Wariman Livestock Revival Sparks Hope and Jobs in East Sepik

A once-abandoned livestock station in East Sepik Province is now breathing new life into the community, bringing jobs and renewed optimism to locals. The Wariman Livestock Station in Wewak, dormant for over three decades, is undergoing a major transformation that many say is reshaping livelihoods across nearby villages.

Source: The National

Since its re-opening in December 2024, the station has become a symbol of progress. Backed by the Livestock Development Corporation (LDC) through government-funded revitalisation efforts, the facility is steadily regaining its purpose. What was once dismissed as a relic of the past is now emerging as a pillar for cattle development and the broader livestock industry.

Among those directly benefiting from the revival is 43-year-old James Weima, who works as a security guard at the station. Originally from East Yangoru, Weima and his family relocated to Mengar village on the coast in search of better opportunities. Life there was difficult, with limited land for farming and few prospects to support a large household. But the rebirth of the Wariman Station has changed that reality.

Weima says the project has opened doors that many thought would never exist. For him and others in similar situations, it’s more than just a job—it’s a second chance. “This development is changing the mindset of locals,” he said, adding that the presence of steady employment has given many families a new sense of purpose and direction.

The impact has been especially strong among the youth, many of whom had never seen meaningful government intervention in their lives. Weima believes the opportunities provided by the LDC have been nothing short of transformational, describing it as a “game-changer” for young people eager to build a future.

He finds it heartwarming to see his community involved in something that is visibly making a difference. Watching real change unfold, he says, has inspired confidence that once the revitalisation is complete, the station will become a lasting source of employment and pride for the people of Wariman.