A significant milestone was recently achieved in Take Anda, Wabag, with the official swearing-in of the long-awaited Mulitaka Resettlement Authority (MRA) Management Board.

The event, organized by the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA), signals the start of coordinated restoration and development efforts for the Maip-Mulitaka community.

The ceremony began with a prayer, followed by speeches from senior government officials.

Representing the National Government, Philip Leo, Secretary for DPLGA, highlighted the importance of peace, unity, and community responsibility in guiding Mulitaka toward a positive future.

He urged local communities to take ownership of reconciliation efforts and to abandon ongoing law-and-order issues, ensuring that the Government’s restoration interventions effectively reach the people.

“We must put aside our differences and work together in collaboration so that National Government services reach Maip-Mulitaka without hindrance. Real change begins with the people.”

Secretary Leo further urged the 19 elected Council Ward Members to take a proactive role in promoting peace and stability, ensuring that the Mulitaka resettlement program moves forward smoothly.

He stressed the importance of the Mulitaka community supporting the Authority and collaborating with the Board Members to help resettle displaced families and rebuild key infrastructure.

Enga Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka echoed these sentiments, calling on all groups to prioritize peace and stability in order to facilitate the rebuilding of Mulitaka.

Secretary Leo further challenged the 19 Council Ward Members-elect to take a leading role in restoring peace and stability so that the Mulitaka resettlement program can progress without disruption. 

He highlighted the need for the people of Mulitaka to embrace the Authority and work together with its Board Members to resettle displaced families and rebuild essential infrastructure.

Enga Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka echoed similar sentiments, calling on all factions to restore peace and stability for the sake of rebuilding Mulitaka.

“Let us leave behind law-and-order problems and embrace the Government’s restoration initiative. The future of Mulitaka depends on unity.”

Afterwards, the newly appointed members of the Mulitaka Resettlement Authority Management Board were officially sworn in and signed their Oath of Office.

They were sworn by Senior Provincial Magistrate Aple’e Michael in pack crowd, witnessed by 19 newly elected Ward Members, Enga Provincial Administration officials, security forces (police and Defence), stakeholders and development partners.

Those sworn in include:

· Mr. Saki Ipata – Chairman, Mulitaka Resettlement Authority

· Mr. Sandis Tsaka – Provincial Administrator, Enga Province / Delegate

· Mr. Leo Philip – Secretary, DPLGA / Delegate

· Mr. Lusete Mann – Director, National Disaster Centre (Ex Officio)

· Mr. Jerry Maku – District Administrator, Porgera-Paiela (Ex Officio)

The swearing-in represents a significant step in establishing a functional leadership structure to guide and coordinate resettlement and restoration programs for affected communities in Maip-Mulitaka.