SHP locals come out in numbers to walk for peace

By PARKER TAMBUA
THE Southern Highlands (SHP) “Walk for Hope” initiated by National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop saw over a thousand people walking from Oiyarep, outside Mendi town, into the provincial capital on Saturday.
Youths, men, women and children including local leaders and former member for Imbonggu Francis Awesa as well as provincial administrator Joseph Cajetan joined Parkop in the walk.
The march symbolised hope for peace in the province with people shouting, “we want peace” all through the 10km walk into Momei Oval in Mendi town.
Parkop was well received by communities in Oiyarep and Kiburu, who threw flowers and presented sugar cane to show their support behind the course.
Awesa hailed Parkop for taking a bold step in reviving positive perception of the province and thanked him for being a strong advocate for peace.
“Parkop has always been a strong advocate for peace for grassroots people and we have seen what he has done in NCD,” he said.
“This is a milestone occasion to see a governor of another province taking this initiative for restoration of peace in our province.”
Parkop also addressed those who gathered in Mendi.