Sandaun Administration dedicates 2026 working year with the theme-Going Rural

The Sandaun Provincial Administration has officially dedicated its working year to God, setting a clear development direction focused on taking government services back to rural districts under the theme “Going Rural – Empowering the Districts.”

The dedication service was held at the Sandaun Provincial Administration Complex in Vanimo and was attended by provincial leaders, public servants, invited guests and members of the public.

Provincial Administrator Mr Jacob Areman said dedicating the year to God was significant as the province prepares to address ongoing challenges in service delivery, limited resources and growing public expectations.

Mr Areman said the administration’s priority for the year is to refocus development efforts on the districts, where the majority of the province’s population resides, by bringing essential services and development opportunities closer to rural communities.

Despite financial and resource constraints, he said the provincial administration will maximise available resources to support district-level development, particularly in the economic sector, where rural communities have access to land and natural resources.

Mr Areman also highlighted the importance of infrastructure development, including roads and bridges, to improve connectivity between rural areas and urban centres. He noted that the Vanimo International Wharf project has reached its final design stage, adding that, it is expected to become a key driver of economic growth and transformation in the province.

He called on public servants to uphold transparency and accountability, stressing that good governance is critical to making West Sepik Province attractive to investors and sustainable development partners. He further urged public servants, stakeholders and the general public to work together in supporting the province’s development agenda.

The dedication service was led by Bishop Francis Meli of the Vanimo Diocese, who commended public servants for their commitment to serving in one of Papua New Guinea’s most challenging provinces.

Bishop Meli challenged public servants to serve with integrity, humility and a servant’s heart, and to carry out their duties with wisdom and courage. He also appealed for unity and accountability, reminding public servants that they are responsible not only to the people they serve but also to God.

The dedication marked the beginning of the provincial administration’s renewed commitment to decentralizing services and empowering rural districts as the foundation for development in West Sepik Province.