Dear All;
It is better for us to be on a same page than doing things in lone, as is the underlying concept of the KRDA.
So, below are my views relating to the above matters:
1. Prioritising projects for aid assistances
a. Road:
As we all know, road is the number one issue to tackle, so let us be realistic and look at facts and work from here on.
My opinion is, we all should be first putting our heads together on securing road assistances.
If a good road is in place, no matter how small or big all other needed services will fall in place.
We do have two options on the road topic;
i) Ialibu-Kagua-Koare road (over 100kms) - the longest and government recognised route, and
ii) Koare-Tindua road (18kms estimate) - community initiative.
The long term pros and cons to consider for these roads:
Ø Ialibu-Kagua-Kuare road;
Pros:
i) Access to towns and cities is already in place, therefore, Koare is reachable only by Land-Cruiser;
ii) Much needed service are transported even if it means to shoulder them from Rindita/K.lombo/Seka Tea to Koare and its villages;
iii) Many school children and people with obligations in towns/cities access this road; and
iv) Others you may think of …..
Cons:
i) Sick, old & frail people and young children experience excruciating long journey, and offcourse healthy and hardy people too;
ii) The travelling people of Koare take everyday risk along mainly 7-corner, Inalere and even Kagua sections;
iii) The length of the road is 2 times longer than the alternative road (Koare Tindua Ialibu);
Condition of Ialibu-Kagua road will always remain in a deteriorated state compared to Ialibu – Pangia road. It maybe be elevated through the long talked about Southern highlands - Gulf highway if that comes to reality, or who knows?? So, if we Koares want to fix Rindita to Koare / or Seka to Koare only, than which group of people or MP etc.. are going to fix Ialibu – Kagua (Rindita) road, as this is the entry point to Koare. And what would be the long-term sustainability here?? this and;
iv) Other cons you may think of………….
Ø Koare-Tindua road;
Pros:
i) Currently it is accessible by foot and two times quicker to reach intended destination, if not carrying heavy baggage;
ii) Out of the total estimate of 18kms, bush and top ground of an estimated 12kms is completed. The completed part is composed of two sections; section 1 - is from Ipi bridge near Alomari village (road off Koare main road) to Limba village, and, section 2 - is from Rakitame village to Ialibu/Pangia highway. The remainder is the section between Limba village - Yalo river - Rakitame village. This remaining section is too easy to complete if the very people who are building this road are empowered again through the KRDA. The villagers have done it before, and if we educated Koares empower them to do so, I know they will clear the remainder of the bush in few months. These are resilient group of people, just as all of our Koare people;
iii) Once the road is up and running, the travel time will be 3 times quicker to reach the destination;
iv) Sustainability – this stretch of road is naturally composed of stone, gravel and sand. And as it is built from the hearts of the people, they made a solemn vow to maintain it by themselves by using their natural resources. Or, if all goes well with the establishment and operation of the KRDA, than the association has the potential to manage this section of the road in a long-term basis, until government recognition/takeover takes place, and;
v) So on…………….
Cons:
i) Even though the clearance of bush/top soil of the road is completed, it will not be accessed by vehicles as yet. This is because three major rivers flow through the road. A report produced in 2007/2008 by Peter O’Neil’s former business (Pangia Investment) operations manager indicated an estimate cost to be K3 – K4 million in order to build these bridges. The report further recommended that government must help to carry out feasibility study both on the road and bridges, and;
ii) Others as you may think of………
2. Co-ordinating proposal writings
a. All proposals ought be in a uniform format; i.e. NGO format – whether it’ll be in their required format or standard. Ideally, it is worth to seek prior information from the intended donor to seek their guidelines and formats as each donor’s requirement maybe different to others. A standard format than has to be decided upon and circulated to individuals/parties formulating the proposals;
b. All proposals must carry the KRDA logo, thereafter approved/endorsed by the executives upon voting;
c. The reason for a & b is to increase our chances of convincing the donors (am writing this from the perspective of international donors, not sure if it is any different to PNG);
d. It is wiser to share information freely within the team to get the best out of our hard-work for a common good. So, if anyone wants any information in this regard or generally for the KRDA, please feel free to communicate; and
e. Other processes you may think of can be shared so that we can build the proposal on collective informations/ideas……………..
As you can see, road is the priority issue I am raising, I would like to share with you all that I am starting a proposal for the Koare Tindua road. If anyone has started proposal on the same road, than please advise me so that we can work as a team on this project. I will target international donors for this project.
Summary of my projects:
1. Koare Tindau road project, and
2. Coffee development plan.
If anyone wants to team up with me in this two projects, you a most welcome to do so.
(I’ve passed my sleep time so am off to bed now).
Kind regards / Good night and God bless you all.
Percy N. Rame
