ENGA Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has promised provincial government support for children from the remote Malamata region, which borders Enga and East Sepik. The commitment includes helping these children attend teachers’ and nursing colleges within the province.
Last year, Sir Peter pledged K200,000 for various development projects. To date, K80,000 has been allocated for upgrades, including the Malamata airstrip and a sawmill for the community school. An agreement has also been made with Mission Aviation Fellowship to provide flight services to and from Malamata.
Sir Peter made these remarks during the 2nd Malamata Yapo Cultural Festival on Wednesday, where he also donated K10,000 to support the event.
National Cultural Commission Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda also contributed K10,000 for the maintenance of the Malamata Yapo Cultural Centre. Kilanda emphasized the importance of culture as a catalyst for development.
“Culture is not just about showcasing traditions; it is a crucial tool for advancing other development goals,” Kilanda stated. “It can help address law and order issues and pave the way for essential services like health, education, and infrastructure such as roads and airstrips.”
Kilanda encouraged the people of Malamata to take ownership of their community projects and changes. “Hosting the festival in your village is a community responsibility. You don’t need external funding for this. Your efforts can attract tourists, development partners, stakeholders, and government officials.”
He also highlighted the significance of preserving traditional culture. “In cities, traditional attire is often replaced by modern clothing. However, here in remote areas like Malamata, we are fortunate to witness genuine traditional dress and customs.”
Kilanda concluded by noting that once the airstrip is completed, it will likely attract many tourists to experience Malamata’s unique culture and traditions.