M’buke islanders begin clean-up

A village clean-up has commenced on Mbuke island in Manus following massive winds that caused havoc , damaging houses on May 5.

Clean up of houses started on Tuesday, 10 days after the winds hit and will continue.

The exercise was out off to allow the Provincial Disaster Team to carry out it's assessment of damages.

Ward Councillor Tapas Selarn Kaluwin told this newsroom a dedication service to a new Mbuke was conducted on Tuesday evening.

He said the service was to put the disaster behind them and move forward with a focus on recovery.

Manus MP and Parliament Speaker Job Pomat visited the island in Tuesday to see first hand the extent of damages.

Meantime, there will be a District Development Meeting expected this Friday in Lorengau.

The recovery of the islanders will be among the agenda during the meet and whilst relief supplies have been delivered to the island by the Provincial Disaster Team, the support from other villages in Manus to the islanders have been overwhelming.

Extended families from other villages have travelled to the island with food items, however, classes at the primary school remains suspended.

 

Pictures credit: Tatut Partillias

Author: 
Sally Pokiton