The people of Aitape-Lumi District show their appreciation for the government with great celebration at the opening of the District Treasury office yesterday.

More than 300 people had gathered to witness the opening of the District's Treasury office. Although the good weather wasn't promising, the people attended with enthusiasm.

Among those important delegates who attended were Hon. Bart Philemon, the Minister for Finance and Treasury, Sandaun Governor Carlos Yuni and his Deputy, Member for Nuku Andrew Kumbakor, Provincial Administrator Joe Sungi and others representing the National and Provincial Treasury and Government offices, with the general public. Also present were the radio crew of FM-100, along with announcer Roger Haufa.

During Mr. Philemon's keynote address as Minister for Finance and Treasury, he asked the people of Aitape-Lumi to take ownership of the new facility, and to be responsible in having respect and taking care of it.

"I want to see that those in authority within the district office, provide the services to the people because, the people of Aitape-Lumi deserve it. I also ask that the people of this district take ownership in this new district treasury office and look after it well," remarked Mr. Philemon.

He also added that the district was the 39th within the country to have a District Treasury office opened, 37 other districts nationwide have already been opened and 52 more are still to complete.

The minister and his delegation will travel to Nuku on Thursday (30/03/06) for the opening of their district treausury office and then to Lumi on Friday for the opening of a new BSP Agent office.