Anglimp to be part of WHP

THE Anglimp constituency in the Anglimp-South Waghi electorate of Jiwaka will become an electorate of its own and a part of Western Highlands at end of this year, Treasurer Don Polye says.
Polye’s announcement was a balm for the more than 60,000 people of the Anglimp LLG who had been fighting to remain part of Western Highlands.
The people had even taken the matter to court and blamed two leaders – John Kundi and Michael Mel – for not consulting them in agreeing with the Boundaries Commission to establish the border at Waghi Bridge when it should be at the River Ruman.
But Treasury and Finance Minister Don Polye assured the people last Saturday they would have a separate electorate and be part of Western Highlands at 3 Kona, Wurup, in Anglimp, at the launching of the Hagen South Students Association  .
Polye said the people of Anglimp would vote in Jiwaka in this coming election to elect a new governor before becoming an electorate at end of this year.
The news sparked excitement and celebrations.
Polye said he was among those who had decided that Hela and Jiwaka become two separate provinces, but he had not known that Anglimp had become part of Jiwaka.
He said the people of Anglimp were Western Highlanders or “Melpas” because they had the same language, customs and should not be classed as part of Jiwaka.
 “Yes I understand that the boundary commission has divided the province according to the electorates like Anglimp-South Waghi, Jimi and North Wahgi which becomes part of Jiwaka but it was a rush without proper consultation,” he said.
“The people have the final word and they want to remain part of Western Highlands so let it be like this,” Polye said.
He said he would discuss the matter with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah, Petroleum and Energy Minister William Duma and Health Minister and Local MP Jamie Maxtone-Graham.
Polye said he was to be blamed for this because what had been done was not proper.
 “How the boundary commission does it, it has to do it, because people are very important and majority always rules,” he said.