Kovon public servants receive hardship allowance

Public servants, village court officials, and church workers in the remote Kovon Local Level Government area of Middle Ramu District in Madang have each received K2,500 in hardship allowances.

The payments were made last week, following a commitment by Prime Minister James Marape during his visit to the area in 2024, when he launched the district’s five-year development plan.

During that visit, the Prime Minister witnessed firsthand the difficult conditions faced by frontline workers serving remote communities and pledged support to recognise their efforts.

Although Middle Ramu has five LLGs, including the newly established Wanuma LLG, the hardship allowance was specifically paid to workers in Kovon.

A total of K2 million was deposited into the Middle Ramu District Operating Account and processed through the District Finance Office and District Administration.

Middle Ramu MP Kansol Harwai Kamdaru, who presented the payments, stressed that the money was not a handout.

“This is money committed by the Prime Minister after he saw the daily struggles faced by our people who deliver basic services in Kovon. It is not DDA money and it did not come from my office,” he said.

Mr Kamdaru acknowledged the sacrifices made by workers serving in remote areas.

"You have made family sacrifices and have taken risks to serve my people, which is not easy.
"Not many people will want to serve in remote areas, but you have shown courage and perseverance, and for that, I want to commend you all on behalf of my DDA and people," he said

He thanked Prime Minister Marape for recognising the challenges faced by Middle Ramu workers and for approving the hardship allowance.

Middle Ramu remains one of Madang Province’s most isolated districts, with no direct road access to the provincial capital.

Work is ongoing to connect the district through Mul/Baiyer in Western Highlands Province, but the project is yet to be completed.