NGO: Probe resettlement for Manam

TWO international human rights and NGO groups have called on the national government to urgently initiate an independent inquiry into the affairs of the Manam Resettlement Authority (MRA) headed by chairman John Hickey and chief executive officer Tas Maketu.
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees and Oxfam International wanted a government-sanctioned inquiry to look at why the MRA was created  and why the resettlement of the islanders have not been realised since the creation of MRA in 2006. 
These groups were concerned that despite various funding allocations to MRA by the national government over the years, there is nothing to show for these funding allocation among the displaced islanders.
The two international groups called on the national government and the Madang government to revive discussions with the World Bank, the United Nations and NGOs to map out a lasting resettlement solution for the displaced islanders.
The World Bank is ready to support any resettlement exercise of the Manam Islanders.
In a letter to the National Planning Minister, former World Bank country director Nigel Roberts said: “The bank is certainly willing to assist the national government in this coming critical phase (resettlement) and to do so at speed.”
However, it is understood Agriculture and Livestock Minister and Bogia MP Hickey was not keen in pursuing these commitments thus prolonging the plight of the Manam Islanders at the care centres.
The MRA has a five-year lifespan which expires at the end of this year.
Given this, it did not receive any funding allocation from the national government.
Meanwhile, former Yabu LLG president Tonny Sauba, called on Governor Sir Arnold Amet to immediately extend the life of the MRA and secure funding. 
Sauba said the islanders did not want to work with a new entity headed by the chief secretary.