Local gives back to help Island community

Krangket islanders, outside Madang Town will, for the first time, have two new jetties, thanks to one of their very own sons, Allan Los, who is the Provincial Administrator for Eastern Highlands.

Mr Los provided financial assistance for the construction of the two jetties, plus 14 solar street lights around the island.

The islanders over the years have been sharing the local primary school jetty with the teachers and students.

One of the two jetties was officially opened for use recently by the founder of Madang Rural Development Foundation, Kurere Matanzana, during a small ceremony on the island.

In his remarks prior to cutting the ribbon to officially signal the jetty was ready for use, he said credit must be given where it's due.

Mr Matanzana said Mr Los has done one of the most honourable things by giving something back to his people.

"We are gathered here to celebrate your success story, and I would like to take this time to thank everyone who contributed to the successful construction of the two jetties, one of which we are going to open today. Whether you bought a bag of cement, helped carry stones, or contributed a kina, K10, or K20, all your efforts were worth it.

"What we are witnessing today is proof and testament of all your hard work. It i a testament of Mr Los' dream for you," he said.

Matanzana told the local people to take ownership of the infrastructures and also extended appreciation to the management of Krangket Primary School for allowing the community to use the school's jetty for so many years.

He also encouraged parents on the island to embrace education and to work in unity for their own good, stressing that human resource is very important to development.

He said that when people unite on small projects like the jetties, they can create bigger things in their communities.

He added, "It is my wish and my prayer that this spirit of unity must continue amongst you. We don’t have land to cultivate cocoa on the island. Thus, your human resource is your number one asset, so embrace education.

Ward one councillor in the Ambenob Local Level Government area, Trevor Fan, thanked the three clans on the island; Lonpain, Gedaged Damon and Imalan, for standing together to complete the jetties.

"This project is an initiative of Allan Los. He is not here today with us, but we want to extend our gratitude to him. He provided 70 per cent of the resources and support for the two jetties. Although he's been away from the island for many years due to work commitment, he hasn't forgotten his roots. We greatly appreciate him.

"I also appreciate all three clans on the island for your cooperation, which had made it possible for the project to be successfully completed. The unity amongst us made this project become a reality," Councillor Fan said.

Ward one village court magistrate, Yaling Baran, urged youths on the island to respect the infrastructures and to keep unlawful activities away from them.

Meanwhile, Mr Matanzana, on behalf of Madang Rural Development Foundation, also pledged a K3, 000 support to compliment the project.

He said MRDF will provide and install solar lighting on the jetties.

"I didn't contribute anything to the project, but because you have invited me to officiate at this gathering, I feel obliged to contribute, and I am now making this commitment," he said.

Matanzana explained that this will be made possible under MRDF's Sustainable Energy Program, with support from the Israeli Government.