The Tumbawinlam Haus or Nimamar Council Chamber in Lihir was officially opened by incumbent New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan on Wednesday mid this week.
The event marks an end to a milestone achievement for the people of New Ireland and personally for Governor Sir Julius Chan who fulfilled his mission of establishing 10 Council Chambers across 10 LLG’s in a space of 12 months.
The bright orange colored Council Chamber is perched magnificently up on the Potzlaka Government station hill, making its presence known to all who travel into the Lihir Township.
Unlike the other Council Chambers the Tumbawinlam Haus was built in partnership with the Nimamar Council with counterpart funding of K1.2 million.
The name Tumbawinlam represents the six main clans on the Island.
First council sitting in the new building
The first Council sitting was chaired by President of Nimamar LLG, Stanely Tunut, with all 15 ward members present.
Sir J was invited to deliver his official address to the LLG Council.
“Today we witness a new birth and new dawn of Nimamar Council Chamber. The begining of a modern establishment of your local Government by the People, of the People and for the People. This chamber is not for show. It is a legacy project. It will remain beyond our time,” said Sir Julius.
Incumbent Governor, Sir Julius Chan standing infront of the new building with Ward members.
Sir Julius also urged Lihir mine developer Newcrest to give more back to the island communities. He reminded the executives that were present of the need for a ring road to be built around Lihir.
The next project I want to open when I return to Lihir is the ring road,” said Sir Julius.
“I’m not happy because the company is not a small company and it’s a big company. Every year I push for the same thing. If I get back into Government we will review the MOA and push for the ring road to be completed once and for all.
Festivities continued on into the late afternoon with food sharing and traditional song presentations.
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