A local businessman in Jiwaka aims to be an example among his people.
Andrew Tants, who runs Jiwaka Mission Resort with his family, says forging partnerships with key institutions can bring about change in the province.
Established in 2014, the resort has steadily grown with the Province out of an arrangement with the Lutheran Church, where Tants rents the land on which the resort sits.
“I want to show that we can take ownership of what has been established by the churches or government organisations, so that we can all work in partnership to achieve greater impact in this nation,” Tants said.
“Right now the population is enjoying the services of myself and my family and also the service providers.
“We provide local employment, we provide lease to the church and also we want to make a bit of money,” he said.
With his wife Sandra, who has lived with him in PNG for 18 years, they both run the business with the assistance of dedicated employees.
The resort is as young as the Province itself and one of the few establishments in the tourism and hospitality sector. But there is the ambition to expand as well.
“We came at a time when the province started and we believe we will grow with the Province. And of course we’ve got some thought of expanding to Morobe Province, Madang and maybe in Moresby in future.
“But we will focus on Momase because that is where our Lutheran connection is,” said Tants.
Tants said the private sector, which JRM is a part of, is critical to the development of Jiwaka Province and he wants to play a role in its development.