Madang ward councilor profiles his area

AN URBAN ward councilor in Madang Urban Local Level Government has set a precedent in the resort town to compile a profile of the ward which comes under his jurisdiction.

Ward Five councilor, Ambrose Basse, has engaged volunteers to help him conduct a simple survey of all settlements, business houses, residential areas, education and government institutions, block holders, and private firms within his ward.

The Madang Urban Ward 5 councilor realised the importance of having an accurate data system in place, and has embarked on a survey in his area.

He explained the purpose of the survey, which ran from June to August, was basically to assist him with his development plans, plus update Ward Five records with the town authority.

Councilor Basse said that for the past 20 to 30 years, Ward 5 has not had  proper data in place of how many people, business houses, schools or government institutions situated within its boundaries and therefore the survey is important because it will help to build a proper data system that will guide future development activities within the area.

He added that the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Government requires all wards to have a five-year rolling plan to help guide their development aspirations, however; this has not been happening in many parts of the country.

Basse further explained that what he had embarked on is the responsibility of the management of the town authority, but because it has been lacking, he has decided to take it on himself with some financial assistance from the management.

He will be sharing the information that his teams gather over the survey period with business houses, the National Housing Corporation, the Madang Government and other relevant agencies.

Basse stressed that ward profiling is very important as without one there will be no development.

Picture: Aerial view of Madang town

Author: 
James G. Kila