Prime Minister (PM) Marape is currently out of the country visiting a close friend who is currently hospitalized with a serious medical condition in Gold Coast, Australia and is scheduled to return tomorrow; however, before his departure the PM reflected on the first week of the August parliament session.
Reflecting on this week’s parliamentary session, Prime Minister Marape expressed commendation for all Members of Parliament who participated.
He highlighted the session’s significance, particularly the presentation of crucial Ministerial Statements, including those related to Education.
“Our Government believes in transparency, and presenting our departmental activities to Parliament is part of our accountability to our people.”
“We intend to provide more Ministerial Statements to allow the public to hold us accountable for our actions as a Government.”
In addition, Prime Minister Marape extended his appreciation to the landowners of Porgera in Enga and Tari in Hela for their active participation in recent meetings.
He assured the Porgera landowners of their rightful benefits and the nation’s shared gains.
“I want to emphasize that Porgera landowners, who receive 15% equity and an additional 1% in royalties, play an integral role in the success of the mine.”
The Porgera Development Forum, originally planned for Monday, August 7, has been rescheduled and will now take place on Monday, August 14, 2023, in Wabag.
The forum will involve landowners from provinces directly impacted by the mine, including Enga, Hela, Western, and West Sepik.
“Later this year, we will also hold Landowner forums with Wafi Golpu landowners and the Morobe Provincial Government,” PM Marape added.
Prime Minister Marape reassured all landowners of his commitment to addressing their concerns and upholding their rightful entitlements.
Meanwhile, while Marape is out of the country, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will serve as Acting Prime Minister during his absence.