IMBONGU DISTRICT CONSTRUCTS COMMEMORATIVE OVAL IN HONOR OF LATE GC SOMARE

As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th Independence anniversary, Imbonggu District is gearing up for a celebration to honor PNG’s history and national heroes.
The district is currently constructing a commemorative Oval dedicated to the Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, the founding father and first Prime Minister of the nation.

This was the site where Late Grand Chief Sir Michael made his final public appearance in 2019.
Local MP and Justice Minister and Attorney General, Pila Niningi, Member for Imbonggu, and Chairman of the Imbonggu District Development Authority, expressed the significance of the project, stating,

“As we celebrate our nation’s Golden Jubilee, it is vital we reflect on the journey that brought us here. We owe much to our founding leaders, the first government, public service, and Judiciary, who have led us from the stone age into the global village. While some aspects of modernization have presented challenges, others have driven growth. Looking ahead, it is our responsibility to build a stronger, united nation.”

Recalling the district’s 2019 celebration of Grand Chief Somare, Hon. Niningi added, “By honoring him, we believe Imbonggu has received his blessing and God’s favour.

This Oval, in the place he last visited, will be a lasting tribute to his legacy, set to be opened alongside our Jubilee celebrations.”

During a recent site visit, Hon. Niningi inspected the stonewall and drainage construction led by contractor Moses Kongodo of Honime Timbers.

The district is pleased with the progress and looks forward to unveiling the Oval as part of the nation’s 50th Independence celebrations.