By BIBIAN BARRENG
THE country’s resource sector is expected to contribute K430 million in taxes this year.
This was pointed out yesterday by Department of Community Development Secretary Joseph Klapat who was speaking at the PNG Chamber of Mines 7th community affairs seminar in Port Moresby.
“Against such positive outlook, we might well expect to see improvements across the board in our social, economic and political indicators,” Mr Klapat said.
He noted the theme for yesterday’s sessions was “Establishing better links between the department for community development and the resource projects”.
Mr Klapat said his department had come up with district focal point strategy to coordinate and support village level community learning and development centres to meet the needs of local communities.
“We are on track to create four district focal points this year and intend to increase it to 45 which would be operational throughout PNG by 2010 … with all 89 districts and the National capital District having district focal points by 2016,” Mr Klapat said.
He said the initial focal points are Kokoda in Oro province, Sinasina-Yongumugl in Simbu, Vanimo Green in Sandaun, and Bialla in West New Britain.
The secretary also highlighted an endorsement of the integrated community development policy, its five-year implementation plan and budget that had elevated the department to the status of the departments of Education, Health and Agriculture and Livestock.
Mr Klapat said the policy framework aimed to strengthen communities by “inside out” development and enhance community access to learning and development opportunities.