By ESWIN PLESIO
Kimbe Urban Local Level Government (LLG) has taken a major step towards establishing its own permanent office, with a groundbreaking ceremony held today for a new office complex in Kimbe.
For many years, the LLG has operated from temporary and makeshift locations without a dedicated office. The new headquarters is expected to strengthen the administration of the growing urban centre and improve service delivery.
The office building is estimated to cost K700,000.
Talasea District Development Authority (DDA) Chairman and Member for Talasea Freddie Reu Kumai has committed K500,000 towards the project, presenting the first K200,000 during the groundbreaking ceremony.
West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel also committed K200,000 in counterpart funding, bringing the total funding committed to K700,000.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Muthuvel said the new headquarters was a timely investment as Kimbe continues to expand.
“Kimbe town is growing and the population of Kimbe Urban is also growing. We need a stronger institution that can govern the entire urban area because the town is almost becoming like a city,” he said.
He said the Provincial Government was pleased to partner with the Talasea DDA on the project and remained committed to supporting its completion.
“We will counter-fund Talasea District with this K200,000 to support this initiative, and we stand ready to discuss what further improvements are needed because this headquarters must accommodate all the facilities required for Kimbe Urban LLG,” Governor Muthuvel said.
Mr Kumai thanked the Governor for consistently supporting major development projects in Talasea District through counterpart funding.
“The Governor has been very supportive. We can see the commitment and the type of leadership that we have in the province,” he said.
He said the construction of a permanent headquarters was an important investment as Kimbe continues to develop.
“Kimbe Town is one of the fastest-growing towns in the country. Apart from Port Moresby, Lae and Kokopo, Kimbe has the potential to become the fifth city in Papua New Guinea,” Mr Kumai said.
Both the Talasea DDA and the West New Britain Provincial Government have indicated they are prepared to provide additional funding if required to ensure the new headquarters is fully equipped to accommodate LLG presidents, ward members and public servants.
The project marks a significant milestone for Kimbe Urban LLG, ending years of operating without a permanent office and laying the foundation for stronger local governance and improved public services.