Setavo praises AusAID for its support of ENB

By ABIGAIL APINA
EAST New Britain Deputy Governor Boniface Setavo has praised Aus­AID for its support of the province through the Strongim Pipol, Strongim Nesen programme.
“ENB acknowledges the long presence of Aus­AID in ENB as an important part of our efforts to operate efficiently and transparently,” he said.
Addressing the announcement of several projects in the province last Friday by community groups through the programme, Setavo said it was important for community groups to know that such engagement made them partners with the provincial government and donors such as AusAID.
He said that people must be empowered to take on small projects to improve livelihood at ward level, adding donors such as AusAID have created the avenue for empowerment.
Setavo urged community groups already engaged in such partnerships and those intending to be part of any partnership programmes to have a clear vision on how best they can assist the vulnerable people at areas that were lacking services.
“When such opportunities come along, you assist the government in reaching the vulnerable, you are also building leadership in the communities and we need people who can stand up for the vulnerable,” he said.
Caretaker community development adviser in the provincial administration Philip Kuamin, while thanking AusAID, said it was important for community groups to ensure funded projects served their purpose.
He added their main aim should be helping reduce pressing social issues that were affecting the people at the ward levels.