Ex-inmate forms firm

By MALLISON TAIME

AN ex-prisoner from Jiwaka Province realised the error of his ways, formed a building construction company and won his first contract worth K90,000.
And he has engaged vocational training students to give them practical training.
Simon Pengie, 34, comes from Warakar village in North Wahgi District of Jiwaka. He is managing director of Komsek Builders Ltd, which he has formed and had it registered with Investment Promotion Authority (IPA). He received the company’s certificate of incorporation on April 6.
“Komsek” stands for Kombulno and Sekaka, the two major tribes of Warakar village.
Mr Pengie has called on the Jiwaka Provincial Government to support technical vocational training by allocating funds to schools in the province to educate and help build the province.
“Without the input of technical people this province will stand still and not progress. Technical people play a vital role in development,” Mr Pengie said.
The company won a first K90,000 contract recently and has engaged students from Fatima Technical Vocational Education Training centre to do their practical training as there are no funds available to employ carpenters.
Mr Pengie completed his studies at Fatima Vocational Centre in 1991 and received his carpentry certificate. He is also the President of Jiwaka Ex-Prisoners Association.
He said many prisoners deserved to be punished but after serving their term, it was up to them to grasp whatever opportunities come their way to help themselves become good citizens.