PRIME Minister James Marape has rejected attempts to unfairly label or stereotype the people of Goilala following recent incidents of lawlessness in the National Capital District (NCD).
He said the actions of a few individuals must not be used to brand an entire district or community.
“The people of Goilala, as a whole, cannot and must not be branded like this,” Marape said.
“A few individuals in the city may engage in unlawful behaviour, just as happens with people from other parts of the country.
“But that does not mean that all Goilala people are bad or involved in criminal activities.”
Marape said such generalisation could create division and undermine national unity.
“We must stop painting our people with one brush, and instead hold individual troublemakers accountable for their own criminal actions. Goilalas come from this part of the country whose sweat, blood and labour have helped build this city,” he said.
“They are among the many Papua New Guineans who have worked on construction sites, roads, buildings and essential services that support Port Moresby today.”
He will reach out to Goilala MP Casmiro Aia and Central Governor Rufina Peter, to address the concerns and find solutions.
Marape said the Government was intensifying efforts to improve road infrastructure around the country, including Goilala, the Highlands region and key roads linking rural districts to NCD.
“Our Government will work to fix roads back home not only to Goilala, but right across the Highlands and into NCD,” he said.
He said improved connectivity would allow unemployed citizens to return home and earn sustainable livelihoods rather than remaining idle in urban settlements.
He added that they are working with the NCD Commission, Governor Powes Parkop, other MPs and city authorities to manage settlement growth and law-and-order concerns in the capital city.
“For those who are legitimately employed in the city, we will ensure proper and lawful resettlement arrangements,” Marape said.
“For those who are not employed, we will work with respective provincial governments, including Central, to assist our people to return home in a dignified, coordinated and humane manner.”
He urged unemployed citizens in urban areas to consider returning home