Flood-risk islands get top priority

Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea Post-Courier/PINA Nius Online) – Duke of York islanders in East New Britain affected by rising sea level have been placed on high priority by the provincial administration for resettlement.

Interim governor Ephraim Jubilee said a plantation had been bought in the North Baining area for the purpose of relocating five villages.

The villages consist of about 200 families or up to 1000 people.

This follows renewed calls by the islanders and several politicians from Kokopo, including member for Kokopo Sir Rabbie Namaliu and East new Britain Deputy governor Leo Dion, to resettle them due to the imminent danger of a tidal wave.

Leaders from communities living along the Kokopo road, such as Raluana, Raburua, Tavana, Valaur, Rapolo and Malaguna, have now also asked for resettlement.

These villagers, who inhabit the coastline of the Simpson harbor, are fearful of the foreboding limestone cliffs behind and the sea in front of them.

A local leader claimed they would be sitting ducks in the event of an earthquake which could set off a landslide or a huge wave.

“I wish to make it known that the East New Britain provincial government is aware of the dangers that the Duke of York islanders face and has already made a decision to acquire land for their resettlement,” Mr. Jubilee said.

The Duke of York islanders are a priority at this stage because of immediate danger that faces the islands. The government has reacted by immediately arranging for the supply of tents, mosquito nets and food supplies for those people who have lost their homes and acquisition of plantations for their long term relocation.

Other villagers in the danger zones on the mainland Gazelle Peninsula will be resettled as land becomes available.

He said the provincial administration had been for negotiating acquisition of land for the past few months and had so far secured the 200 hectares Tovanakus plantation in Lassul Baining.

He said the administration was negotiating to buy extra land for the rest of the Duke of York villagers who were at risk from tsunamis or sea encroachment.

The call by Duke of York leaders to acquire land within the Kokopo District is not possible at this stage but the provincial government has a responsibility to look after its people and it aims to do this by acquiring land elsewhere in the province, he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jubilee called on leaders, especially councilors, to continue to initiate moves of self-reliance.

Try to look after yourselves first before you call the government. Damage must be reported to the provincial disaster committee and the administration to attend to the people’s plight, which we are doing right now.

He said it was because of the people’s positive attitude that East New Britain had been able to progress despite its natural problems.