River destroys houses

ABOUT 30 families at Ngasuapum in Wampar local level government (LLG), Morobe, have been affected by the Markham River after it diverted course, destroying houses and other properties last week.
Huon Gulf land mediation officer and landowner Sowen Joses, of Bazin village, told The National that the river flowed at the edge of the villagers’ gardens which was about 200-metres away from the village.
Joses said the river had started flowing inward with water eroding the banks and moving towards the village since last November.
“Our garden foods, betel nut trees, cocoa and coconut trees have been destroyed as the river made its way towards the village, taking down some houses,” he said.
“With the force of the water washing away the ground, I had to move the community to higher ground.
“Three houses have been swept away and about 30 families have been moved away from the area.
“I have not reported the matter yet to the Huon development authority but I will approach them for assistance.”
One of the affected settlers, Bon Jambi, said he had three of his houses swept away, as well as other properties destroyed.
His livelihood was now affected and he was struggling to support his family, which included setting up a new shelter for them.
Another settler, Rose Boas, told The National that all her belongings were gone and she had to remove her house on Thursday as the ground was eroding away but was thankful the landowner and his sons were able to help them.
“We need assistance as our water sources for drinking and washing have been affected,” she said.
An employee of The National Jacob Zalang, who resides in the affected area, had to remove his house on Thursday and relocate to another abandoned home near the river.
His wife Grace said their garden had been destroyed and water wells contaminated.
“We call on the Morobe disaster and emergency officers to come and assess the situation we are in and provide assistance where possible, especially food.”