By NOEL BERRY
Warring tribes in Wabag, Enga province were warned to stop fighting and start rebuilding their communities.
Foreign Affairs Minister and Member for Wabag Sam Abal warned that if the fighting continues in 2008, his government would not bring in developments to Wabag because these vital goods and services would not last long.
Speaking at the 8th Grade 8 graduation at Birip primary school between Wapenamanda and Wabag last week, Mr Abal said: “You people decide whether you want to continue fight and killing fellow men and women and make your people become refugees or get vital basic goods and services.”
He said the government will not blindly fund projects as past tribal wars resulted in destruction of projects worth millions of kina to the state and church organisations like schools and aid posts.
Mr Abal also pledged support to police to clamp down on tribal fighting.
He said plans were already in place to use agriculture to rebuild communities in the area.
Acting Provincial Police Commander, Snr Inspector Albert Beli said police were already deployed in Rakamanda, were there is intense fighting between the Peli and the Lower Tsan tribesman.