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Sports |
Backyard development
BOTH the government agencies and
non-governmental organisations have been talking about rural and
urban development.
But only a handful of individuals and organisations translate
these talks into reality.
I was fortunate to join a group of staff from the humanities
faculty of the University of Goroka on the “appropriate technology
project” site about an hour’s drive out of Goroka town.
The area is run by a dedicated Capt Layton and a few hard working
people.
Nothing much is heard about what these people are doing but a
visit to the place showed me that these people are doing some
positive things.
It took the country so much time and money to talk about
development but very little had been done to achieve the goals.
A bridge made of local timber with a kunai roof over it to protect
the wood from decaying can only be found in this little village.
The houses are built with kunai roofs, which keep the local people
growing kunai for commercial purpose and the walls are made from
pitpit.
They are designed in such a way that they can be easily removed
when rotten and replaced rather than rebuild the entire house.
The way electricity and communication systems are being set up is
just amazing. I could go on and on.
Our guide proudly says “we are a little city in the mountains and
yupela ol lain long taun stap olsem hauslain”. This is an honest
comparison and interpretation of development by our native guide.
For those who are really serious about appropriate development
model and the kind of technology needed, must visit Capt Layton
and his dedicated workers up the Massey road out of Goroka.
Bomai D Witne
UOG, Goroka
 
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