A week-long Ward Development Planning process for Sakarip Ward 12 in Mai LLG, Wabag District, has successfully concluded, bringing together community members, local leaders and government representatives to identify the community’s key development priorities and challenges.
The intensive planning process was facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Enga Provincial Government and was conducted from 24 to 28 August 2026 at Sakarip Village.
During the five-day process, the team worked closely with the community to undertake ward profiling, social mapping, hazard mapping, conflict analysis and identification of community by-laws. The exercise also collected important information on the ward’s total population, vulnerable households, persons living with disabilities and other community needs.
The community also identified its major development priorities and priority needs, which will form the basis of the Sakarip Ward Development Plan. The plan will be drafted following the completion of the community-level planning process and in line with the relevant DPLGA ward development planning framework.
The intensive planning process was highly inclusive, with participation from church representatives, youth, community leaders, mothers, young women and girls, students, public servants, educated members of the community and other community representatives.
The participation of different groups was important to ensure that the Ward Development Plan reflects the needs, priorities and aspirations of the wider Sakarip community.
As part of the pilot initiative, the IOM Development Fund, with support from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, will support one community project identified as a priority by the Sakarip community during the planning process. The project will be selected based on the needs identified by the community and agreed.