DFCDYR TO FOCUS ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT

By Martha LOUIS, MOROBE/MADANG

The Community Development Minister Jason Peter says the government will focus on taking services into rural areas over the next 5 to 10 years.

“We want to bring real help down to the ward level,” he said. “Community development starts in the village.”
The plan includes setting up community development centres in every district. These centres will support youth, women, and families, and offer services like training, gender-based violence support, and church programs.

Peter says strong social services are key to building a stronger economy. “If there’s no support in communities, how can we talk about development?” he said.

A new idea discussed is building shared spaces that combine community development offices, courthouses, and justice services to improve access and coordination.

The Disability Services Bill, recently passed in Parliament, gives more power to local leaders and highlights community development as a national priority.

The Disability Services Bill is ready to be presented in Parliament. It aims to make schools, hospitals, and public transport more accessible for people with disabilities.
“We’re not starting over,” said Minister Peter. “We’re building from experience to create real change for our people.”