By HELEN TARAWA
THE people of Tabar Islands in the Sentral Niu Ailan Local Level Government were the happy recipients of K2.1 million Project 79, schools and churches recently, thanks to the Namatanai District Development Authority (NDDA).
It was a sea of red as over 1,000 people gathered to witness the project launching by Namatanai MP and Forests Minister Walter D. Schnaubelt during which time they also refused to attend the illegal opening of Namatanai and Matalai Local Level Government (LLG) chamber by New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan and the provincial government.
Mr Schnaubelt visited Tabar Islands to deliver projects under his 79 project per council ward concept which includes schools and churches.
The project launched at Pakinapai village on Tabar Island on May 21 included five boats and engines, roofing irons (1800 pieces), water tanks (30), pig fence (200 rolls), ovens (50), solar lights (family 125), (single 250) as well as Tatau Landowners Association 4-tonne truck and a Lucas Sawmill for the Tabar constituency.
The concept of project 79 was initiated in 2019 where Mr Schnaubelt delivered a range of projects totaling up to 79 altogether for one council ward.
Accompanying the minister were the LLG presidents for Namatanai, Konoagil, Sentral Niu Ailan, Matalai and Tanir with other Namatanai DDA representatives including the District Administrator Neville Tomon and Network Management Team (NMT) delegation totaling 75 members representing six LLGs.
Minister Schnaubelt said the project worth over K2.1 million comprising K800,000 for Project 79, K560,000 for schools, K440,000 for churches, K200,000 truck and K70,000 sawmill.
He said the “Belhat” development project which was part of his 2017 election promises had finally arrived.
“Mi no lus tingting long yupla ol pipol blong mi. Yupla ino stap long tingting blong mi, yupla stap long lewa blong mi. Lewa blo mi save bosim tingting blo mi. (I haven’t forgotten you my people, you are all in my heart.)
“Dispela Belhat project 79 isoim stret kala blo Marape -Basil gavman. Mi hamamas lo kam stap fopela dei wantem yupla lo ailan. (This Belhat Project 79 is evidence of the Marape-Basil government’s ‘Take Back PNG’ initiative and I am happy to be here with you on your island,” Mr Schnaubelt said.
“From 2017 – 2020 before the change of government and me being installed as minister, I served in the opposition and never received the full allocation of Namatanai DSIP and Lihir Royalties for that period and therefore you would be asking, why taking me four years to visit the people of Tabar Islands,” added Mr Schnaubelt.
Minister Schnaubelt and his delegation (pictured below) arrived on the islands on May 20and participated in the project launching the next day at Pakinapai village.
Helen Gila, an observer from council Ward 4 said the people had thought that Minister Schnaubelt had forgotten them but he proved them all wrong with project 79 concept, schools and churches funding.
They witnessed the project and were convinced that Mr Schnaubelt hadn’t forgotten them and truly he has them in his heart.
Francis Simon, a village supervisor and NMT from Tatau said it was the first time that a project of this nature totaling about K2.1m was delivered to the people of Tabar Islands.
“We appreciated the visit by Minister Schnaubelt and his explanation of the project and what is happening in the district and the country. The programme today was very exciting and we are happy to support him back in office come 2022.”
Clement Lip, a village supervisor from Pakinberiu village said for the first time a vessel arrived with all the project materials and they were happy and appreciated the support of their Open MP.
LLG Assistant representative, Jonas Ayan assured Mr Schnaubelt that all Council Wards 1-5 on Tabar Islands will continue to support him as such projects and programs have never been equally shared amongst the constituency by past leaders of Namatanai Open.