Resettlement

Since the Manam Islanders' displacement in 2004, it has been noted that as the years had gone by, so much has changed, yet the struggles and challenges for the Manam Resettlement Authority (MaRA) remain the same.

It was an early start for the journalists as they head onto the North Coast Highway at 5 am in the morning, with MaRA chief executive officer, Richard Baia, chairman Dr. Boga Figa and other field officers.

An insightful power point presentation by the Board Chairman, Dr. Boga Figa, highlighted the journey of the Manam and Boisa Islanders since 2004.

The island was home to around 9,600 people who have been affected by volcanic eruptions and subsequent volcanic hazards, and as current statistics state, their population is steeply increasing as it stands at 20, 000 to date.

Ben Mambote, speaking on behalf of the islanders at Asuramba Care Centre said leaders in the past three parliaments had not seriously considered settling the islanders.

He said the population at the care centres are increasing since they were resettled from Manam Island following a volcanic eruption in 2004. He said because of the population increase, they are now facing land issues and lawlessness.

Mambote said they are now fighting with the locals at Asuramba and the best option is to resettlement, so they can stay on their own land and rebuild their lives.

This will be the first resettlement from within the city to the proposed site at ATS.

This will be followed by other occupants who are residing temporarily on other state lands.

He emphasised that the city development and expansion has little impact on the customary landowners.

Kaupa said the current arrangement is to ensure the traditional inhabitants, including the Motu-Koitabuans, do not just give away their land, which is an important asset.