Eminent person sought to chair Manam Restoration Authority

Madang Governor Jim Kas has clarified that an eminent person from Papua New Guinea with no political affiliations will be appointed chairman of the new Manam Restoration Authority

The Madang Governor told media personnel in Madang after the Parliament passed the Manam Restoration Bill on March 31.

Governor Kas further stated that the Madang Provincial Executive Council would suggest a name to the National Executive Council for somebody from PNG with high regard and influence to head the new MRA.

He added that that person to chair MRA would be somebody that is influential with high respect so that he could influence outside sources for funding assistance to the authority. The MRA would be run in a similar manner to the Gazelle Restoration Authority in East New Britain。

He said the MRA establishment would pave way for more financial assistance from the National Government pouring into Madang to the tune of billions of Kina。

Kas stated that when the Manam Restoration Bill was passed recommendations were also made to the National Government for funding of the Manam Restoration Authority。

The Governor last week visited Baliau village on Manam Island where he took time to explain to the people about the recently passed Bill.

The Madang Governor also thanked the Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill and the former Chief Secretary of Government Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc for their understanding and consideration in allowing the MRA Bill to be passed eventually.

Kas thanked the host communities in Bogia and Sumkar district on the mainland for putting up thanked the host communities  for putting up with over 20,000 displaced Manam islanders since the volcanic eruption in 2004。

He said politicians had mishandled the Manam issue, because the issue from 2004 to 2012, has not been settled.

He said since he took office as governor he made the Manam Issue as his priority and had tackled the issue head on to eventually lead to the Manam Resettlement Bill being passed

Governor Kas said although the Manam resettlement legislation bill was passed by Parliament on March 31, 2016, it would take four to five years for the people of Manam island to be resettled at Andurum

He said as the government they would have to work towards establishing the infrastructure at Andarum to cater for education, health and other facilities in order for the gradual transition and the resettlement of the islanders.

Kas said it endeavours to see individual families from Manam have land title with them when they go to settle at Andarum so that their livelihood is well taken care of there.

 

Picture: Madang Governor Jim Kas (left) with an investor in Madang.

 

Author: 
James G.Kila