Nuku district opens new office complex

Nuku District in West Sepik Province officially opened a new district office in Nuku Station.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Prime Minister James Marape, United Nations Secretary General His Excellency Antonio Guterres accompanied by Member for Nuku and Minister for Public Service Joe Sungi and Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Ewen McDonald.

Hundreds of people all over Nuku District, including neighboring districts of Aitape-Lumi and provincial headquarters, gathered at Nuku station to witness the opening of the new district office.

The Nuku District Office is named after Nuku's first patrol officer, the late George Oakes, who is instrumental in building the Nuku Airstrip in 1957, which is now used by the district

The late George Oakes’ daughter, Denise Tilly, and her family were invited to Nuku for the event, where they said thank you.

"My family is extremely grateful to be here to witness this special occasion. It is also a sad day because my father, the Late George Oakes, cannot be here to witness this moment."

The building was also funded by the AusAid showing the continued partnership between the two countries for almost 50 years since Independence.

Prime Minister James Marape, before opening the building, congratulated the people of Nuku, saying, "This building must facilitate well all service delivery in the district, in terms of health, education, roads and bridges, and many more." He reiterated that the iconic building would serve all the public servants of the district.