The Rai Coast District Development Authority (RDDA) successfully launched the district’s first-ever 84 Wards Cooperative initiative during a workshop that was held at the Madang Resort Conference Room, marking a significant milestone in empowering local communities through cooperative development.
The historic event was officially launched by Rai Coast MP and Minister for Labour and Employment Kessy Sawang and attended by all 84 Ward Councilors and four Local Level Government (LLG) Presidents from across the district.
The workshop commenced with Minister Sawang presenting her vision behind the Ward Cooperative initiative.
She outlined the importance of cooperatives as a vital platform for economic empowerment, community participation, and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Following the Minister’s address, Ms. Shirley Hirongopa, the Business Development Coordinator for the Momase Region within the Cooperative Societies Division of the Department of Commerce and Industry, spoke to the attendees.
She highlighted the critical role that cooperatives play in driving local economic growth and improving livelihoods within rural communities.
The program continued with an in-depth presentation on the Ward Cooperative platform and its legal framework, delivered by Mr. Hubert Namani and his team from Namani Lawyers.
Their session provided the councilors with a comprehensive understanding of the legal requirements, governance structures, and operational procedures necessary to successfully establish and manage cooperatives within their respective wards.
After the presentations, the four LLG Presidents shared their feedback and perspectives on the proposed cooperative framework.
This led into an interactive question-and-answer session, which allowed participants to seek clarification and gain deeper insights into the cooperative model.
The highlight of the day was the official launch of the Rai Coast 84 Wards Cooperative initiative by Hon. Kessy Sawang, who described the program as a transformative step toward strengthening community-driven economic development.
In her closing remarks during the evening session, Minister Sawang expressed her gratitude to the 84 Ward Councilors, the four LLG Presidents, representatives from the Department of Commerce and Industry, Namani Lawyers, and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the workshop.
As the first program of its kind in the Rai Coast District, this workshop has equipped ward leaders with a solid understanding of cooperative management and governance.
The RDDA remains confident that this foundational initiative will create new opportunities for economic participation, encourage collective ownership of local development projects, and significantly strengthen community-led growth across the region.
