THE Jimi District Development Authority (DDA) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Department for Community Development and Religion to establish a District Community Development Centre (DCDC) in Tabibuga.
This one-stop facility aims to deliver vital protection and empowerment services to the people of Jimi District, particularly marginalized groups, including women and girls, who have faced challenges in accessing essential services due to Jimi’s rugged terrain and isolation.
Local MP and Minister for Mining, Hon Wake Goi, played a key role in driving this initiative, which he started during his previous term as Minister for Youth, Religion, and Community Development.
His successor, Minister Jason Peter, expressed gratitude to Minister Goi for his ongoing commitment.
“You were driving this initiative as the former minister, and you understand well the benefits and positive impacts it will have on the lives of your people,” Minister Peter said.
He emphasized the broader mission to bring transformative change to the lives of people by establishing DCDCs across rural areas in Papua New Guinea.
The DCDC will provide a range of services from agencies like the Youth Development Authority, Censorship Board, National Office of Child and Family Services, and National Volunteer Services. Additionally, the center will include a transit home to support individuals seeking temporary shelter.
Minister Goi, reiterated his dedication to making the project a reality in Jimi, confirming that state land in Tabibuga has been identified for the DCDC complex and pledging to work alongside the Jiwaka Provincial Government for funding.
Secretary Jerry Ubase stress the government’s aim, under the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV), to decentralize critical services to reach remote districts like Jimi.
“We have restructured the department to create new positions for DCDC Coordinators and Officers who will be stationed at the district and LLG levels,”
Secretary Ubase explained, adding that this effort will deploy public servants to deliver services directly to rural communities.
