A community-based organization (CBO), Network Management Team (NMT) in the Namatanai District, New Ireland has an important role in disseminating information and carrying out awareness on government service delivery to the people, says Namatanai MP and Forests Minister Walter D. Schnaubelt.
Speaking at the National Alliance Party provincial (New Ireland) convention in Kilak recently, Mr Schnaubelt urged the NMT members to ensure the people are fully aware of the kind of projects and services that have been delivered so far.
“You are the key people on the ground that interacts with the communities and I expect you to perform accordingly.
“Our people should be getting the information from you and not coming direct to my office seeking both politics, projects and programmes.
“You have been placed in strategic positions to carry out these responsibilities and you must work closely with your communities,” Mr Schnaubelt said.
Over 500 participants including presidents of the six Local Level Governments (LLGs) in Namatanai, ward managers, NMT members, observers and leaders from Kavieng district attended the one-day convention.
Mr Schnaubelt who is also the Secretary General of the National Alliance Party said the convention was an opportunity for the NMTs to report on their work so far at the wards and village level.
While acknowledging their efforts, Mr Schnaubelt told the participants of the convention that with less than 12 months left to deliver the services, there was still a lot of work to be done.
The idea of the NMTs was initiated and endorsed by the Namatanai District Development Authority to be the conduit through which the government services would be delivered to the village levels.
The NMTs comprise of committee members representing each ward who work with the communities in ensuring the services at the ward level reach the village people.
Tanir LLG deputy president Chris Lukun said his people were grateful for the services that have reached their islands of Tanga and Anir.
“We appreciate the work that had been done by our local MP Mr Schnaubelt through the NMTs and we will support him.
“There is enough evidence of the services that have been provided and we will continue to work with our leader come 2022 and beyond,” Mr Lukun said.
Konoagil LLG President Isaac Tosel acknowledged Mr Schnaubelt for his leadership adding that he has a rare leadership style hence chosen for the people of Namatanai and supported strongly by the NMT.
Tikana LLG Ward 7 Manager Raphael Rarai said they were fortunate to attend such a big gathering.
“We must be happy because we are here to look at our strengths and weaknesses to work ahead.
“This position that we hold is not easy, and we are fortunate to hold such positions but we have to work hard to achieve what we are all aiming to achieve and that is for the party to win the 2022 General Elections.
“We all have jobs to do and it is our responsibility to uphold our integrity and maintain the work,” Mr Rarai said.
Sentral Niu Ailan LLG president Ben Sakbua said the work of the NMT was very effective in the last elections and no doubt this election will be no different.
“The network is already here, the support we already have, we just have to maintain what we have started in terms of our preparedness for the up-and-coming election,” Mr Sakbua said.
Mr Schnaubelt also spoke about the latest developments in the Namatanai District and the national government.
Also at the convention, candidates for 2022 were endorsed for the New Ireland Provincial seat, Augustine Molonges, Namatanai Open Walter D. Schnaubelt and Kavieng Open Ian Ling-Stuckey.