By GRACE TIDEN
THE East New Britain Provincial Administration has been directed to immediately
come up with a policy paper for the establishment of a "Special Purpose
Development Authority" for the Qaqet (formerly Baining) people. The ENB
Provincial Assembly also recently approved a grant of K1 million to be given to
the Qaqet Special Purpose Authority starting with the 2011 budget. Governor and
chairman for finance, planning and administration Leo Dion said the Qaqet people
are one of the four ethnic groups in the province. It was common knowledge that
the Qaqet were the first people who settled in the Gazelle Peninsula. However,
their population was relatively small and in general, the life of the majority
of the indigenous Qaqet people was centred on subsistence agriculture. "The
Qaqet people in general, are introverts. Seemingly, the approach to development
is little in daily discussions, especially resource investment," he said.
Accessing vital health services had high risks because of travelling distance or
deteriorating roads and getting to commodity markets was expensive due to
additional costs incurred in the process. Mr Dion said the national development
plans advocated integral human development. Nevertheless, the Qaqet people
should be free from oppression and be given the opportunity of developing
oneself as a whole person and as a member of the Qaqet society contributing to
the development of East New Britain," he said. The Governor said the fact that
only one fifth of the province in the North East Gazelle was developed while
four fifths was undeveloped - the Qaqet and Pomio areas, must act as an
incentive to vigorously pursue. He said in order for the Qaqet and Pomio areas
to develop, it needed the locals to drive and take active participation in
development while the government and other non-state sectors act as "icing on
the cake". A Qaqet development forum to create understanding for development in
the area was held previously. A report on the forum was also endorsed by the
PEC.
What lessons can Koare Konda Kids learn from this experience?
1. Development of a policy paper to establish "Special Purpose
Development Authority. This an umbrella organization which is recognized by the
provincial and national governments for the purposes of facilitating
development.
2. Active involvement of political and administrative authorities to
facilitate autonomy and development.
3. How can agriculture be tied to the development priorities which will in
turn fuel development: seek advice pertaining to personnel, management,
education and awareness, outreach programmes among others.
4. How can we work as a team to achieve this and promote development for
our poor people in Koare valley?
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