THE Wanwanga Co-operative Society Limited (WCSL) in Northern Province is committed to provide avenues for Wanwanga local people to venture into Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Last Sunday, the citizens of Wanwanga who reside in Port Moresby gathered together at 16-mile outside Port Moresby to witness the official opening of WSCL K1 million start-up capital, another massive SME drive programme undertaken by the WSCL.
The K1 million start-up capital programme specifically targets setting up foundation for Wanwanga wards 21, 22, 23, and 24 to start mobilizing and prepare themselves to participate equally in businesses, as well as social services.
Chairman, Director and Founder of WSCL, Mr. Badia Kibidi said the opening of K1 million start-up capital would mean every citizen of the four wards will start contributing K100 each to reach K1 million.
He said Wanwanga was neglected by successive governments for years, and therefore the communities have resolved to take their own initiative to stand together and look after themselves.
Mr. Kibidi said WSCL was formed at the back of that mindset and the people are excited to contribute and look after themselves going forward.
He said the WSCL operational objectives of the K1 million start-up capital programme include: establish foundation business for the four wards, put them in payroll, provide SME start-up capitals, sponsor students’ study, and provide basic services such as solar lights and water supply.
The Chairman said Wanwanga hosts more than 7000 people and all of them will benefit under this SME drive programme.
The officially opening ceremony of the K1 million start-up capital programme was graced by the presence of two USAID representatives in Rajeeev Palakshappa and Kavaea Evara.
Mr. Rajeeev Palakshappa is the senior advisor in Stand-alone Solar and Mr. Kavaea Evara is the agricultural business specialist.
Both gentlemen have offered their undivided support to step in and work together with the people of Wanwanga in driving some of the ambitions of WCSL, especially in the areas of solar power installation and business activities.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of WCSL has called on the provincial government and local MPs to come forward and work together with the people of Wanwanga.
WCSL was formed and launched in 2019 at Popodetta Town in the presence of Oro Governor Gary Juffa and Sohe MP, Henry Amuli.
WCSL is located in upper Kumusi River, Wawanga, in Sohe Electorate of Kokoda district, covering wards 21, 22, 23, and 24.
So far under WCSL, the people of Wanwanga have about four established trade stores running.
The society is looking at expanding these trade stores including setting up wholesale in the future.
The only funding support that the WCSL received was K100, 000 from the Member for Sohe Henry Amuli in 2022.
