After years of close monitoring and research by a group of anthologists in Enga Province, they have finally seen their vision for an amphitheatre turn into reality.
The amphitheatre will be funded on a Kina for Kina basis between Enga Provincial Government and the Australian government, which will be used to conduct village courts, and other cultural and contemporary activities.
Since 2004, Professor Polly Weissner, Aki Tumu, Enga Cultural Centre Director, and Nitze Pupu conducted a research on law and order, to understand tribal fights in the province since 1990, and its recent development towards peace.
The research also focuses on current issues that lead to social problems and conflicts in Enga province.
This has identified the need to have a proper building for the Village Courts to conduct and resolve issues, through the customary law. This also falls in line with the ‘Operation Mekim Save’ project, that aims to solve 90 percent of serious conflicts in the province.
Village magistrates were complaining of working in the open area under the sun and rain, and having to move from one location to another, which was taken on board by the Enga Provincial Government.
The amphitheatre will be funded on a Kina for Kina basis between the Enga Provincial Government and the Australian government.
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Bruce Davis, says the funding will be for a worthy cause and said to continue the relationship with Enga Province and Governor Sir Peter Ipatas.
A delegation of state ministers, Australian High Commission officials, and tourists witnessed the ground breaking ceremony at the Enga Cultural Centre in Wabag town over the weekend.
By Vasinatta Yama – EMTV News, Mt Hagen
