Anglimp LLG should remain a part of WHP

Letters, Normal

I support Komun Kange’s letter “Vital to get the grassroots view” (Oct 27).
The writer raised an important point in the light of the proposed new boundary for Jiwaka province.
The electorate that will be affected the most in the creation of new province is Anglimp-South Waghi.
No one talked about how the new boundary would be drawn, especially concerning Anglimp-South Waghi.
Unlike the two other Jiwaka electorates of Jimi and North Waghi, which have predominantly Jiwaka-speaking constituents, Anglimp-South Waghi comprises of two distinct groups, one the Anglimp LLG group which comprise of about 50% of the population who speak predominantly the Melpa language, and the other, the South Waghi LLG group which makes up the other 50% and speak in the Jiwaka language.
There are two scenarios here and they are either the whole of Anglimp-South Waghi electorate will form part of the new province or the new boundary will split the current electorate into two with Anglimp LLG remaining with WHP while South Waghi LLG will form part of Jiwaka province.
Whatever that arrangement will be, it is necessary for the people who will be affected to be consulted through a sanctioned forum as suggested by Komun Kange because the people must decide for themselves their destiny and they will have to live with the consequences of their decision.
It is better that way than somebody else making that decision.
I support the view that Anglimp LLG should be part of WHP as the constituents are culturally and linguistically the same as the rest of WHP.
The people will feel isolated and marginalised if they become part of Jiwaka.
I also suggest that if Anglimp LLG remains with WHP, then it should also have its own electorate strictly defined by the current LLG political and administrative boundary because the population is big enough to warrant a separate electorate.
In addition, the authorities should also look at preparing the Anglimp LLG in terms of capacity building for a separate electorate by 2012 along the same lines as the new provinces.
It would be proper that funds for the Anglimp-South Waghi be split between the two sub-districts of Anglimp and South Waghi so that Anglimp LLG can use its share of the funds to build its capacity in readiness for taking on its new electorate or district status by 2012. I urge the relevant authorities to give these concerns and suggestions due consideration.

 

Pinkaimelg Kange
Port Moresby