Islanders call for services

RABAUL’s remote island community of Watom in East New Britain has for years been without any government services, says a community leader.
Youth representative Mitut Misikaram said they had not received any services from the district development authority for many years.
“Are we part of Rabaul and East New Britain? If yes then we are entitled to government services like other mainland communities.
“We are not asking for all services, our concern has been hospitals and schools.
“We need an aid post and schools.
“We want better health and education for our people, especially our children.”
Misikaram said the district authority must balance the distribution of services.
He said budget allocations to provinces and districts were fixed and that there should not be any excuses.
“Excuses belong to old leadership.
“As a leader, you have been given the mandate to lead so exercise that.
“We have been fed too many promises.
“Our living is still the same, our struggle is still the same, everything is still the same,” he said.
Misikaram said transportation had also been a concern that needed attention.