Communal work brings changes

By CLEMENT KAUPA
A RURAL community in the Atzera-Umi LLG area in the Markham plains of Morobe has to come to appreciate the true value of communal work.
On Tuesday, Sakarak villagers proudly opened a new building housing three elementary classrooms and saw water flow for the first time from a stand-tap in the heart of their village.
Their new bore-well water supply puts an end to their use of unsafe drinking water taken from holes dug into the sandy banks of a nearby river.
Community elders praising resident National Forest Authority officer Philip Maniho for his community involvement.
“Maniho has had a great impact in the Sakarak community,” colleague officer Ako Aina said during the opening ceremony that coincided with the community’s elementary school graduation.
Twenty-two Sakarak children graduated from elementary one on that day.
 and were given a tour of their new classrooms for next year.
Previously students used bush material classrooms and excitement shone from the small faces as they eagerly explored their new learning environment.   
A visibly-emotional Maniho told the Sakarak community that all credit went to them.
“I only showed you the direction and you took it. What you have now is all due to your own hard work, not me,” he said.
Sakarak village spokesman, Michael Ian said construction work on the classroom and water supply started last year.
Ian said both projects were the result of community work and partnership by the NFA and local councillor, James Fama.
Other prominent community members, including former MP Andrew Baing were acknowledged for their contributions in cash and materials towards the projects.
The classrooms building was built for K12,000 and materials donated by NFA, Tropical Niugini and the Seventh-Day Adventist Morobe Mission.