Markham District

Three dead, one still missing in Matap landslide

Bodies of the three deceased have been recovered. However, the fourth, a grade 11 student at Markham Secondary School, is still missing and is believed to be buried under the debris. 

His mother and family have gathered at the disaster site, covered in mud as a sign of mourning, waiting as other villagers dig through the rubble of soil and debris to find the son. 

Villagers say the landslide hit twice, the first at midnight and the second at 5 am. 

Still suffering post-drought

More than 100 families of ward 20, in the Leron-Wantoat local level government, had no choice but to start searching for wild cassava that was growing in the bushes; a root vegetable that was normally fed to the pigs.

“Taim blo ren kam nau, mipla painim ol stik banana, painim ol samting lo planim lo nupla gaden,” said Pauline Wayaf. (When rain finally came, we looked for banana shoots and other food plants to plant in the new garden.)

Trukai aid Morobeans affected by drought

Representatives from Kukuc, Waritsian and Mamaringan were pleased to receive Trukai's timely donation.

Kukuc village leader, Michael Som sad, “Trukai will always be a part of our lives and a part of this country, it is through Trukai's quick intervention in places that need help that really demonstrates its strength as the only iconic brand in the country," said Som.

Trukai Industry Limited’s Marketing Manager, Maryanne Tom said that the company will continue to assist people during their time of need.

Iguan Leads After Count One

Box one, from ward 1, Leron-Wantoat, concluded with incumbent MP, Koni Iguan, starting out in front with 521 votes.

Iguan, who is a United Labour Party candidate, is followed by Gengewe Gangik on 247 votes, Maxwell Chiru with 31, Paul Ezekiel with 8 votes and Tom Francis with 5 votes.

Results for count 1 for regional are:

Safe drinking water for Markham

Natural hazards such as drought and the effects of climate change have caused challenges related to water and food insecurity in many rural communities in the province.

Internally Displaced Persons’ community in Ward 13 of Markham District now have access to safe and clean drinking water following the rehabilitation of boreholes in their community.

Funding for new Mutzing police station

Minister for National Planning, Richard Maru, presented a cheque of K500,000 to Member for Markham, Koni Iguan, while Markaham District will put forward K700,000 as its part of the counter-funding.

Present to witness the handover of the payment was Acting Secretary for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Koney Samuel, and his Executive Officer, Dennis Kulanawi.

Minister Maru said the Mutzing Police Station was a strategic asset given the history of numerous traffic accidents along the Highlands Highway, including the Morobe section of the highway.

VIDEO: Markham eliminations anticipated

Returning Officer Willie Pilailo said he was pleased with the progress which has taken place without any major disturbances.

 

Salome Vincent with more