Knight: Detention centre has own generator

THE 19 asylum seekers on Manus Island will not be affected by any disruption to power supply because the detention centre has its own generator, Manus MP Ronnie Knight says.
Knight told Radio Australia locals had been threatening to shut down the power supply to the detention centre since Australia announced it was recommencing offshore processing of asylum seekers on the island.
The islanders want to receive some of the benefits, including improved infrastructure and jobs.
Last week, the first 19 asylum seekers arrived but locals were still unhappy about what they had been offered.
Knight said the threats by locals had been there from the start.
“The asylum seekers centre set up their own generator and they will not be affected in anyway,” he said.
“If the landowners decide to shut the power down to Lorengau town and the rest of Manus, they will be in trouble.
“The hospital depends on electricity for
lifesaving machines and the stores have freezers and everything that stores food for the islanders.
“So, if that happens, they are hurting the innocent Manus people.”