Wau Waria reflects on its role in shaping PNG with 50th Independence in sight
Wau Waria, Morobe's new district, making it the 10th district of the Province, holds a special place in the heart of PNG's history, where it helped shape the economy and the Independence story of PNG.
Speaking to NBC News, the district’s first ever parliament representative, Marsh Narewec proudly declared that the early economic and social contributions to the nation was from Wau Waria.
"Mipla givim susu lo PNG inap Independence [We breastfed Papua New Guinea till it gained Independence]," he said.
He went on to say, that before independence in 1975, Wau was a thriving hub of industry from having a butchery and soft drinks manufacturing, to coffee roasting and gold mining.
"As for history, Wau is also the site of the historic WWII where the “Battle of Wau" took place, a strategic standoff against the Japanese forces who were aiming to capture and takeover Port Moresby via the Salamaua-Wau corridor," he continued.
Highlightling the significant history that unfolded in Wau, directly connected to the Independence story, the MP proudly speaks about how the country’s Founding Father, the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare visited the district before 1975.
"Sir Michael went straight into the Garaina village station and shared his vision to break away from Australia. From there he rallied support from the people of Wau for PNG to gain independence," Narewec proclaimed.
"The spot where he once stood to make his speech for Independence, was marked by a monument and my people still commemorate the day of his visit today."
Narewec told NBC News, that as the first MP of the new district, entrusted by his people to lead into PNG's 50th Independence Anniversary, he's planned with his DDA members, started off and is now aiming to have the main Morobe - Northern Highway reach the historic Garaina station before September 16th.
"We are planning to reach Garaina station before September 16th and we will celebrate Independence there. We are halfway there. I will be on the ground next week to ensure we meet that target," he assured.
Speaking about the way forward, the MP emphasized on the need for leadership to be practised within families, households, communities and even churches nationwide, for real positive developments to take place instead of waiting on the governments.
Reflecting, he said in the country’s early years people took ownership and helped each other to fix a road, build a church or even assist a family, and that is the way forward for PNG into the next 50 years.
“We have to reset our mindset and rebuild community resilience like in the seventies (70s) and eighties (80s). We have lost our ways that really defines us as one people, one nation and one country."
"Governments will come and go but our land, our people and our relationships will remain so the time is now," he urged.
As Wau Waria moves forward into the next 50 years under the leadership of its first ever MP, who's brought rapid development changes in almost all the sectors in just 2 and a half years, it carries a legacy of resilience, history and the hope for a stronger and united PNG.