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Leaders: Stop road link-up
By JULIA DAIA-BORE
A PETITION, by the people of Vanimo
addressed to their provincial Governor Carlos Yuni, has called for an
immediate stop to any moves to open the Border Post of Wutung and the
Vanimo to Jayapura road.
The petition by the Sandaun Ministers’ Fraternal compromised of
ministers, priests and pastors of all Christian churches in Vanimo town
said they wanted an “immediate stop to the moves to open up the road
until all constructive measures were taken to safeguard the people from
physical and spiritual destruction”.
“Our assessment of current physical and spiritual development proved
that Vanimo town community, east and west coast villages are not ready
for the opening,” the leaders said in the petition.
“Therefore, as our provincial governor, listen to our petition and act
on it for the good of your people.”
With their petition they submitted recommendations that included better
control and surveillance work on the border and upgrading of the Vanimo
General Hospital to a third-grade status to better cope with the
increased flow of people into the province and the possible influx of
diseases.
The church leaders said their people, who are Christians, may have
conflicts with their religion when they make contact with the Indonesian
side, who practise Islam.
They were particularly fearful that the free flow of trade and movements
brought about with the road link-up to Indonesia would increase health
problems, including being opened to diseases such as avian influenza
(bird flu) and SARS, and the possible influx of other diseases.
“Vanimo General Hospital, at current level is not prepared for the
influx of population into Vanimo and the surrounding settlements,” the
leaders said.
“When the Border Post and the Vanimo to Jayapura road is opened, there
will be an increase in social problems and already statistics revealed
such illegal materials smuggled in included; penis enlarger injection
syrum, soap for female sex enhancer, Spanish fly-female sex enhancer
drug, pornographic CDs and material and illicit drugs, to name a few.”
 
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