Motu-Koitabu chairman sees election as a call for change

NEWLY-elected chairman of Motu-Koitabu Assembly (MKA) Dadi Toka Jr says the outcome of the 2018 MKA election strongly indicates a desire for change among villagers.
Toka Jnr and 16 newly-elected members of MKA, comprised of 14 ward members and two women’s representatives, were sworn in at Lakani Toi Memorial United Church at Hanuabada on Friday.
Out of the 17 MKA members elected in 2013, only three returned, while 14 were new members.
“This strongly indicates a need for change in Motu-Koita Assembly,” Toka Jr said.
“I am honoured and humbled by the trust and confidence you have in me to lead you during the third-term of MKA.
“Today we acknowledge the importance of our place in this country’s development and we will now use this third term of assembly to stop being spectators.
“It is about time we understand and enact the powers of the Motu-Koita Assembly Act.
“I am honoured to accept the responsibility of leading MK people to a new era of opportunity, growth and prosperity.”
Toka Jnr said MKA would partner with business and government to improve the lives of every child in Motu-Koita villages.
The ceremony was witnessed by a huge turnout of Motu-Koita people, Government officials and guests including NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Moresby-South MP and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning and Apec Justin Tkatchenko, Police Minister Jelta Wong and former three-term Kairuku Hiri MP and chairman of Ok Tedi Mining Ltd and Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd Sir Moi Avei.
Meanwhile, Parkop says the MKA has missed a lot of opportunities over the past two terms since its establishment as an autonomous body.
Parkop said it was now the right time for MKA to make up for these lost opportunities.
“The change in leadership at MKA is a necessary decision that needed to be made,” he said.
“About 70 per cent of the MKA members who were elected in 2013 have all gone out.
“This is a big statement made by the Motu-Koita people.”