PC Online Tidbits: Road Chaos, Fuel Security, and White-Collar Crime in PNG

The Post-Courier brings attention to several critical issues plaguing Papua New Guinea, painting a picture of a nation grappling with infrastructure decay, regulatory failures, and systemic corruption. The piece opens with a stark observation about the state of PNG's roads, likening the disregard for traffic laws, particularly concerning vehicle lights, to the lawless world depicted in 'Mad Max.' This vivid analogy underscores a pervasive lack of enforcement and order, where basic safety regulations are ignored, and vehicles display a chaotic array of colors instead of standard operational lights. The implication is clear: traffic authorities are either absent or ineffective, allowing this dangerous disregard for rules to persist.

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There is not law and order when it comes to our roads and simple things like vehicle lights in the city.

Beyond the immediate chaos on the roads, the article raises urgent concerns about national security and economic stability, specifically regarding fuel storage. It calls for a significant enhancement of national fuel reserves, proposing the construction of a new tank storage farm capable of holding at least six months' supply. This recommendation is framed within a geopolitical context, mentioning the interest of an American defense contractor in establishing a similar facility as part of US Pacific defense strategy. The author warns that if PNG fails to secure its own supply, its consumers might find themselves dependent on foreign powers for fuel, a scenario that could leave the nation vulnerable.

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Lawful vehicle indicator lights like break lights, signal light and all have all run feral with vehicle owners buying and installing all colours of the rainbow, reminding us of the movie Mad Max where or manners of automotive vehicles roamed the fictional wasteland of no order whatsoever.

Furthermore, the article delves into the insidious nature of white-collar crime, highlighting how insiders, including politicians, their families, and well-connected associates, disproportionately benefit from public funds and state influence. This contrasts sharply with the experience of ordinary citizens, who are left out of this 'game' of insider profiteering. The piece also touches upon the impact of Cyclone Melia and the subsequent damage to crucial infrastructure, such as the logging bridge at Magore, which has further disconnected affected regions. From the perspective of the Post-Courier, these issues are not isolated incidents but symptoms of deeper systemic problems that require urgent attention and reform to ensure the nation's progress and the well-being of its citizens.

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We urgently need to enhance our national fuel storage facilities to “save for a rainy day.