Moresby North East member Mr John Kaupa has shed light on a major problem being faced by residents of his electorate who are living in the settlements and that is poverty.
Despite PNG being one of the richest country in terms of natural resources, the majority populace are still living in poverty and the least any mandated leader can do is give their people the financial freedom.
“The least I can do for my people in my time in parliament is give them the chance and the tools to fight poverty and the better way is through SME,” said Mr Kaupa.
Mr Kaupa made these statements at a small gathering at ATS when speaking to the 22 SME groups that had gathered.
Kaupa said he is grateful that he tried his best to give financial freedom by introducing SME to the bulk population of mothers and youths in Moresby North East.
“The vast majority of Moresby North East residents are living in the settlements and that is poverty, and I want to improve their living standard by giving them the opportunity to have access to financial freedom.”
“It took 18 months for North East officers to do SME awareness and recruitments of interested mothers in SME, and they assisted further in attaining IRC and IPA papers and registered many SME groups for youths and mothers.”
Not only did the officers help establish SME associations but the office was also giving SME book keeping and financial literacy trainings to every youths and mothers in Moresby North East.
Thus with the financial literacy certificates and SME business certificates, mothers, young women and youths were able to excess the SME funds.
He urged all the mothers who have received SME grants to do well and grow their SME and strive to live better lives.
“I am happy to see many unfortunate youths and illiterate mothers becoming small business owners, with bank accounts and bank cards,” said Mr Kaupa.
“Many have never had a bank account; many have never held any bank card but SME has given these youths and mothers in Moresby North East this privilege.”
Mr Kaupa also highlighted that out of the 209 SME groups in Moresby North East 95% have received their SME grants and only 5 % left will receive their grant in the last batch of payment.
Kaupa said the highest amount paid was around K200, 000 and the lowest paid was K15, 000.
“To those who have not yet received your SME funds, please do not be down hearted you will still receive your share,” Mr Kaupa said.
He encourages everyone to do well and prosper in their small business ventures and enjoy the privilege of financial freedom.