Morobe track locals appeal

 THE Iwal Kaiwa people, customary landowners of Bitoi which has the Black Cat Track in Salamaua, Morobe, say they have not really benefitted from its use.

They own a registered incorporated land group called Gwaitumbu ILG and denounced the use of “Black Cat” by business entities in Lae.

Gwaitumbu ILG chairman Mewa Buimai and Sigindi village administrator Peter Gabore said they supported the reopening and use of the track by trekkers but urged the Government to bring more services to the people.

A local porter was killed in an attack on seven trekkers from overseas last year. 

The brother of the deceased killed a wrong person when trying to avenge the death.

They claimed police were accompanied by Biangai villagers in Wau during their raids on Kaiwa villages. 

It allowed the Biangais to destroy villages, steal church offerings of K3,300, stole from people and attacked a mother and two boys.

“The local porter lost his life trying to protect the Australian and New Zealand trekkers and has left behind his wife, who is handicapped and six children. 

“The wife is asking for assistance from the Tourism Promotion Authority and the Government,” Buimai said

“According to her, the husband started working as a porter when the tourism operation began. And now that he is gone, there is nothing good coming out of this tourism thing.

“We own 90% of the track and call on the government and TPA to seriously address our issues and bring more development.”