Prime Minister James Marape has taken his Government’s “leave no one behind” development agenda to remote Gama LLG in Usino-Bundi District, Madang Province, promising roads, agricultural support, better education and stronger health services for communities long separated by geography.
During a historic visit to Gama on Tuesday, August 18, PM Marape told a large gathering that no child, family or community should be left behind as Papua New Guinea enters its second 50 years of Independence.
Local leaders described the visit as the first by a sitting Prime Minister to the remote area.
PM Marape was accompanied by Usino-Bundi MP Vincent Kumura, Middle Ramu MP and Assistant Speaker Kansol Kamdaru, Agriculture Minister John Boito and other Government officials.
In a statement, PM Marape said improved road connectivity would be central to transforming Usino-Bundi by connecting farmers to markets, children to schools, families to health services and communities to economic opportunities.
He highlighted the Gama–Kuima road towards Jimi in Jiwaka Province and the Bundi–Madang Road as key projects under the Government’s Connect PNG programme.
“A road is not simply a road. It connects farmers to markets, children to schools, families to health services and communities to opportunity,” he said.
PM Marape said Usino-Bundi had strong potential in coffee, vanilla and cocoa and announced K300,000 in National Government support through the Agriculture Ministry to improve freight and marketing of agricultural produce.
“I can see vanilla, coffee and cocoa here. The wealth is already in your land. Government’s job is to help connect your produce to the market and ensure farmers receive a fair return,” he said.
He also called for stronger support for coffee, cocoa and vanilla cooperatives to help rural farmers increase production and access better markets.
On education, PM Marape urged the Usino-Bundi District Development Authority to strengthen education planning, including improving schools and expanding boarding and secondary education opportunities for children from remote communities.
“I came from a remote place myself. If I could become Prime Minister, there is nothing stopping a child from Gama, Bundi or Usino from achieving their dreams,” he said.
He also called for closer cooperation between the National Government, Madang Provincial Government and the district administration to improve rural health services.
PM Marape praised Usino-Bundi MP Vincent Kumura for continuing the community service work he began through the Kumura Foundation before entering Parliament.
“Before becoming an MP, Vincent Kumura was already serving his people. My Government will continue working with him to improve roads, schools, health services and agriculture across Usino-Bundi,” he said.
PM Marape thanked teachers, health workers, police, church workers and community leaders serving in remote areas and assured the people of Gama that they remained a Government priority.
“To the people of Gama and all remote communities, thank you for your patience and faith in our country. Your Government has not forgotten you.
“We will continue opening roads, supporting agriculture, improving schools and strengthening health services. Leave no one behind means exactly that,” he said.
The Prime Minister and his delegation also launched and witnessed several development initiatives during the visit, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to connecting remote communities with the rest of Papua New Guinea.