Richard Maru, Minister for International Trade and Investment and Member of Parliament for Yangoru-Saussia, has recently declared that the year 2025 will be a pivotal and exhilarating period for the Yangoru-Saussia District, marking a significant milestone since the nation’s Independence on September 16, 1975. This announcement was made during the inaugural meeting of the Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA) Board, where a substantial budget of K13 million was allocated for the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) and K41 million for the Development Budget, culminating in a total budget of K54 million for the year 2025. “We will participate in the nationwide festivities commemorating 50 years of Independence throughout the year.” “Our key events will feature a grand celebration on September 16, 2025, at Yangoru, our District Headquarters, alongside the inauguration of several new facilities, including the Mobile Barracks, Tuonumbo Primary School, Boim Primary School, Wingei Secondary School, Yangoru Police Station, and the Yangoru Station generator and power station, among others.” “In the health sector, we are committed to constructing new health facilities in Bima, Pomalmal, Jawia, and Waningu, and with the support of the National Government, we aim to initiate the development of our new Level 4 District Hospital this year.” “In education, our primary objectives will include the successful completion of the Nagum project, the establishment of two new Junior High Schools, and the initiation of two new Primary Schools.” “Additionally, we will launch two new TVET Colleges in West Yangoru and Numbo LLG, advance to Stage 2 of the Yangoru-Saussia School of Excellence, and implement fencing around all our high schools.” “This year, we will continue our school fee subsidy program and initiate our scholarship offerings in India.” “Our significant investments in education are beginning to yield results, as evidenced by four students from our district currently attending universities in China and the USA through the National Government’s STEM Scholarships.” “In terms of infrastructure, we will ensure the maintenance of all roads within the district this year, including the route from Kwahuie to the Yangoru District Headquarters, in preparation for the upcoming independence celebrations.” “We will finalize the roads in the Mobile Barracks, complete the Boinahitim to Boinam Road, establish a connection from Haripmo to Bima, and construct new roads linking Munji to Afawia and Yaliwan Camp to Neimu.” “Furthermore, we will inaugurate the new Bararat Bridge and construct two additional bridges at Yangoru and Negrie.” “In relation to Law and Order, in addition to the inauguration of the Mobile Barracks, we will establish and operationalize new police stations in Nagum, Haripmo, Womayen, and Tangori within this year.” “Regarding economic growth and wealth generation, we will persist in our investment in cocoa seedling supplies, broaden our chicken outgrower initiative, and initiate lending through Mama Bank.” “Furthermore, we will collaborate with the National Government to develop the Sepik Plains Special Economic Zone (SEZ), focusing primarily on palm oil and cattle.” “The Sepik Plains SEZ office in Wewak, set to open in February, will spearhead land mobilization efforts.” All members of the Yangoru-Saussia DDA Board characterized the budget as ‘very fair, balanced, and transformational.’ “We are poised for an exhilarating and pivotal year ahead, and I anticipate the support of the DDA Board and our Administration, led by the CEO, to implement our promising 2025 program as we join the nation in celebrating the 50th Anniversary.” “We will conduct a Spiritual Revival Program in August to reaffirm our covenant with God prior to our Independence celebrations, as we transition from establishing our foundation over the past 50 years to transforming our district into a more prosperous future.”