District finds hope in plan

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

FINSCHHAFEN district, in Morobe, launched its five-year development plan last Wednesday.

It coincided with the opening of its new administration complex. 

Hundreds of people, including politicians, government officials, church leaders and school children, turned up at Gagidu station to witness the occasion.

Local MP and Speaker of parliament, Theo Zurenouc described the event as a milestone for the district.

“This district plan is just a guide – it contains our (Finschhafen’s) development priorities and funding considerations,” Zurenouc said.  

“This plan will help us achieve our development aspirations.”

He said the plan focused on integral human development, infrastructure development, education, community development, sustainable environment development and spiritual development, among others.

“The values captured in this plan are derived from Christian principles,” Zurenouc said.

“Our vision is to establish a community of God-fearing, educated and enlightened people.” 

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill told the people that his government was ready to work with districts and local level governments to develop the country.

He said the government had stuck to that policy by allocating K10 million each to all the districts, K5 million each to the provinces and K500,000 each to all LLGs.

O’Neill said the government would continue to support Lae city and Morobe, but every problem could not be solved overnight.

O’Neill later opened the K2.3 million district administration building.