THE people of Namatanai turned out in numbers last week to witness another “Belhat Development Project” worth over K1 million delivered by their local MP and Forests Minister Walter Schnaubelt through the District Development Authority (DDA).
A total of two school buses (30-seater) for the Namatanai Secondary School (NSS) and a truck each for the Mama Market for the West Coast Sentral women in wards 15 to 18 and the Tabar Landowners Association (TLA).
“I promised the women at West Coast Sentral Ward 15 to 18 that you would receive a mama market vehicle and true to my word I have delivered my promise.
“From Kokola to Messi, now the women in those areas will have the opportunity to bring their fresh produce to the market,” Mr Schnaubelt said.
He told TLA chairman Alois Bonny to take charge of the vehicle and manage it well to ensure it serves the people of Tabar Islands.
“There are three islands on Tabar and I want this truck to serve them all.
“Chairman I’m placing a big responsibility on you and your executive and every year you will receive K20,000 for registration and maintenance and service of vehicle and administration for you and the executive.
“Thank you for your patience, this now brings the understanding and shows the partnership and relationship between us.
“I will honour my part and you do your part and we hold hands and bring services to the doorsteps.
“Namatanai Advancement Limited (NAL) will take charge of Mama Market and the two buses for the Namatanai Secondary School,” Mr Schnaubelt said.
He said a Memorandum of Understanding would be signed with NAL and NSS board of management and teaching faculty for the management and service of the truck including the driver to ensure the vehicle runs on schedule.
“The bus is dedicated to pick the students to take them to school and back home and also any other activities it will be involved in,” Schnaubelt said.
Bonnys said the launch of the truck was an added bonus for the people of Tabar Island which complements the recently concluded launch of Project 79 at Pakinapai village, Mapua.
“Although TLA will take delivery of the truck, the asset belongs to the people of Tabar.
“TLA will only provide the management, thank you minister for having the confidence in TLA for nominating it to prove management of this truck.
“The availability of this truck will help alleviate the problem of transportation from our people moving them from Kavieng and Namatanai,” he said.
Deputy Principal of NSS Joe Goloki said they were happy for the support given by Mr Schnaubelt through the buses.
Mr Goloki acknowledged the funding support of K100,000 that was paid to the school to support the parent’s component of the school fees.
“Leadership is action and only those who are passionate to serve their people will deliver as we have seen today.
“Thank you member for helping us,” Mr Goloki said.
Namatanai Secondary school head boy Jerry Gilawe thanked MP for the two new buses.
Jowen Wilson the head girl of NSS said she was pleased to have the two new buses presented by the Member for Namatanai.
Mimis Dina of Ward 15 said it had been very challenging trying to get fresh produce to the markets/WFA Buying Point.
“We are very happy and overjoyed because our transport problems have been solved now with the truck we can take our food to market,” Ms Dina said.
