THERE are concerns that Morobe province’s division of the community development is understaffed to adequately assist district officers carry out community development initiatives.
The concern raised by community development officer with Wau-Bulolo district Siove Done last week centred on the lack of officers for youth and women’s affairs at the provincial level.
“There was no youth and women’s issues officers despite an office for these people, and this was caused a problem in rural areas in linking up with stakeholders,” Mrs Done said, urging for the loophole to be rectified.
She made the comments, while revealing the district’s focus on community development and the positive response from the community.
“Our focus in 2008 was to get projects off the ground by linking community groups with existing companies, government departments and donors,” Mrs Done said.
She said last year the district division mobilised the community and assisted in establishing associations in three high-impact local level government areas that would be affected by mining operations of the Harmony Gold mine. These were Watut LLG, Wau-Bulolo LLG and Wau Rural LLG.
She said there were currently moves to form a Wau urban youths association. She said the initiative would keep the youths occupied and give them earning opportunities.
She revealed that their only challenge was with urban local level government areas that had an influx of people from different ethnic groups.
Mrs Done also highlighted that there were many youths in the district and not enough facilities for recreation and sports activities.
au has only one sports field.