Rigo launches development plan

Rigo is the first District in Central Province in this term of parliament to launch its five year district development plan.

National Planning Minister Richard Maru, whose department was instrumental in assisting with the formation of the District plan, challenged Rigo to make use of the abundance of land.

The Rigo District Development Plan was launched recently at the Laguna Hotel in Port Moresby.

The event was attended by senior government ministers, including Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

An elated member for Rigo, Lekwa Gure, thanked the efforts of all partners that were involved in the development of the five year plan.

Special mention was made to UNDP for the technical assistance and financial support, and the Department of National Planning and Monitoring for direction and ensuring the plan aligns with national priorities and government directives, including the Vision 2050, the National Strategy for Responsible Sustainable development (STARS) and the Government’s new Medium Term Development Plan 3 for 2018 to 2022.

Gure said a huge focus for the district will be on internal revenue generation which will fund, maintain and sustain the quality of service delivery.

Minister Richard Maru said while Rigo is just an hour’s drive out of Port Moresby, it is very far in a lot of aspects.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, on the other hand, talked about the District Services Improvement program funds and the importance of the District Development Authority in driving development in the districts.

He said each district gets K100 million in five years, challenging the District not to waste that opportunity.

(Rigo dancers welcoming guests)

Author: 
Charmaine Poriambep