Motu-Koita Assembly joins NCD Board, vowing to partner for Port Moresby’s future

A new era of cooperation has been formally established between the National Capital District Commission [NCDC] and the Motu-Koita Assembly, with the newly elected Chairman, Russel Simon Wavik, holding a seat on the NCDC board.

The swearing-in of a Motu-Koita Chairman is being hailed as a crucial step towards ensuring the indigenous landowners have a direct say in the city's future.

The new MKA chairman Wavik, after taking his oath as a member on the NCDC Board said that his mission is to represent the Motu-Koita Assembly and its people, who are the landowners of this city.

He emphasized the significance of his role, saying; "it's a privilege to be added into the board that makes paramount decisions for the city's growth."

"The future of the city lies in this boardroom," Wavik said, while also thanking NCD Governor Powes Parkop for his efforts in developing the city to its current stage.

Governor Parkop reciprocated the sentiment of partnership during the formal ceremony. "This ceremony formally links our two governments; we must be partners," he said.

The Governor highlighted the importance of unity as Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th Independence Anniversary. He offered two key messages: "We can't change the past" but "we can change now and into the future."

Echoing one of the key slogans from PNG’s independence: “ita GAUKARA hebou” [let’s work together], Parkop urged for collaboration. "Let's work together, chairman. And not against each other," he said, reiterating his commitment to supporting the assembly.

Parkop also challenged the assembly to develop a clear road map for development, urging them to come up with plans and strategies for the wards and villages. The formal inclusion of the Motu-Koita Assembly on the NCDC board is seen as a pivotal move to bridge the gap between urban development plans and the rights and needs of the city's traditional landowners, setting the stage for a collaborative future.

Beside the Chairman of the Motu-Koita Assembly, Russell Wavik, and NCD Governor, Powes Parkop who is the Chairman of the NCDC Board, the board is made up of Parliamentary leaders, in the likes of; Lohia Boe Samuel, Member for Moresby North West, John Kaupa, Member for Moresby North East, Justin Tkatchenko, Member for Moresby South and Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Community representatives also on the Board in Elise Siki representing Women, for Bugave Kada [Church], Kesley Mune [Settlement], Clemens Kanau [Unions], and for Central Province, the Provincial Administrator, Edward Kila.