East Sepik Governor Allan Bird, now in the Opposition, took Prime Minister James Marape to task over the concerning employment issue and job creation plans and statistics in Papua New Guinea.
The outspoken Governor Bird, now in the arsenal for the Opposition, posed a series of pertinent questions on this agenda during the questions without notice session.
Bird addressed Marape directly, expressing his frustration over the lack of response to previous inquiries on the topic.
Bird demanded pointedly to Marape to clarify the current unemployment rate, the number of existing jobs, and the government’s track record in job creation, reminding the prime minister of Pangu’s commitment to create a million jobs nationwide by 2027.
Bird further pressed Marape for details on job growth across different sectors and regions of the country.
He emphasized the critical importance of transparency and accountability in addressing Papua New Guinea’s employment crisis.
Bird’s relentless pursuit of answers, despite several interruptions, resonated with Opposition members and concerned citizens alike, who are committed to holding the Government accountable for its promises underlined the significance of the employment issue for Papua New Guineans.
In response, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the severity of the employment crisis and highlighted some government strategies to address it, but promised a detailed statement in Parliament within the next three days.
Some government initiatives, Marape highlighted, include the second chance education programs; and agricultural support for commodity crops as key components of the administration’s approach.
Marape, however, agreed there are challenges of meeting the ambitious goal of creating one million jobs by 2027, particularly in light of the high number of school dropouts entering the workforce.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the systemic issues contributing to unemployment.
PM Marape also pointed out that his government is seeking to empower a rise in employment that is not an 8 to 5 paid desk job.
Despite the Prime Minister’s attempts at reassurances, Bird remained skeptical, pressing for concrete action and tangible results.