Settlers appeal for help

By LARRY ANDREW
AT least 200 people, including children, at Waria compound in ward two of the Ahi local level government have been displaced after their houses were burnt earlier this month following the death of a youth from neighbouring Bumbu compound.
Waria compound chairman and village court magistrate Kenny Gopase told The National that the community was appealing for help to rebuild their homes after youths from their community allegedly killed a high school student from Bumbu at around 3pm on May 2.
The deceased was a 17-year-old of Morobe and Sepik parentage who was a grade 10 student at a secondary school in Lae, Morobe.
Gopase said in retaliation, settlers from Bumbu burned seven houses after the incident and also looted 11 other houses with properties valued at K300,000 directly affecting more than 200 people at Waria compound.
He said the situation was tense and people in the community were fearful of moving around and doing daily activities such as fetching water and bathing at Ampo creek, taking produce to the market and going to work.
Gopase said the displaced residents had to build shelters and needed basic supplies such as canvases, clothes, bed sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, mosquito nets, cooking utensils, water containers and other things to rebuild their lives.
“We are seeking humanitarian aid from people including former residents, non-government organisations and the Government to help our people rebuild their lives in the community,” he said.
“We are appealing to our Lae MP and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning John Rosso and Governor Ginson Saonu for help.”
Waria compound was established in 1957 by the Dzia, Mawae, Yekora, Ghusumane (Garaina), Goilala and Siboma people.
Lae Met Supt Chief Insp Chris Kunyanban said on May 8, the suspects wanted for the killing at Waria compound were still at large and police are working to arrest them.
He said a suspect that was picked up earlier this month was released from police custody after he was cleared of any involvement.
“Several houses were burned in retaliation but police were quick to intervene resulting in situation returning to normal but still tense between the settlers.”