By FREDRICK JEJERI
AS Papua New Guinea celebrates 51 years of independence, Markham District leaders are challenging their people to take ownership of development and work hard to improve their lives.
Markham MP and Acting Speaker of Parliament Hon. Koni Iguan said during the district’s Independence celebration at Luther Wenge Field in Mutzing Wednesday, September 16, that government investment in infrastructure has already laid the foundation for growth.
“As much has been invested in the development of the district’s infrastructures. Road links have already been connected to remote places including Leron Wantoat, Onga-Wafa and parts of Umi LLG,” Mr Iguan said.
He said the roads were built to support cocoa farmers and to link communities to markets, schools and health services.
Mr Iguan said the next step is for the people themselves to use those services.
“People should take a bold challenge in taking ownership and leading in doing things. Start using the services linked to you to do something productive that will change your lives and lift the living standards of your communities,” he said.
The MP warned against laziness and a handout mentality.
“There is no room for laziness in Markham. We now have all educated people. You can do things. Don’t have doubts in yourself,” he said.
“Make use of the roads and whatever services that were linked to you by the District and start doing something productive now. Don’t just sit down and use Facebook to complain on what is yet to be done and beg for free handouts.”
Long-serving educator Mr Billy Kayo, who backed the MP’s call, said Markham has transformed significantly since he was first posted to the district.
Mr Kayo, from Milne Bay Province, was posted to Markham Valley High School, now Markham Valley Secondary School, as Deputy Headmaster in 1994.
He said back then, villages along the national highway had only traditional houses.
“The only permanent buildings then were at the district headquarters, the administration office, the health centre, the police station and public servants’ houses. There were only two shops,” Mr Kayo recalled.
“Even in the early 2000s there were no permanent buildings along the highway.”
He said today the district looks very different.
“Markham has dramatically changed. Most locals now have permanent houses. Many have gone through formal education and are in universities, colleges and occupying key positions. Some now own businesses,” Mr Kayo said.
“Over the years people have changed their mindset and their way of doing things.”
He said as the nation marks 51 years of independence, Markham is an example of how infrastructure and education
can change a community.
“The place has changed, and the people have changed as well. Now we must continue building on that progress,” he said.