David faces big challenge in his ward

By ELIAS LARI
AT 33, David Anis is proud to be the youngest councillor elected in the Hagen Rural local level government in Western Highlands.
Although he is not proud of his tainted past, he is ready to take over the reins from men much older than him who have been serving in the council for more than 20 years.
“It was God who brought me this far to occupy a post I never dreamt of occupying one day. My challenge to young people is to become agents of change and fix the mess in life so good things can come.”
With God as his guide and strength, he is not afraid to mingle with men much older than him in the Hagen council.
“Being involved in the church and getting to know God more has brought me this far. Despite my age I know that wisdom is the key to providing leadership. I know that I have the courage and strength to implement policies for the people.”
David thanks his wife Martha and children Eathan, Olivia, Dameo and Grancer for their support.
“My leadership starts at home, in my bedroom before coming out to the public. If the house is in order, then your entire life will be in order – through wisdom.”
His first responsibility is to lead his Jika Mukuka clan in Ward 24. He believes he can do that despite his lack of experience in council work.
He was among the 15 candidates who contested the Ward 24 seat. He ousted the councillor who had been there for the past 22 years.
He knows he, like most young men, was once rebellious, reckless and with a “no-care” attitude. Never did he think that one one day he would be called upon to lead his people.

“ It was God who brought me this far to occupy a post I never dreamt of occupying one day. My challenge to young people is become agents of change and fix the mess in life so good things can come.”

Things changed for him when he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and joined the Revival
Centre church. It changed his outlook on life.
His priorities are: God, education, one wife, living in the truth and becoming an agent of change.
He believes in Governor Paias Wingti’s policy of prioritising good leadership rather than money.
“(I will follow) Governor Wingti’s leadership qualities.

I believe in honesty and truth and not money or cargoes.”
His first project is getting the people to clean the road sides leading to the villages of Waipeng, Elgpeng, Mundkimb, Kupulga, Ketika, Ketpeng, Bomulga, Ambamulg and Nengtemnantem.
He will also stop people from using illegal power connections. He has arranged with PNG Power to remove all illegal connections and get people to pay for the service.
David wants to set an example to young people to lead meaningful and rewarding lives.
“Young people doing nothing on the streets should not think that it is the end.
They can make things better for themselves if they try.”