For PNGDF Warrant Officer, Alois Kawage, owning a home has always been in the back of his mind.
In 2019, after Comrade Trustees Services Limited (CTSL) began offering housing advances to its members, Kawage inquired and found that he was eligible for K30,000 in housing advances.
As per the fund’s requirements, he sought out a tradesman to help him build and appropriate costs for a new 6 bedroom house in his village in Jiwaka – a massive undertaking after years of being in the service.
“The money was paid to suppliers. It wasn’t paid to me and I bought timbers and other materials. Transport costs me about K2000,” he said.
Alois Kawage is now 58. He joined the PNGDF in 1990 as a 25-year-old private and did 9 tours on Bougainville during the crisis. But he was always mindful that there is life after military service.
“It is a permnant house with six bedrooms. The aim is to maintain a standard of comfort when I leave military service.”
The initial stages of building his house were difficult.
He within the first two years, the K30,000 was depleted and he couldn’t get another advance unless, he repaid at least 50 percent of his savings.
“It was a challenge. I sacrificed. a portion of my salary was dedicated to the getting the house completed. Whenever I had allowances paid, I would pay for materials.
It took seven years before his house was complete.
“I am thankful to Steven Gerega from CTSL Lae for his support. I now have a 6 bedroom house and I am building an addition section beneath the house and adding 5 more rooms. This will cater for tourists or anyone who needs accommodation.
