The presence of NKW Holdings, representing landowners of the Hidden Valley mine, is having a positive impact on crime- ridden Wau-Bulolo, giving renewed hope to many youths.
Criminal activities dwindled following the engagement of an initial 100 youths in spin-off activities, through the landowner company.
NKW last week presented a cheque of K29,502 as payment for road maintenance projects given to the Wau urban youths, who are expected to be incorporated with the Investment Promotion Authority.
The presentation by project manager Samuel Krimbu and administration manager Anne Borney was aimed to “reduce the crime rate in Wau”. Harmony Gold had approached NKW to fix the roads and they in turn decided to give the youths of Wau a chance to prove to themselves and to the community that they were skilled and they had the right attitude for change.
Mrs Borney said: “They have done more than expected, a 100% improvement to the roads. Despite the stigma they have shown us they can be productive.”
With the success of the project, NKW Holdings decide to give the youths, a contract to maintain the approximately one kilometre of roads from Harmony’s main residential compound to the Wau fresh foods junction.
NKW had negotiated on behalf of the youth group and secured the contract for the roads to be maintained on a quarterly basis.
Youth president Daniel Robson said they intended to involve more urban youths in all future new projects.
Vice-president Henry Cogovi wants to see the money being used to build an amphitheatre that will include office units and conference facilities costing some K6.5 million.