Moresby South Electorate in Port Moresby continues to focus on its service delivery.
This saw over 300 Small to Medium Entrepreneur (SME) empowered women groups from Moresby South gathered to submit their acquittals to their local MP, Justin Tkatchenko.
Tkatchenko who received the acquittal, said it was the first time for this initiative to be undertaken in the electorate, especially monitoring and evaluation involving women’s groups and associations.
He stated that it was important to acquit because what members are given are public duties so they must ensure that the funds are used properly.
He said they also support individuals from different wards to help with their businesses by sponsoring training programs for women.
“We can’t just give you the money alone. We made sure you received financial knowledge and literacy, so you all knew how to look after your income and to spend the money properly.”
“You need to know how to account for your money and bank your funds.”
He acknowledged the team who had set up the training courses for financial literacy, which had enabled the women to understand what the business is all about.
Tkatchenko said that they received a good number of success stories and testimonies from the women that showed how committed the women were.
“From the South side, I’m proud of you all, of what you have done and what we will continue to do.”
“The overwhelming majority in the last election showed that you want to continue the good work that we have been doing together.”
“We are going to continue to do that over the next four years no matter what anybody says, we are here together.”
“We are going to keep on empowering you, making you economically viable and strong.”
Moresby South though the smallest electorate, has the most markets in this city, so this enables women and youths from the electorate to sell their products in a safe and healthy environment.
“Over the last two years, we have spent from the Government, NCDC, and Moresby South a total of K5 million, which has all been acquitted.”
He further stated that the acquittal would be put together and submitted to the Department of Implementation Rural Development.
Meanwhile, Molly Rau O’Rourke from Vabukori Women’s Development Association, acknowledged the assistance of the Member and the District Development Authority with building the Resource Centre.
“The building has been set up to better equip the women so they can be able to work and look after themselves and their families.”
“We would like to empower our women to work their way out of poverty, create opportunities, care for their families, upskill their talents and work towards strengthening their communities.”
Also thankful for the support was Pastor Ruth Moses from the Watch Women Prayer team who expressed her gratitude to the member for the support through the SME program.
She said Tkatchenko assisted with the capital money worth K10, 000 which they used to generate and raise more funds and with the help of the NCD Governor as well, they were able to purchase a truck.