Residents of Lababia Village in Ward 7 of Salamaua Local Level Government (LLG) in Morobe Province, are now benefiting from newly installed solar streetlights, following an official ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Jason Peter, Member for Huon Gulf and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion.

The solar lighting project was funded through the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (HGD-DDA) under the government’s Bottom-Up Planning (BUP) initiative.

Through this program, each of the 65 ward councillors in Huon Gulf District receives K100, 000 to implement priority development projects in their communities.

For Lababia Ward 7, the BUP allocation has been used to install solar streetlights and support maintenance of the local rural aid post, measures aimed at improving community safety and ensuring continued access to basic health services.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Peter announced that an additional K100, 000 has already been approved by the HGD-DDA for the construction of a new double classroom at Lababia Primary School.

Construction is expected to begin in early March 2026, providing improved learning facilities for local students.

The Minister also highlighted the District Community Development Church Partnership Program, through which the HGD-DDA funds 30 churches across the district.

Each selected church receives K5, 000 and, in turn, distributes support to 10 churches within its respective LLG to assist with maintenance, renovations and church activities.

The initiative which began in 2023, continues to support churches throughout Huon Gulf District.