Locals launch group, focus on development

 A CLAN in Imbonggu district of Southern Highlands has launched a community development association to find better ways of doing things to improve their living standard.

The Makai people formed the association to engage in positive community development initiatives rather than wait for handouts and misuse opportunities which would only encourage poverty and corruption.

They launched the Loii Marepo Association last Saturday at the Imbongu district station at Walume along the Highlands Highway. 

Deputy provincial administrator Ambe Keleli, chief executive officer of the Ialibu-Pangia district development authority Ron Yamuna, Ialibu town mayor Jacob Iki, president of the Imbonggu Proper LLG Tapoiye Natil and Paulus Mosbi, Imbongu district agriculture adviser who represented the office of local MP Francis Awesa, were at the launching.

Association chairman Rex Pepena Miriye said the focus of the association was to bring community development through sustainable projects and services.

He said these included the empowering of youth and women as well as spiritual development.

Miriye said the association would also focus on community infrastructure development, strengthening community law and order and taking part in life changing activities so that can promote the general welfare and advancement of people.

“More importantly, this association is constituted in line with the four pillars of the national constitution and is also in line with the seven principles of the national government Vision 2050,” he said.

At the launching, guest speakers stated that the creation of the association was a milestone achievement not only for the members of the Makai clan but for the entire Imbongu electorate and the province. 

Meanwhile, Awesa gave K20,000 to the association while other contributions came from Keleli (K500), Natil (K200) Yamuna (K1000) and Iki (K300).