An intending candidate contesting the newly created Hiri-Koiari electorate in Central Province said that political leadership is key to change and has urged his people not to vote for money and materials but choose a leader who can perform and bring change to the community and country.
Jack Totona from Lealea Village in the Hiri West LLG is endorsed by the Peoples National Congress Party said the struggle for survival has provoked him to stand for the election. He said said despite the electorate hosting the LNG Plant on their land, twelve years have gone as they watched billions of kina worth of LNG being shipped out from their shores with no basic services being received.
“Our mothers continue to carry 20 litre containers of water, our roads are turned into potholes and craters, our jetties and foot bridges have never been rebuilt, our schools and health centers are deteriorating,” Mr Totona said.
“If I am given the mandate by you, I will ensure Hiri Koiari District development aspiration are well planned and developed within the next five years.”
Mr Totona who previously worked as the project consultant to Imbonggu District and First Secretary for then Minister of Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Pila Niningi said his work back then shows his capability to transform and bring about the change that his people need in these times.
He further added that the government’s commitment to build a technical institution at Porebada junction to educate technical skills human resource within the LNG impact area of Porebada, Boera, Papa and Lealea villages were hijacked and the funds remitted elsewhere.
“Now we will soon have a second Papua LNG through Total who will build train three and four within our area. But the technical skills required from our locals to participate is not there.”
“Once our political party forms the government, I will urge the new Government to build this technical institution in our area to produce the labor that is required for the new LNG and give priority to the basic services that we have been denied for decades.”
“My vision is to create a better future for our children of Hiri-Koiari electorate.”