Efforts praised

WE acknowledge Madang Governor Peter Yama and the Madang government for the contributions made towards Covid-19 response in the province.
Yama with the Yama Group of companies and the Madang government gave K250,000 each to the Covid-19 response.
The contribution is planned to set up two quarantine centres.
One is to be set up at Modilon General Hospital and the other at Madang town clinic according to Madang Government.
The government also plans to ensure all borders of Madang are properly maintained.
Major check points are being set up at Tapo, Mondia pass on the border of Chimbu and eventually at Bogia district that borders East Sepik.
All shipping vessels entering Madang are now being directed to Lae for proper checks before entering the province.
The main market and other roadside markets such as 4-Mile and Brick house have been closed for three weeks to date. Stores open and close at scheduled times. On the other hand, the majority of people relying on the informal sector are greatly affected.
Security forces, especially police are enforcing directives rigorously and giving no chances to vendors.
The ban on betel nut, the main source of income in the informal sector, is making life intolerable for the majority of people.
The Governor and provincial government are concentrating on Covid-19 response and are discussing on how best they can address these subsequent issues.
Meanwhile, Police Minister and Madang MP Bryan Kramer is actively vocal at the national level.
Basing on this current situation, we the indigenous people of Madang earnestly appeal to the six Madang MPs to join the provincial government in Covid-19 response and address the impacts of the lockdown.
If this matter is not given serious consideration, we fear civil unrest is most likely to eventuate.

Luwi James,
Madang Indigenous People’s Forum