East New Britain Governor Michael Marum is calling on a united effort from all stakeholders to rebuild Rabaul town, a potential tourist destination.
The Governor made this call when paying a courtesy visit to the Rabaul Urban LLG office on Friday Dec 9. He was accompanied by ENB acting provincial administrator Levi Mano and deputy provincial administrator for Districts and LLGs Nicholas Larme. The team also did inspections on roads in Rabaul, port services and Queen’s Park.
He commended the tireless efforts of longtime residents and government officers that have committed themselves over the years to Rabaul, down the road to recovery and confronting challenges of hardships as they went.
However he stressed that for the once- famous town to improve especially with its roads, port handling of large cargo vessels and other vital services, there needs to be a collective approach to dealing these issues. He said discussions must commence with political leaders, stakeholders, private sector and the public to move the town forward so it is not seen only as an outstation.
“Only if we work together we can achieve positive outcome. Let’s talk about fixing small things and then big things will fall in line,” he said.
The Governor cited the successful revival of the iconic Queen’s Park in Rabaul which has allowed for a great platform for sportsmanship among youths, empowerment of youths and small SMEs. “We have to start somewhere or else we will be waiting forever,” he said.
Rabaul town manager, Joshua Wowo acknowledged the visit by the Governor and the acting PA assuring them that though faced with challenges, officers will undertake efforts to build back Rabaul town through its services, as Rabaul town is the face of Rabaul district.