Church group opens aid post

MISSION Workers’ Development Service Association (MWDSA) of Avi Block in Anglimp-South Waghi, Jiwaka, has opened its new aid post.
The inter-church group comprising of more than 10,000 people from all over the country living on 144 blocks in Avi, contributed towards the aid post.
They have handed it to the State, Anglimp-South Waghi district development authority and Jiwaka provincial government to run and manage.
It was opened by DDA member Toni Tika on behalf of Anglimp-South Waghi MP Komun Joe Kuli.
Association chairman John Dupi said members from different churches joined hands to build the aid post.
He said there used to be an aid post on the same location but closed many years ago because of funding problems.
Dupi said Avi residents over the years had to travel 20km to Kindeng, Kudjip or Mt Hagen to receive medical attention.
“Instead of waiting for free Government handouts, we decided in May to build an aid post and give it to the Government as an Independence Day present,” he said.
Dupi said that they were also giving away land for the future expansion of the aid post.
Tika said MP Kuli was happy with an initiative taken by the people and his DDA would build a house for an aid post orderly.
He said that after 43 years of Independence, people should start doing things for themselves.
Tika said what the people of Avi Block had taken a step in the right direction and their move should be emulated by others in the district and province.