Representatives from the Department of Communication and Information, NICTA, Kumul Telikom Holdings, and its subsidiaries gathered at Telikom Rumana for the official handover-takeover for the Ministry of Communication & Information yesterday morning.
Both outgoing and incoming Communications and Information Ministers’ have acknowledged the need to work together to improve the access, affordability, and reliability of state-owned communication services to the people.
Outgoing Minister Renbo Paita acknowledging the efforts out in by all stakeholders over the last five months.
According to outgoing Minister Paita, positive progress has been made in the areas of access, affordability, and reliability of state-owned communication services, but there is still room for improvement – something which he is confident Minister Masiu can also deliver on.
“I thank the staff who has been supportive in putting together what we call the ‘ICT Blueprint’,” outgoing Communications Minister, Renbo Paita said, “I think it’s before cabinet now, given the reshuffle, it will come back. It’s up to the incoming minister whether to further that blueprint that we have taken five months to put together – which is a very detailed blueprint of how the ICT sector should progress going forward.”
In accepting the responsibilities from Minister Paita, Timothy Masiu also acknowledged the need for all stakeholders within these key departments and agencies to work together, especially at a time when the demand for communication services continue to increase, all throughout the country.
“Focus will be data reduction – charges going down, that’s very important. I will support what the outgoing minister is saying in terms of reducing the costs of services..That is one of the first things I need to do, in terms of making it become a policy. Getting the NEC approval on that, so that we can make it happen for our people ”
Minister Masiu also highlighting the need for State-owned media organizations to improve their performance, in delivering the best for their respective audiences.
“If you have a well-informed population, they will always follow what the government is doing and that is so important – in terms of making sure that the people understand what the government is doing,” Minister Masiu said.
By Meriba Tulo – EM TV News, Port Moresby
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