By Georgina Michael (Journalist)
THE Kerowaghi District Development Authority (KDDA) has presented a cheque of K500,000 to the Department for
Community Development, Youth and Religion (DFCDR) as the first instalment towards the construction of a new District
Community Development Centre in Kerowaghi, Chimbu Province.
This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed two weeks ago between the two parties.
The total cost of the project, which includes a building and a safe house, is estimated at K2 million. Funding will be shared
equally under a 50-50 “Kina for Kina” arrangement between the KDDA and the department.
The cheque was presented in Port Moresby by Kerowaghi MP and Vice Minister for Public Service, Francis Suine, to
Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, Jason Peter. Minister Peter commended Mr. Suine and his delegation for
their prompt commitment.
“It took you only two weeks after signing the MoU to deliver this first instalment. This shows your dedication and
willingness to work with the ministry,” he said.
“On behalf of the ministry, we thank you and look forward to working closely with you. While you have selected the K2
million building option, it will be completed through a shared 50-50 contribution under the Kina for Kina arrangement.”
He also acknowledged the Marape-Rosso Government for promoting such initiatives nationwide to improve service
delivery, particularly in rural communities.
Mr. Suine described the initiative as a significant milestone for the district. “It is my great honour to present the district’s first instalment of
K500,000. This is an important project, and we will take full ownership to ensure it is completed before the next election,”
he said.
Advisor to the KDDA Chairman, Gibson Suine, said the project represents an effective approach to improving service
delivery.
“This is about bringing government services closer to where the majority of our people live,” he said.
“We aim to set a platform for other districts in Chimbu to develop similar infrastructure so we can collectively improve
service delivery across the province.”
The modern facility will house district agencies as well as ministerial officers, providing easier access to essential
services for women, children, youth, and people with special needs in Kerowaghi.
DFCDR Project Manager Rat Ralavu said construction is expected to begin once funding is secured.
“The building is prefabricated and will be constructed off-site, allowing for completion within six months. With next year
being an election year, the timeline has been shortened. The key requirement now is the availability of funds,” he said.