The people of the Gulf have been urged to get into viable business activities in preparation for the eventual commencement of upcoming resource projects in the province, so to tap into the spin off benefits that the projects will offer. Prime Minister (PM), James Marape, who was in the Gulf province recently for the opening of the Kerema District SME and Women’s Micro bank branch, called on the people in the province to prepare to supply goods and services to the forthcoming Papua LNG and the Wildebeest LNG Projects. He stated that the focus should be on local agriculture and fisheries for food supplied, forestry for timber and accommodation to cater for the expected surge in workers and visitors. “Papua LNG will materialise in the next two to three years,” stated PM Marape. He outlined that the construction phases are set to span from 2026 through 2028, expressing eagerness for ExxonMobil to expand exploration at Wildebeest, located just north of Kerema, potentially the largest LNG resource in the nation. Marape also called upon Gulf Governor, Chris Haiveta, Kerema MP Thomas Opa, and Kikori MP Soroi Eoe, to begin provincial developments in anticipation of these transformative projects. “I envisage food from our Gulf being directly supplied to these projects,” he emphasised. He also noted ongoing discussions with Governor Haiveta on developing ports in strategic locations like Kerema, Ihu, Paia, and Kikori to bolster logistics. Marape said his government is making efforts to ensure that proper facilities and infrastructures are in place in anticipation of the resource projects and for the benefit of the people. He stated that recent Cabinet approvals, including a contract over K150 million, has gone in to pave the section from Laloki River to Brown River along the Hiritano Highway, a crucial artery for the region. The next phase of development will extend from Bereina in Central province to Malalaua in Gulf province. “The Hiritano Highway is more than a roadway, it is an economic lifeline linking Central, Gulf, and Morobe to the heart of the country and pivotal LNG projects,” he explained. The PM then reassured the people of Kerema and the broader Gulf community of their integral role in this national development, stating, “You are not forgotten.”