With the announcement of Jiwaka as a province last July 14 the people were filled with tears of joy and lost for words because they have been waiting for a long time for that to happen.

The Papua New Guinea Government would not have announced Jiwaka as a province without the hard work by the Jiwaka Separate Province working committee. Through their efforts the people of Jiwaka have seen the reality and they will completely break away from Western Highlands Province but this process will take place in 2012. This means that Jiwaka will officially get independence from Western Highlands Province, pull the green, white and black flag down and raise their own flag and sing their own provincial anthem.

Last week the Jiwaka people turned out in numbers to show the father of this nation, Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, that they can stand on their own and took the day to thank him for declaring Jiwaka a province. Last Wednesday the people came from as far as Jimi, east Kambia, North and South Wahgi to pack Minj town to welcome Sir Michael and his high powered delegation.

However the creation of the province creates an opportunity for the people to engage in small businesses to boost the economy of the province. The people are involved in the hire car business, guesthouses, lodges and other businesses. Those who cannot afford to take part can easily go back to their land to grow more cash crops. This is because public servants will not rely on store goods. The people are working hard to grow more crops.

The problem the province may face with this is there are no resources available to boost their economy. They will not wait in the corridors of Waigani to be spoonfed. There is a great need for the interim administration with the help of the Papua New Guinea National Government to rehabilitate the controversial Wahgi Mek Coffee plantations to generate some income for the province. There is also a need to support human resources because the province will rely on educated people of Jiwaka to contribute towards the development of the province. The onus is on the leaders and the people of Jiwaka to work together.

The people are still in doubt about where their provincial head quarter will be set up — either Minj or Banz. The people of North Wahgi claim it will be in Banz, the people of Minj constituency claim it will be at Minj and people of Kudjip constituency want it in Kudjip. They are waiting for the authority to decide.

Jiwaka has an escalating law and order problem. People make illegal home brew (steam) with drugs and consume it. Fear grips the innocent people who feel unsafe to travel at late hours.
The youths of Jiwaka are still practising the illegal activity in consuming “steam” and marijuana because they claim that life is difficult for them despite having fertile land. The future of Jiwaka does not rely on the Government or the authorities but relies on the youths of today and they must play some role to make sure Jiwaka is developing and becomes a modern province. Jiwaka also has a wide portion of land. The problem is the people are not working because of their laziness and they need to change this mentality and stop receiving handouts.
Jiwaka has more than 150,000 people. They speak one dialect which is unique. Most of the people from the neighbouring provinces love to learn and speak Jiwaka dialect.

Some of the infrastructure that are already in place are Kudjip Nazarene Hospital, Fatima Secondary School, Minj Golf course, Banz European Club, Minj District Courthouse.
Many small businesses are popping up and more changes are expected to take place in the coming years.

The Prime Ministers visit to Minj last week was very colourful. The people of Jiwaka came with their own style to attend the gathering.

Jiwaka has three Local Level Government Councils which are Nondugl, Banz and South Wahgi and the presidents are Thomas Dorum (Banz), Kunda Kui (Nondugl) and Michael Kapal (South Wahgi).

The urbanisation project will contribute towards the development of the province. Sir Michael unveiled the plan for this. The upgrading and sealing of the Minj town roadwork is underway. This is the first step and many more things will fall in line.

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Angam  - You dont Know your origion.   |2012-02-22 15:10:18 I like the article you wrote about the creation of new Jiwaka province. Howeve, Jiwaka does not have three Local Level Government Councils. Seems as you forget two Jimi LLG. Jiwka is not made up of North and South Waghi. Please think and construct your sentence well. Angam. Reply 0   0

Tapnayeah  - think properly before you air your voice   |2012-05-18 11:46:40 Please make sure to include Jimi.We've just decleared a new province so be faire.Its irritating when Jimi is not mentioned in such issues. Reply 0   0

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