Governor on peace mission

NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop is leading an effort to restore peace at a village where a fight erupted on Sunday over the stabbing to death of a villager.
Parkop, Motu-Koita Assembly chairman Dadi Toka Jnr and Moresby North-West MP Lohia Boe Samuel met the Baruni villagers to resolve the dispute.
Relatives and clansmen of the man burnt down eight houses, leaving over 80 people homeless after they learnt of the man’s death.
Parkop assured the villagers that everything would be done to have the damaged homes rebuilt, restore peace and to help them reconcile with each other.
Parkop said retaliation and resorting to violence to solve disputes was uncommon among the Motu Koitabuans.
He urged them to have peace and unity before they could be helped with employment opportunities, participation in businesses and developing their land.
Parkop said they would be assisted with funding and materials for temporary shelters, funeral expenses and the compensation payment for the man.
He also told them of initiatives for Baruni village under a Motu Koita modernisation programme that included development projects in Hanuabada.