WABAG MP and Health Minister Dr Lino Tom has strongly cautioned his people not to slaughter pigs or prepare a traditional ‘mumu’ during project launchings as it is not the sustainable way forward.
He said the Wabag District Development Authority (WDDA) is committed to assisting the people and in return does not expect to receive favours”.
Mr. Lino said presentation of live pigs, slaughtered (mumu) pigs and other expensive food stuffs by people during projects launching is not a sustainable way going forward.
The Minister said money used for developmental projects are for the people and not private funds from any individuals which can be exchanged with favours or gifts.
He made these remarks prior to the official opening of a double classroom building and the launching of the Yalumanda-Aipus road project in his district recently.
Lino advised the Dep Tribe of the new approach and that is to “not to stress themselves with unnecessary expenses”.
Minister Lino stressed that it was a financial burden for local people especially in the Highlands to slaughter pigs and present live pigs to official delegates which he believes was a waste of resources and money.
“This was just to impress the political leaders which shouldn’t be encouraged at all.”
Minister Lino reiterated that they (his people) must not prepare food of any sort for him including any gifts as the funds used for projects and other vital services delivered by the WDDA rightfully belongs to the people.
The Minister told the people of Wabag that he is the custodian of their money and it is his mandated responsibility to continuously provide them with the availability of government services and developmental projects on a regular basis.
He said impressing political leaders with live pigs, food stuffs and other gifts adds to poverty and deprives the people’s universal rights to access government services and associated developmental projects accordingly.
