PNG NATIONAL GENERAL ELECTIONS: LIFT RABAUL MORATORIUM

 

UPDATE: ON Tuesday, July 19, GRAHAM RUMET PINIAU achieved his dream to become MP for Rabaul by defeating Dr Allan Marat by the slimmest of margins, 3 votes. 

We hope he will lift the moratorium on building and construction in volcanic Rabaul.

Congratulations on your electoral victory Mr Rumet.

Pangu Candidate Graham Rumet Piniau.

GRAHAM WANTS MARAPE TO REMOVE RABAUL MORATORIUM

RABAUL Open candidate Graham Rumet Piniau has called on Prime Minister James Marape to uplift the moratorium over Rabaul town in East New Britain Province.

Mr Piniau made this comment during the launch of Pangu Pati candidates contesting the Rabaul, Kokopo and East New Britain Regional seats.

The launch was held at the Kalabond field in Kokopo two weeks ago.

Mr Piniau is contesting under the Pangu Pati banner and currently sits third in early counting for the seat held by Dr Allan Marat. 

He said that the moratorium was imposed following the 1994 twin volcanic eruptions that devastated Rabaul.

Rabaul town view from volcanic observatory.

He said that it is over 20 years since the twin volcanic eruptions that devastated the town and nothing has improved.

He said that when he wins the elections and go into Parliament, he wants to work with Mr Marape to uplift the ban over Rabaul town so that development can take place and the people can access the government services they deserve.

Mr Marape retained his seat last Saturday by a first count landslide. 

Mr Piniau said that there are so many issues that affect Rabaul district which he will address when in Parliament and is confident that he will work with Mr Marape to ensure that the moratorium is lifted.

Meanwhile, the Rabaul Volcano Observatory issued a warning that while development is taking place in the form of new shops and buildings, people must be reminded that the volcano will still erupt anytime.

Mr Piniau said that other issues, including landownership for the Rabaul people displaced by the volcanic eruptions resettled in certain parts of the province, have not received their land titles yet, though sub divisions were already done.

He said this is one issue that he hopes to address.

Mr Piniau said another is initiating many agriculture projects to create revenue streams for the people.

Pisua Eco-tourism guest haus entrance. Picture by Porex..