Port project’s noise pollution a concern
By JASON SOM KAUT
SETTLERS at Lae’s Papua Compound have raised concerns over the potential long-term noise pollution that would affect them once the multi-million kina Lae Port redevelopment project was completed.
The extensions to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Lae Port is to help cater for the increasing cargo movement. The wharf will be extended by 180,000 square metres.
A freeway is also expected to be built from the wharf past the settlement to join with the highway at Six Mile to ease traffic jams.
This has troubled community leaders in the area, including Willie Manau, who fronted up at The National office to express their views.
“Since the extension will bring the port closer to us, we will be affected and we call on the working committee, the ADB and Labu landowners to give us the opportunity to be involved in the project…maybe through labour,” Mr Manau said.
Attempts to get authorities to address their concerns have been unsuccessful and this has prompted them to form an association which they believe will better represent their views and safeguard their views in the port project and other social concerns.
“If you disturb us, you should give us something,” Mr Manau said.
He said unlike the other settlers who came only recently, Papua Compound settlers have been residing there for more than 50 years and paying tax to the Government.
Mr Manau said it was unfair that only settlers from Maiwara, Sawdust and Maus Markham would be resettled and given proper accommodation.
He also said the council office and the Morobe provincial government are turning a blind eye on social problems in the area including a population boom that sees the land behind Papua Compound being filled with new settlements.
Port project authorities could not be contacted.
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