Poor support for Manam: MP

By SAMUEL BARIASI
THIS is the 16th year Manam islanders have lived in care centres in Bogia and there is still no effort from the Government about their resettlement, Bogia MP Robert Naguri claims.
Naguri said lack of funding and proper support for the Manam Restoration Authority (MRA) from the Government remained the drawbacks in addressing one of the most important issue in the country.
“Resettlement means infrastructural development which costs a lot of money and when the Government does not have money for that, we cannot do much,” he said. Responding to the recent resignation of Ken Fairweather as MRA chairman, Naguri said he understood the difficulties that pushed Fairweather to quit.
“I am speaking to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government and the Department of Personnel Management soon to elect a new MRA chairman and board members,” he said.
“This time, I want the positions to be properly advertised so that qualified people can apply.”
Naguri said initiating proper infrastructural development could not take place on Manam Island because of the instability of the volcano there.
“We are helping them with basic needs and services but a full resettlement programme is not going to take place until we have the money,” the MP said
Naguri said part of the little money given by the Government was used to control conflicts between the Manam and people in mainland Bogia where the care centres were situated.
“Part of the money was spent on building roads into the proposed resettlement area in Andarum.”
“The process is very slow and frustrating but we are making progress,” he said.