PNG Opposition Leader assures K2.1 billion for agriculture sector if they form the next government

Diversification of the country's economy is Triumph Heritage Empowerment (THE) party's priority agenda and that agriculture sector will be supported in a massive way with K2.1 billion allocation.

Opposition Leader Hon. Don Pomb Polye made this statement on the condition that if he won the mandate of the people this election to lead the next government.

Launching THE party's candidate Mr. Moriyape Kavori's election campaign and endorsement at Oliguti village in Lufa district last week, Mr Polye said during his first 100 days in office out of the fund, K700 million would be invested in the Highlands region for coffee and its stabilization funds.

Kavori is THE party's official candidate for Lufa Open seat in the East Highlands province.
He said tourism would be the other priority investment but he did not disclose its budget.

Polye added that the region would be grouped into two zones-Eastern Highlands and Chimbu provinces will get K350 million of K700 million whilst Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Enga and other sister provinces will receive the balance of the fund.

He reiterated that for coastal provinces K500 million of the K2.1 billion would be invested equally in cocoa and coconut (copra) and for their stabilisation fund each.

"Prime Minister and my other critics may ask me where will I get K2.1 billion to fund this project? 

"Well, I will sell off the state's 10.1 per cent share in Oil Search Limited and, abolish five departments and the chief secretary's position to save over K4 billion to fund these program," he told a cheering crowd.

Polye said another K500 million would be given to sensitive and delicate Autonomous Region of Bougainville for cocoa, coconut and their stabilisation funds.

"K200 million will be invested in livestock. Another K200 million is for vegetable import substitution and to build a new downstream processing plant in the Western Highlands," he said.

He said he would simultaneously skill the majority of the youths with technical know-how to earn a living, adding the agriculture sector will absorb the graduates for employment.

"Our youths will no longer be job seekers like you see today. Looking for jobs will be a thing of the past. You must trust me on this. I will provide many opportunities for them," he said.

According to Polye, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will be split into three-Minister for Agriculture responsible for Highlands, Minister for Agriculture responsible for Lowland and Minister for Livestock.

He promised the people of Lufa with the newly-created ministry if they voted his candidate in this election to help him forming the next government.

He said that Lufa was amongst the largest coffee producer in the province.

THE party has endorsed eight candidates in Eastern Highlands. He will be touring the province to endorse and launch his candidates in the days ahead.

The endorsed candidates for Eastern Highlands under THE party are:
1.Casten Maibawa-Eastern Highlands Region;
2.Heitch Karrot-Daulo Open;
3.Muki Taranupi-Obura-Wanenara Open;
4.Ova Buni Kaka-Kainantu Open;
5.Ferao Orimyo-Henganofi Open;
6.Winch Lee Olbotee-Ungai-Bena Open;
7.Moriyape Kavori-Lufa Open and;
8.Saki Hacky Soloma-Okapa Open.

PNG Opposition Leader Hon. Don Polye being welcomed at Lufa, Eastern Highlands.

Polye being welcomed at Lufa.

Lufa Open Seat THE Party Candidate Moriyape Kavori.

Lufa Candidate for THE party Moriyape Kavori

POLYE with his candidates being led by THE party supporters at Olix in Lufa district, EHP.

Three-time former MP for Lufa and EHP regional candidate for THE party Casten Maibawa.

RUNNER up in 2012 and THE party candidate for Okapa Open Saki Hacky Saloma.

Turn-out at THE party rally in Lufa.

Turn-out at THE party rally in Lufa, Eastern Highlands.