By JUNITA SOL GOMA
THE National Capital District Commission (NCDC) yesterday committed K5 million as a untied grant to the Motu-Koitabu interim assembly (MKIA).
NCD Governor Powes Parkop said this was to ensure that the assembly could sustain its activities and meet the needs of its people.
Mr Parkop said the Motu-Koitabuans had given up so much of their land and resources for the development of the capital city.
“The Motu-Koitabuans need to be included into the socio-economic and political drive for our country’s development,” he said.
Part of the grant (K700,000) would be used to build a market for the Motu-Koitabu people for their produce.
An amount of K250,000 will be spent to the build a clinic for more than 30,000 people from the Hanuabada and Poreporena villagers who go to the Lawes road clinic for services, he added.
Lawes Road clinic causes problems for the Motu-Koitabu people as it is often too crowded and they end up going back home without being treated.
MKIA chairman Opao Fo’oudia thanked the governor for the grant and the proposed clinic and market, saying his people would be really happy if they actively participated in the country’s economic ativities while at the same time, improving their own living standards.
He said while there had been issues on the assembly’s accountability, the new assembly has a new administrative structure with a proper accounting system whereby they are required to report directly to the auditor general and Department of Internal Relations.