Caritas PNG have voiced their concerns on a number of life threatening issues affecting more than 2,000 people on the atolls of Carteret Island.
In a statement, the Caritas Diocesan Development Secretaries pointed out the lack of support from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Government and PNG to fund the relocation plans negotiated since 2006.
“We cannot continue to ignore the risks families face daily. Food is scarce as tides frequent the shores and inland of island, destroying staple food crops such as banana and swamp taro, fruit trees and vegetables.
“Since the 1970s families have been surviving on coconut and fish mainly.
“With the small support of eight families who have already relocated to Tinputz District in 2006, some garden food are transported to feed the remaining families on the island. However, this is not practical with the high cost of fuel and irregular harvests.
“Although the administration of AROB promised to do quarter food relief, this has not been reliable and promise not kept. More than 200 students on the islands are not attending regular classes due to food concerns and inability of the community to retain quality teachers to serve the island communities.”
Caritas further said the Diocese of Bougainville responded and allocated 300 hectares of land to settle Carteret Islanders.
“With support from international community, eight semi-permanent houses were built and accommodated eight families whilst two houses remain incomplete.
“No one is following up on this issue to ensure the relocation plan is successful. Hence we call upon the Government of Bougainville to remain true to its promise and support Carteret Islanders.”
The PNG and Bougainville governments have been urged to fulfill the following;
- Build classrooms for more than 200 students in Tinputz
- Shelter – building materials for families who will relocate
- Transport support to ensure families are relocated
- Food ration and clean water start up ration in the months leading to relocation
- Partnership with Church provide socio-psycho support for loss of cultural identity, land etc.
(Picture: The Carteret Islands Project - WordPress.com)