Rai Coast District Development Authority

12/07/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝟐 𝐢𝐧 𝟏 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

SUIT VILLAGE, Rai Coast – 9 July 2026 – Member for Rai Coast and Minister for Labour and Employment, Hon. Kessy Sawang, MP, today officially opened a new 2-in-1 classroom at Jerome Memorial Primary School, a K50,000 project funded through the Rai Coast District Development Authority (RDDA).

The new classroom will provide a better learning environment for students while addressing the growing need for improved educational infrastructure in the community.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Rai Coast District Education Advisor and Education Manager, Mr. Lamang Bawon, called on young people and the wider community to play a more active role in supporting education.

He said that while parents often carry the responsibility for their children's education, the entire community should work together to ensure students have every opportunity to succeed.
"Mindsets need to change if we want our villages to change, and if we want Rai Coast to change," Mr. Bawon said.

He also acknowledged Hon. Sawang's commitment to education, describing it as the first time a Member for Rai Coast has provided educational support across all four Local Level Governments in the district.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Sawang said the future of Rai Coast depends on its students, stressing that education will remain her number one priority for as long as she serves as the district's Member of Parliament.

"Education is a partnership between the students, parents, the community, the village and the government," she said. "My responsibility is to ensure that government plays its part in giving our children the opportunity to learn."

Hon. Sawang noted that many schools across Rai Coast had remained closed for more than a decade, leaving an entire generation without access to formal education.

"When a school is closed for more than ten years, a whole generation goes uneducated. That is why we are investing heavily in education to ensure our children have a better future," she said.
She reminded the community that while natural resources may eventually be exhausted, human resources remain the district's greatest asset.

"Natural resources will finish one day, but human resources will remain forever. That is why I strongly believe education is the way forward for Rai Coast."

Hon. Sawang also commended the school community for making effective use of the K50,000 funding to construct the new classroom.

She announced that Jerome Memorial Primary School will receive an additional K400,000 in 2027 to support further infrastructure development, including improvements to learning facilities.

"I am pleased with what the school has achieved with the little that was provided. Because you have demonstrated accountability and commitment, I am happy to announce that the school will receive K400,000 next year for further development," she said.

The Member also urged residents to appreciate the challenges of delivering development across Rai Coast, noting that the district has a population of approximately 120,000 people spread across a vast and difficult geographical area.

"I ask for your understanding as we work to ensure every community receives government support. Rai Coast is a very big district, and we are committed to reaching all our people."

The opening of the new classroom forms part of the RDDA's ongoing investment in education infrastructure across Rai Coast, reflecting the district's vision that education is the foundation for long-term social and economic development.

08/07/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝟒-𝐢𝐧-𝟏 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

SAIDOR, Rai Coast District – 8 July 2026

Students at Saidor Primary School will now have access to a more conducive learning environment following the official opening of a new 4-in-1 classroom by Rai Coast MP and Minister for Labour and Employment, Hon. Kessy Sawang.

The new classroom, funded by the Rai Coast District Development Authority (RDDA) at a cost of K100,000, was officially opened today at Saidor Station. The project was undertaken to address classroom overcrowding and provide additional learning space for the growing student population at the school.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister Sawang expressed her appreciation to the teachers who had left their home provinces to serve in Rai Coast, acknowledging their commitment to educating and mentoring the district's future leaders.

She also thanked parents for their continued support of their children's education, emphasizing that educating the children of Rai Coast is a shared responsibility.

"The education of our children is a collective effort. It is a partnership between teachers, parents, students and the community. Together, we can build a brighter future for Rai Coast," Minister Sawang said.

Addressing the students, the Minister encouraged them to dream big and believe in their potential.

"One of you sitting here today could become the next pilot, lawyer, engineer, doctor or public servant. Never underestimate what education can do for your future."

Minister Sawang said while Rai Coast is blessed with natural resources, those resources will eventually be exhausted.
"We often look to the resources beneath our land to help ourselves and develop our district, but one day those resources will be gone. The greatest resource we can invest in is our people. An educated person becomes a lifelong resource who can contribute to their family, community and country for generations. That is why I continue to invest in education," she said.

Rai Coast Education Advisor and Manager, Mr. Lamang Bawon, stressed that educating children requires the commitment of the entire community.

"It takes a village to raise a new generation of educated people. We must all hold hands and take responsibility for our students so they can have a better future and eventually return to help develop Rai Coast," Mr. Bawon said.

The Headmaster of Saidor Primary School thanked Minister Sawang and the RDDA for responding to the school's request for additional classroom space.

He said overcrowding had become one of the school's biggest challenges, but the administration had continued enrolling students because they believed every child deserved the opportunity to receive an education.

"This new classroom will significantly ease overcrowding and create a better learning environment for our students. We are grateful that Minister Sawang listened to our appeal and delivered on her commitment to education," the Headmaster said.

The completion of the new 4-in-1 classroom reflects the RDDA's continued investment in improving education infrastructure across Rai Coast District, ensuring that more children have access to quality education and opportunities to reach their full potential.

07/07/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝟐 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬, 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

GUMOSE VILLAGE, Rai Coast District – 7 July 2026

Rai Coast MP and Minister for Labour and Employment Hon. Kessy Sawang has praised the people of Gumbarambi Village for taking ownership of their children's education by constructing a new administration building and two staff houses for Gumose Community School through their own efforts.

Minister Sawang travelled to the remote village today to officially open the new school facilities and presented a cheque for K100,000 to assist with the continued development of the school.

The visit marked a significant milestone for the community, with local leaders acknowledging that Minister Sawang is the first sitting Member of Parliament to visit Gumbarambi Village.

Speaking on behalf of the ward councillors, the Ward Councillors' Representative thanked Minister Sawang for her continued support towards education in the area and for making the journey into one of Rai Coast's most remote communities. He also highlighted several development priorities that the community hopes to address with the Minister's support.

Representing the teachers, the school's Senior Female Teacher expressed heartfelt appreciation to Minister Sawang for accepting their invitation and visiting the school despite its remoteness.
She said the teachers had waited a long time for the opportunity to personally thank the Minister for introducing subsidised flights into Gumbarambi, which have significantly improved access to the area and eased the hardships teachers have faced over many years.
She also outlined the school's remaining needs and appealed to the Minister to continue supporting the development of Gumose Community School.

District Education Manager Mr. Lamang Bawon encouraged students to value the opportunities now available to them.
He reminded students that previous generations had travelled long distances on foot to attend school, whereas today's students have the privilege of having a school within their own community.

Mr. Bawon stressed that students can only succeed when parents and the wider community stand behind them, urging everyone to work together in supporting children's education.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Sawang thanked the people of Gumbarambi Village, the school board, teachers, students and the community for the warm and memorable welcome they extended to her delegation.

She acknowledged the unique geographical challenges of delivering government services across Rai Coast District, noting that the district stretches across islands, coastal communities, mountain ranges and remote valleys.

Minister Sawang paid special tribute to the teachers who have travelled from other provinces to serve in one of the district's most isolated schools, recognising their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring children continue to receive an education.

She called on the community to continue working together to maintain the school, protect its facilities and support students throughout their education journey.

"Education is the way forward for Rai Coast. When every child is given the opportunity to go to school, mindsets change, people change and communities change," Minister Sawang said.
Speaking directly to the students, she encouraged them to dream beyond the boundaries of their village.

"As you sit here today, any one of you can become a pilot, a lawyer, a doctor or even the Prime Minister one day. Never let where you come from determine where you can go."

Minister Sawang commended the people of Gumbarambi for taking the initiative to build the administration building and library themselves instead of waiting for government funding.

She described their community-driven approach as an example of true partnership in development, before presenting the K100,000 cheque to support the next phase of infrastructure development at Gumose Community School.

The funding forms part of the Rai Coast District Development Authority's continued commitment to strengthening education infrastructure throughout the district under Minister Sawang's vision that "Education bai senisim Rai Coast."

07/07/2026

https://www.postcourier.com.pg/more-than-600-rai-coast-students-to-benefit-from-new-classroom-at-tapen-primary/

More than 600 students from Tapen Village and surrounding communities will now have access to a safer and more conducive learning environment following the opening of a new four-in-one classroom at Tapen Primary School.

06/07/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝟒-𝐢𝐧-𝟏 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

Tapen Village, Nayudo LLG, Rai Coast District – 6 July 2026

The people of Tapen Village in Nayudo LLG celebrated a significant milestone on Monday as Member for Rai Coast and Minister for Labour and Employment, Hon. Kessy Sawang, officially opened a new 4-in-1 classroom at Tapen Primary School.

The new classroom facility, funded through the Rai Coast District Development Authority (RDDA), is expected to greatly improve learning conditions for more than 600 students from Tapen and surrounding communities.

During the ceremony, the Women's Representative of Tapen thanked Minister Sawang for the recognition and support she has given to the women of Tapen and Nayudo LLG. She also reaffirmed the women's commitment to supporting the Minister in her ongoing work and development initiatives throughout the district.

Tapen Primary School Headmaster, Mr. Kimos, expressed his appreciation to Minister Sawang and the RDDA for delivering the much-needed classroom infrastructure.

"The new classroom will greatly benefit our students and provide a better learning environment for over 600 children from Tapen and neighbouring villages," he said.

President of Nayudo LLG, Mr. Fosne Buro, acknowledged the efforts of ward councillors and thanked Minister Sawang for delivering such an important project in one of the district's most remote locations.

He also noted that the Minister's visit marked a historic occasion, being the first time, a sitting Member of Parliament had travelled to Tapen Village.

In her address, Minister Sawang thanked the people of Tapen for the welcome they had given her and her delegation.

She encouraged students to remain focused on their education, saying that education remains the pathway to a brighter future.

"I had it tougher growing up. I used firelight to study, while children today have access to torches and solar lights," she said.

"If I can come from the same kind of village and become a State Minister, then nothing is impossible for any of you."

The Minister urged students to work hard and believe in their potential, emphasizing that determination and education can change lives.

She also commended Dan Builders for their dedication and perseverance in completing the project despite the challenging conditions and difficult terrain.

The opening of the new 4-in-1 classroom reflects RDDA's continued commitment to investing in education infrastructure across Rai Coast District under Minister Sawang’s vision that "Education Bai Senisim Rai Coast" (Education Will Change Rai Coast).

05/07/2026

📢 PROJECT LAUNCHING – RAI COAST DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 📢

The Rai Coast District Development Authority (RDDA), under the leadership of Hon. Kessy Sawang, MP, Member for Rai Coast and Minister for Labour & Employment, is pleased to announce the official launching of several key education and administration infrastructure projects across the district.

🏫 Project Launch Schedule

📍 6 July 2026 – Tapen Primary School
✅ 4-in-1 Classroom (Nayudo LLG)

📍 7 July 2026 – Gumose Community School
✅ School Administration Building & Library (Nahu Rawa LLG)

📍 8 July 2026 – Saidor Primary School
✅ 4-in-1 Classroom and District Administrator’s New House (Saidor LLG)

📍 9 July 2026 – Jerome Primary School
✅ Double Classroom (Saidor LLG)

📍 10 July 2026 – Mebu Primary School
✅ New Classroom (Saidor LLG)

16/06/2026

📢 THE LAUNCHING OF 84 WARDS COOPERATIVE IN RAI COAST DISTRICT

The Rai Coast District Development Authority is pleased to announce the launch of the 84 Wards Cooperative in Rai Coast District, facilitated by the Cooperative Societies of PNG and Namani Lawyers.

📍 Venue: Madang Resort, Conference Room
📅 Date: 22nd June 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM

🎉 Program to be launched by:
Hon. Kessy Sawang, MP
Member for Rai Coast
Minister for Labour & Employment

This initiative marks an important step towards empowering communities, promoting economic participation, and strengthening cooperative development across the 84 wards of Rai Coast District.

18/05/2026

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄

𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹

Construction work on the new Saidor Police Station is progressing steadily, with the foundation now completed and brick walls already standing. The next phase of the project will focus on roofing works as the building continues to take shape.

The Rai Coast District Development Authority (RDDA) remains fully committed to completing this important infrastructure project, which represents another major step in strengthening law and order in Rai Coast District. Once completed, the new police station will support police operations and contribute to the ongoing fight against crime while improving safety and security for communities across the district.

12/05/2026

𝐒𝐈𝐋 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞

The people of Rai Coast District witnessed a significant moment yesterday as a plane from Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) PNG successfully landed at Saidor Airstrip for the first time in months following the reopening of the airstrip.

The reopening was made possible through a clean up initiative organized by the Rai Coast District Development Authority (RDDA), which worked to clear and restore the Saidor Airstrip at Saidor Station in Rai Coast District, Madang Province.

For several months, the airstrip had remained closed, limiting air access into the district and affecting essential services and movement of people. Recognizing the importance of aviation services to the remote district, RDDA organized the clean up to ensure the runway was safe and operational once again.

The first aircraft to touch down on the restored airstrip was an SIL plane carrying out mission work in the district, an essential part in the development of Rai Coast.

Air transport remains a vital lifeline for many communities across Rai Coast, where difficult terrain and limited road access make air travel one of the most reliable means of transportation. The reopening of the airstrip is expected to greatly assist ongoing development activities, delivery of services, and mission outreach programs within the district.

Community members welcomed the successful landing as a positive sign of progress and a restoration of an important service that supports the daily lives of people throughout the Rai Coast District.

29/04/2026

𝐁𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝟒-𝐢𝐧-𝟏 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬

Bugati High School in Bugati Village, Rai Coast District, has officially opened its new 4-in-1 classroom, signalling a significant milestone in the school’s rapid development and its journey toward becoming a fully recognized secondary institution.

The high school is part of a broader effort to ease the growing student population at Raikos Secondary School, the district’s only long-standing secondary institution since 1983. As Bugati High School continues to expand, it is working to meet all requirements for secondary school status while supporting access to education across Rai Coast.

The project also reflects the vision of Rai Coast MP, Hon. Kessy Sawang, who has consistently emphasized that education is key to transforming the district.

Speaking at the opening, Hon. Sawang expressed her appreciation to Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra, for attending the ceremony and supporting the initiative. She also commended the students and the local community for their collaboration with the contractor to complete the classroom facility. The MP highlighted the school’s remarkable progress, noting that Bugati High School developed from an empty field into a functioning institution in just 28 months.

Hon. Sawang described the school as a partnership between the Rai Coast District Development Authority (RDDA), the Department of Education, and the students themselves. She reaffirmed that while RDDA and the Department will continue to fund and support the school, it is up to the students to take advantage of these opportunities to shape their futures.

She further acknowledged the people of Bugati for making land available for the school, especially in a district where land disputes often delay development projects.

“Education will change Rai Coast,” she reaffirmed
Dr. Uke Kombra, Secretary for Education, also addressed the gathering, thanking the Member and the RDDA for inviting him and giving him the honour of officially opening the new 4 in 1 classroom.

He echoed the MP’s vision, agreeing that education is the foundation for meaningful development not only in Rai Coast but across Papua New Guinea. Dr. Kombra emphasized that education adds value to individuals, enabling them to pursue careers such as pilots, engineers, and other professions.

He noted that Bugati High School is on the right path and will attain secondary status once it fulfils all necessary requirements.

The opening of the new 4-in-1 classroom stands as a symbol of progress and partnership, reinforcing the shared commitment to improving education and creating opportunities for the young people of Rai Coast.