Manam Act awaits NEC’s approval

 By DOROTHY MARK

THE amended Manam Restoration Act 2006 endorsed by the Madang provincial executive council has been sent to the National Executive Council for its approval.

Madang Governor Jim Kas submitted the amended legislation to the NEC for its approval before Manam people living in care centres could be resettled.

Former judge and lawyer Paul Akuram who was engaged to amend the legislation said the act was created in 2006 and expired in September 2011.

He said the current legislation would expire in five years and the resettling Manam Islanders must happen within the next five years.

Akuram said the legislation explained the duties of the secretariat that would conduct the resettlement project. It has provisions on how to go about getting land from locals.

He said it also held provisions of powers for the chief executive officer of the project and outlined the relationship between the Manam Restoration Authority and public authority under various government departments.

“If the NEC is wise enough, it would extend the expiry date of the amended Act as it would take more time to fully implement it,” Akuram said.

He said the Manams would be resettled at Andarum in the Tangu area of Bogia which was a totally  new place to them.

The Manam people have thanked deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion for visiting them at Baliau village last month and pledged his support for their resettlement.

Community leader at the Potsdam care centre, Joe Ararua said the government’s commitment of  K15 million for the resettlement exercise was good news to Manam and Boisa Islanders.