The elections, organised by the Environment and Rural Development Foundation (ERuDeF) in Lewoh, August 2016, came up on the heels of protracted problems that have been plaguing the Cooperative.
There was thus the need for fresh elections to revitalize LeWoCoS and use the Cooperative in implementing the Mondia whitei project as well as enhance the development of the Lewoh village through promotion of income generating activities.
As such, nine women were elected with Mrs. Helen Fotaw as President. The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Project Coordinator for ERuDeF, Mrs. Lea Kemnene called on the new executives to be committed in bringing together more women, revamping the Cooperative and in ensuring transparency and accountability for the growth of LeWoCoS in particular and Lewoh community in general.
The executives promised to make development their main priority and to work in solidarity for the common interest of the group.
LeWoCoS was created about two decades ago to improve on the living standards of its members. But for the last five years, it has not been active. After many consultation meetings, ERuDeF realised some irregularities with the management style. There were high level of unaccountability, lack of communication and transparency. The members unanimously accepted that elections be conducted.
With the new executives in place, it is hoped that things will change for the better.
It is worth mentioning that revamping LeWoCos is in line with the project supported by Rainforest Trust, USA
By Lea Kemnene
