This year will see the Chimbu Province stage the Kundiawa Cultural Show, after almost 10 years without such an event.
This was made known by the Minister responsible for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Isi Henry Leonard, when officiating at and launching the Kundiawa Cultural Show recently.
He said the Chimbu Province holds one of the highest mountain peaks in the country, that is Mt Wilhelm and this needs to be properly packaged and promoted as a tourism product so the people can benefit from it.
“Mt Wilhelm holds the potential to be the biggest resource for the province and it will last for an eternity, even after all the copper and gold is gold is gone.”
The Minister went onto to explain that there are many educated and knowledgeable people, and it was incumbent upon these elites to now utilize the human resource to help preserve, protect, and promote their culture and environment.
“People take culture and traditions for granted, but in fact it is our greatest wealth, and it is time for the people of Simbu to monetise and benefit from it.”
Minister Isi said the Kundiawa Cultural Show has now been recognized and registered in the National Cultural Commission Calendar of events for the show to be stage for three days from September 10th to 12th every year, starting this year.
He added that three days was enough time for tourists to visit the cultural show and spend their money on the event where people could benefit directly. In his speech, Minister Isi also stressed the importance of promoting domestic tourism as it provided the basis of strengthening tourism within the country.
“As Minister responsible, I give my assurance to continue to support this event through the state agencies under the Ministry, including the National Cultural Commission and the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA).”
He called on the Chimbu Provincial Government through the Governor to sign an agreement to partner with NCC to develop tourism in the country.
“With the National Cultural Policy already passed in parliament, the government is taken to task to build cultural centres/hubs in the provinces to promote and develop culture and tourism.”
Minister Leonard acknowledged the presence of Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) Acting Managing Director Jude Tukulyia for his part in declaring that Mt Wilhelm and its precinct as a Heritage site.
Minister Leonard presented a K10, 000 cheque through the NCC and announced a further K50, 000.00 funding from the TPA at a total of K60, 000.00 to help support the Kundiawa Cultural Show Committee prepare for the event in September.
He commended Governor Kool, Kerowagi Open MP Francis Kikin and host MP for Kundiawa Gembolg Muguwa Dilu among others for promoting this cultural event, as it was a step in the right direction.
Minister Leonard was accompanied by NCC Executive Director Steven Kilanda who flew into Mt Hagen and travelled by road to Kundiawa to attend the event.