Prime Minister James Marape has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Daulo MP Ekime Gorosahu, remembering him as a committed public servant who continued to stand by his people despite his battle with illness.

Prime Minister Marape said he received news of Gorosahu’s passing with great sadness this morning, describing his death as a significant loss to his family, the people of Daulo, Eastern Highlands Province and Papua New Guinea.

“On behalf of the Pangu-led Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, relatives, the people of Daulo, the United Resources Party, and all those who knew and worked with him,” Marape said.

He said Gorosahu’s commitment to his electorate remained evident until his final days, despite the challenges posed by his illness.

“Up until his final days, he demonstrated great resilience and remained committed to serving his people and Papua New Guinea despite battling illness,” he said.

Marape said this reflected the responsibility Gorosahu felt towards the people who had entrusted him with representing them in Parliament.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged Gorosahu’s role as a senior member of the United Resources Party and a valued partner within the Pangu-led coalition Government.

“Hon. Gorosahu was a steadfast member of the United Resources Party and a valued colleague within our coalition Government,” he said.

“He contributed to the stability of our Government and to the work we are undertaking to advance Papua New Guinea.”

Marape said Gorosahu’s service would be remembered not only by his political colleagues, but most importantly by the people of Daulo whom he represented.

As the family comes to terms with the loss, the Prime Minister urged the public to respect their grief and allow them the privacy and space needed to mourn.

“At this difficult hour, our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they come to terms with this great loss,” he said.

“No position or public responsibility can take away from the fact that, first and foremost, a family has lost a loved one.”

Marape said the State was working closely with Gorosahu’s family and the leadership of the United Resources Party to ensure the necessary arrangements and processes were followed.

He said further information on arrangements to honour Gorosahu’s life and service would be provided in due course.

“To his family, his relatives, the people of Daulo and Eastern Highlands Province, and the United Resources Party, please know that Papua New Guinea mourns with you,” Marape said.

“We thank Hon. Gorosahu for his service to his people and our nation."

“May Almighty God comfort his family and all those mourning his passing, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”