New MP Raphael so used to serving people

By PETER WARI
FORMER head teacher Raphael Tonpi used to load stones and gravel on his vehicle to maintain the feeder road to the school in Kip, Mendi-Munihu, Southern Highlands where he was teaching with his wife.
It was just one of the many contributions he made to the people surrounding his Kip village. Today, the people of the electorate have repaid his selfless service by electing him as their new MP, ousting incumbent Michael Nali.
“It is said that roads are the arteries through which the economy pulses. It is true as it links people to government services. Upgrading feeder roads is my priority. I will (continue to build roads and bridges) in the district.”
The feeder road he used to help upgrade leads to the Kip Elementary, Kip Primary, Kip high school, health centre and the United Church.
Tonpi, 51, from Kip village, has seven children and three grandchildren. His education started in 1977 at the local community school. He completed grades 7 to 10 at the Nipa High School from 1983 to 1986.
He decided to become a teacher after noticing so many illiterate people in his village. He underwent training at the St Paul Vunakana Teachers College in 1987 and 1988.
He started his teaching career at the Williame Primary School in the Ialibu-Pangu district. He went on to become head teacher of the Kip Primary School. His wife also taught there.
He resigned after 32 years of teaching to establish the Lai Valley High School and became its chairman.
He was also the United Church circuit chairman.
As MP, he wants to see good roads in the area because they were the key to development.

“ If there had been an unfair distribution of services by past district administrations, it will now change. “I will not only favour my supporters but also everyone in Mendi-Munihu. Everyone deserves a fair treatment.”

He has watched public servants posted to Kip leave quickly because of the lack of roads. They had to walk in the forest for days to reach their outposts.
When he was nominated as the United Labour Party candidate for the seat, he promised the people that he would live with them in the village and will only travel to Port Moresby to attend Parliament sessions and other important official matters. He made the promise in the presence of other party candidates.
He is the first MP to be elected from the Lai Valley LLG.
“If there had been an unfair distribution of services by past district administrations, it will now change.
“I will not only favour my supporters but also everyone in Mendi-Munihu. Everyone deserves a fair treatment.”
He wants the district to prioritise education by renovating schools, improving education standards and building good classrooms.
He will also allocate funds to improve the health sector.
“I will make sure public servants in the district are working. I want to instil confidence in public servants who must work.
“For small-medium businesses to blossom, electricity is vital. I will make sure power is connected to villages. We will also address law and order issues in the three LLGs.”
Well, public service is nothing new to him. Only now, the Kip villager has access to public funds to deliver more services.