Railway proposal before Parliament

By Gorethy Kenneth/pc

PARLIAMENT was given notice yesterday for the proposed introduction of railways as an alternative means of transport for Papua New Guinea.
The notice of motion came from National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop who said this new mode of transport would help with the current growing number of people in the country.
Yesterday his motion was read by the Clerk of Parliament for the Bill to be enacted.
It read: “Mr Speaker, I give notice- that I shall move that this Parliament recognises railways as an alternative mode of transport in Papua New Guinea and accordingly call upon the National Government to:
• ENDORSE a feasibility study for two pilot projects for a railway network to connect Kerema in Gulf Province with Port Moresby and Alotau in Milne Bay and from Lae in Morobe Province to Kassam Pass and Madang
• THE Engineering Department of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology be engaged to do a feasibility study on these two projects in view of the study that they have already undertaken previously into this mode of transport.
• Consider the project as a priority and provide adequate funding or the feasibility study to commence immediately
• Seek funding from international donors for technical assistance for the project and engage into dialogue with possible investors and donors to secure funding for the two pilot rail projects in the country and
• Encourage affected Provincial Governments to provide support to the two projects particularly Gulf, Milne Bay, Morobe, Madang and the National Capital District Commission to ensure that this pilot project is implemented as soon as possible. 17 July 2009