BY JOSES SAREN
The Member of Parliament for Hograno-Kia-Havulei Constituency (HKHC), Isabel province, Jeremiah Manele handed over two brand-new three-tonne trucks to the inland communities of Johitori and Alualu on Thursday, July 9.
According to a statement from MRD, the trucks were funded under the National Transport Fund (NTF) through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), and was endorsed by the HKHC Office and its MP.
The handover ceremonies were held at Johitori in Susubona and Alualu in Kaevanga, both farming areas within the Hograno ward, the statement said.
Manele said the vehicles are more than just transport.
“These new vehicles are tools to improve livelihoods, ensuring that agricultural produce reaches the market reliably to boost local economic growth and food security,” he said.
He said the trucks will help remote communities reach essential services, medical care and economic opportunities more easily, calling it part of the constituency’s commitment to inclusive development.
Manele said transport projects remain a priority under the HKH Constituency Development Plan for 2025–2026, approved by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).
He urges the two communities to look after the vehicles and find ways to earn income to keep them running long-term, and reminded recipients that CDF funds are now managed under the CDF Act 2023.
“Things are no longer as they were in the past, when funds were not properly managed and accounted for. The new law governs the use of CDF, and I call on all recipients to take care of projects funded under CDF or any other government agency,” he said.
Speaking for Johitori community, Letiara Aron thanked Manele for his leadership.
“This truck is more than a vehicle. It is a tool for development, a symbol of progress, and an investment in our future,” Aron said, adding that it will help move farm produce and building materials, and support church and school activities.
At Alualu, teacher Maja Gnokro spoke for the women and children, describing years of struggling to move church members, sick patients and schoolchildren without reliable transport.
“Today, history has been made. This is the first time our community has ever received such a vehicle,” Gnokro said.
HKHC Constituency Development Officer Apollos Manegere acknowledged the Ministry of Infrastructure Development for funding the trucks and MRD for approving the 2025–2026 development plans.
He said the constituency has also supported Havulei with one boat, and Kia and Katova wards with two boats each, for transport and seaweed projects under the NTF.
“As a community, we recognise that development comes with responsibility. We commit to working together to ensure this vehicle is properly managed, maintained, and used for the benefit of all our people,” Manegere said.
MRD congratulated the communities and urged them to look after their new assets for long-term benefit.
The ceremonies were attended by chiefs, Constituency Development Committee members, church leaders, elders, women, youth and children.
Photo credit: MRD
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