Only The Beginning - Usino Bundi Electorate,Madang Papua New Guinea

Smart Mulitmedia - Madang by:Chris Seeto The Bundi Electorate is located in the mountain Peaks of the Madang Province and after 38 years of Independence the Bundi constituency and people have finally something to celebrate? 2013 has seen many first for this remote part of Madang province to receive much needed services and acknowledgement that they now have a visible and caring elected member of parliament. On September 2013 the courts handed down its verdict that the Honourable Anton Yagama as the duly elected leader of Usino Bundi electorate, ahead of businessman Peter Yama. Upon the court’s decision the member bulldozed the Idea to open the road to Bundi station and fast-track the idea to celebrate its First Independence. On the 13th of September a small delegation of Vehicles convoyed from Madang to Bundi with the honourable member. From end to end and through very dangerous cliffs, rugged terrain, steep mountain climbs, dangerous curves and river crossings the Delegation pressed on to legitimately officiate this first momentous occasion for the district. It is approximately two and half hours’ drive from Madang to Bundi station and an undertaking that was much appreciated by the delegation who observed the hardship the people of the electorate faced every day. As we drove through the terrain passing people walking this treacherous trail to take part in the celebrations and at Intervals welcoming parties’ staged sing sings to rejoice there parliamentary leaders arrival. One cannot but sense the societies’ long awaited plight at the same time delight and joyfulness in one of its sons bringing much needed development. No Bus or Truck for that matter has ever had road excess to Bundi station and the much needed service required by the people has been nonexistent. One cannot but feel the people’s plight and cries for basic services. In 1958 the Catholic Mission built the station with the help of the people. The mission station is made up of a school, hospital, workshop, police station, hall and guest house that boost the entire amenities one requires. All this was built by labor from the people of the time and missionaries. Usino Bundi is a constituency made up of three local level governments. They are Usino, Bundi and Gama local level government. Usino Bundi district shares its common boundaries with Simbu Province and Western highlands Provinces. It is also one of the least developed districts in Madang province. One cannot comprehend what the past elected leaders have been doing and the funds allocated for the district been squandered, with no tangible change. 2013 will be accepted in Bundi history where the people for the first-time saw the opening of their road, saw the arrival of motor vehicles, celebrated Independence and received important delegation to their station. Significant Government representatives arrived via road as well as flew in by helicopter. The Honourable Anton Yagama member for Usino Bundi and his delegation drove via road, while the Honourable Governor of Madang Jim Kas and his Excellency Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio and officials arrived via three helicopters. This was a momentous and historic event for the people and the member for usino bundi could not have asked for any more significant result and endorsement than this day. After months of ongoing court battles, final triumph in the court and in the people’s heart was sweet victory for the member Mr. Yagama. All activities came to a standstill as a gesture of appreciation to those who stood by his side through thick and thin, he thanked them customarily. After speeches by dignitaries the sing sing groups and dance groups celebrated their first independence with joy rarely experience in our country. When the celebrations and drums stop beating and the dust settles. The people of Usino Bundi,walked back to their secluded hamlets,pondering the leadership that is bringing much awaited change,after 38 years of Independence. Across these plains, rivers and the mountainous terrain, one sees the challenges the member for Usino Bundi faces to deliver much expected service to his people. But the straight talking member, is not fazed by these tasks but has developed his five year plan and is pushing ahead. A son of the Gende People, Honourable Anton Yagama a product of the mission station of 1958 has been accepted by his people to lead for change.With the rich ramu plains and the mineral rich mountains of Madang Province,the Partnership from these resources will support Member Yagama to realise his development plans for the People of Usino,Bundi and Gama Districts.