Wau Waria steps into digital transparency drive with Australian government support
Wau Waria District is setting a new benchmark in Morobe Province, becoming the first district to equip its staff with advanced skills in the use of the SMAP server application, marking a significant step toward real-time, data-driven governance and transparency.
Through the PNG–Australia Partnership, the Australian Government supported a week-long 'Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning [MEL]' training, enabling the district officers to adopt modern digital tools for evidence-based planning, reporting and effective service delivery.
Despite being Morobe’s youngest district, Wau Waria is now leading in the integration of mobile data systems that strengthen accountability and public trust.
22 staff successfully completed the training, receiving certificates last Friday, presented by the Wau Waria MP, Marsh Narewec and Australian High Commission Counsellor for Subnational Governance and Accountability, Craig Gillies.
The training saw the use of the SMAP server app, a technical platform that allows officers to design surveys, collect field data via mobile devices and analyse results in real time. This capability ensures that district programs can be tracked accurately, gaps identified quickly and resources are allocated more effectively.
Speaking at the ceremony, Narewec highlighted the importance of improving public confidence through better report presentations.
“People don’t often see proper reports, which leads to general perceptions of distrust toward government institutions, particularly around how public funds are managed."
“It is not easy delivering services in a new district like Wau Waria, and communities may not always understand those challenges. This training equips our officers to plan better, invest responsibly and present clear, constructive reports that build trust," he said.
Congratulating the staff, the Australian Counsellor, Craig Gillies acknowledged the technical nature of the training but emphasized on its long-term value.
“While the tools may seem a bit too technical, they are critically important. Governments that can measure what they do, understand what works and learn from what does not are far better positioned to demonstrate real impact to their people,” he said.
The District Administrator, John Orebut confirmed that the training brought together a full cross-section of the district's staff including program managers for education, commerce, community development and agriculture, alongside the district finance manager, engineer, patrol officer, Health Extension Officer, the three LLG managers as well as he himself as the district’s Chief Executive Officer.
“All key personnel are now equipped with practical digital skills to improve monitoring, evaluation and constructive reporting across all key sectors, thanks to the Australian Government’s Building Community Engagement Program [BCEP] for making it possible," he said.
According to one of the week-long trainers, Albert Arija, Wau Waria is the second district in the country to receive this technical training, but it is a model demonstration of how a newly established administration can leverage technology to strengthen governance, improve service delivery and rebuild public trust through transparency.