Churches support the displaced

By PISAI GUMAR
WOMEN members of a Lutheran church parish in Lae, Morobe, have gone to the assistance of displaced highlanders camping outside the gate of the PNGDF Engineer Battalion at Igam Barracks.
The members of Wanbel (peace) parish at Tent City, whose area was a hot zone in the violence between the Morobeans and Highlanders three weeks ago, have donated food and clothing.
They were led by parish pastor, Londi Siawong, congregation chairman Joseph Guti and elder Isaac Tio, who was the last past Lutheran church secretary.
Most of the displaced, including children, are Lutherans. They had been visited by various church denominations.
A displaced man said yesterday he wanted to know whether the Morobe provincial government would compensate them for their loss or resettle or repatriate them.
Some of the displaced had lived in the Buma­yong area for more than 20 years and were married to locals at Nabak and Labuta in Nawaeb district.
Some said they had bought land portions from locals and settled by operating trade stores and bus services. 
They valued their losses at K1.9 million.
Their food rations are running out and they are appealing to companies for food and beddings and do not know if their local MPs and governors will assist to repatriate them home.
In the meantime, several children are suffering from  diarrhoea.
Last week, the Medecins Sans Frontieres examined them and gave medical kits, buckets and tarpaulins.
Assistance has also been given by Australian Defence Force at Igam and nearby communities, the St. Mary’s Catholic church, PNG Bible church and church of Nazarene.