The people from the border maritime in Madang are demanding answers as to why three vessels purchased by the National Government costing millions of Kina for the Boarder Development Authority (BDA) currently sitting idle in the Madang Harbour.
The three vessels, Mv Andreas, Mv Manus Atolls and Mv Muntai have been sitting idle for more than three years at a landing facility past the main Madang wharf leading into Binnen Harbour.
The three landing crafts purchased by the Government were launched with pomp and ceremony raising high hopes for disadvantaged people in remote island communities。 There was much media publicity following the launching and the maiden trips by these vessels to the places where they were designated to service.
Unfortunately, today these vessels sit idle at Madang Harbour and are rusting away.
Two teachers from Hermit Island in remote outer islands in Western Manus, George Tapo and Philip N’drihin who were in Madang last weekend raised serious concerns after noticing the vessel MV Manus Atolls lying idle.
“Our people in Hermit live far from main Manus island, and we were so happy when MV Manus Atolls was purchased and made its maiden voyage to our island,
“There was celebrations and colourful speeches given during the arrival of the landing craft to our place some three years ago,” N’drihin said.
“As taxpayers we are now questioning authorities in government what’s the problem?”
“Our people are now denied shipping services by the Government and continue to risk their lives travelling high seas through rough and stormy weather to access government services in Manus,” N’drihin said.
Picture: BDA vessels MV Andreas, MV Manus Atolls and MV Muntai lie idle in Madang harbour.