Milne Bay launches plan

By RANDAL GANISI
THE Milne Bay integrated provincial development plan 2011-15 was launched last week at the Alotau International Hotel shortly after its endorsement by the provincial executive council.
It will become the guide for the province towards a “smart, wise, fair, healthy, wealthy and happy Milne Bay people by 2050”.
The plan carries the motto “Our God reigns”.
Provincial administrator Henry Bailasi said the war cry for all people of Milne Bay should be “Think PNG and serve Milne Bay”.
“This is to say that if you want to develop PNG, start with Milne Bay province. If we achieve this plan we will be achieving the national vision,” he said
The plan captures the strategic priorities of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Vision 2050, Development Strategic Plan (DSP) 2030, Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2015 and Education for all goals.
It ensures that there is:
l    Effective service delivery in the province;
l    Broad-based econo­mic development (where communities in the province can economically sustain themselves);
l    Sustainable environment;
l    Promotion of eco-tourism;
l    Building partnership and collaboration;
l    Expanding resource generation: and
l    Enhancing capacity development.
Governor John Luke Crittin and provincial administrator Henry Bailasi encouraged everyone to take ownership of the plan and do their bit to make it a reality.
It was drawn up after consultation and workshops organised for the Milne Bay administration, local level governments and the people.
The plan was praised as the best ever done by a dedicated division of planning and monitoring in the province.
Bailasi thanked partners like AusAID, which gave technical assistance, Coffey International, Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, provincial administration planning officers and provincial stakeholders.
PEC member Napoleon Liosi said the plan was to help all to stay focused on development for the people and a tool for connection between all provincial partners.