Civil Aviation: They plan to improve airport facilities and air traffic systems. This will help regional airports grow and boost tourism.
5. Service Quality Improvement: He said the plan will focus on better transport services with regular maintenance and customer service.
6. Public-Private Partnerships: Basil wants the private sector to help build and improve the transport system.
7. Sustainability and Innovation: He said the plan will include eco-friendly solutions to reduce carbon emissions in transport.
“The Alternate Government’s Strategic Policy Action Plan is not just a promise; it is a solemn commitment to the people.”
“We are fully prepared to implement these policies from Day One in office, knowing that our country urgently needs liberation from the gross mismanagement and neglect of the current government.”
Basil ended his statement by saying, “The time for change is now, and we are ready to deliver the modern, efficient, and world-class transport and civil aviation sector that our people deserve.”