| PNG PM orders sale of executive Falcon jet | ||
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Wed, 10 Aug 2011 PORT MORESBY, PNG (NBC News) --- In one of the first major decisions made by the new Papua New Guinea Government, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has ordered the immediate sale of the Executive Falcon Jet, bought by the former Somare/Temu government. NBC News reports the executive jet was purchased for K120 million (US$53.3 million) and cost K22 million (US$9.2 million) to maintain and operate annually. O'Neil said the aircraft was too costly to operate and does not benefit everyone. Instead, monies used for this purpose should be diverted for vital services in health, education and transport infrastructure, which will directly benefit the people. Prime Minister O’Neill announced the sale of the executive jet in his inaugural speech. He has directed the management of Air Niugini to put the aircraft up for sale. The new O'Neil/Namah government has put in place a number of development objectives it wants to achieve in the remaining ten months. Government will implement cost cutting measures in a number of least priority areas. First on the agenda, according to PM O’Neill will be the restoration of run-down education and health facilities, rehabilitation of major national highways around the country and the introduction of free education from elementary to grade 10 in 2012. A new alternate national port will be developed in the Gulf province whilst fast-tracking the Lae port development. The Prime Minister said Jacksons and Nazab airports will also be extended, and a new initiative will be launched to establish maritime transportation for all maritime provinces. This, he said will replace the controversial border development authority, which reportedly misused millions of Kina in public funds. On the ambitious Liquefied Natural Gas project, O'Neil said the government will play its part to speed up the development both in the Southern Highlands and the Gulf provinces. |
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