People ready to rebuild lives

THE people of Kagua-Erave’s Sugu Valley in Southern Highlands, once infamous for bloody tribal fights, are ready to rebuild their homes, schools and churches.
Deputy Governor Andrew Kenoa said innocent people were affected in tribal fights, sparked by a minority group.
He said different tribes joined in the fight resulting in a massive destruction of properties and loss of lives.
“Finally the people have realised their folly and are ready to settle down,” Kenoa said.
Governor William Powi and Mineral Resource Development Corporation managing-director Augustine Mano presented the villagers with mobile sawmills.
“However, they need some more funding to start cutting logs as hundreds of houses, schools and churches will be rebuilt,” Kenoa said.
Powi said in the first tribal fight in 2018, the provincial government funded K500,000 for a resettlement exercise and that was not appreciated.
They fought again in 2019.
“It was a slap on the face,” he said.
In this year’s budget, the Sugu High School and health centre were given K500,000 each to rebuild its infrastructure.
K1 million went to the construction the local level government chamber and staff housing.
“People should learn to appreciate things given and embrace development,” Powi said.
Powi said he was bringing hope to the people affected by tribal fighting and this time the ceasefire agreement should be for real.
“I have given a portable sawmill and Mano gave another,” Powi said.
“Kagua-Erave MP Wesley Raminai gave two, totalling to four.
“This is a big help and other LLGs need similar help too.”
Powi said the provincial government had funded a road project that would link the district with Poroma LLG in Nipa-Kutubu while work was underway for the Gulf-Southern Highlands Highway.
He said development occurred in places where there was peace and he did not want to see tribal fights in the LLG in the future.
“People should organise, cut logs and rebuild their homes, schools and churches destroyed in the fight.”