Lifelong memories gone

By Rebecca Kuku
When a fire destroyed 15 houses at the Hanuabada village in Port Moresby, not only did many families lose their homes but the city also lost a piece of its history.
Cousins and 78-year-olds Lissi Udu and Daera Edea, the daughters of two brothers Udu Dia and Edea Dia, of the Gunina clan, say their homes were built post-war in 1949 by the Australian government and given to their fathers as compensation.
“The Australian government built these houses after the war in 1949 and gave them to our fathers,” Udu told The National.
“We were born in these houses, we grew up here, got married and had children and grandchildren.
“These were our homes for almost eight decades.
“Our heart is broken for we have lost everything, including the many wonderful moments and memories.”
Udu and Edea, surrounded by their children and grandchildren, are now sleeping in tents set up by the Hanuabada community.
Edea recalled the many good times they had in their homes.
“We got married and moved to our husbands’ homes but this was our base,” she said.
“We always came back to our homes, even our daughters.”