Wenge meets local petitioners

Story by PISAI GUMAR
THE Morobe provincial government has called in scientists to investigate the recent death of eels and fish along the Markham River and Wais River hamlet near Wampet village, Huon Gulf.
Governor Luther Wenge said it was premature to blame the Morobe Mining Join Venture’s gold mining activities in the province as the Watut River which the mine discharged into was one of many tributaries feeding the Markham.
He has made pleas to the Labu people for understanding and patience while the issue is investigated.
“And as I say, we don’t know exactly what’s caused that. What we have done is to talk to the PNG University of Technology and asked them if they can assist with scientists who can investigate this and tell us what the cause is, what caused the deaths of those river animals,” he said.
“So we’ve contacted scientists there and secondly, we’ve engaged the Department of Environment and Conservation, they’ve sent some scientists. We have to make sure that scientists investigate this thoroughly.”
The people of Labu last week set up a road block at the Markham bridge near the confluence of the Markham River and the Watut River where they have been protesting about losing their prime source of food and livelihood.
Wenge said short term measures to assist affected communities were in place. Provincial disaster and emergency officials will coordinate distribution of food and water containers to those affected.
“The independent investigation will justify whether the death of aquatic lives was poison-related from Hidden Valley mining activities, chemical spillage at Wampet or from natural causes.
“The findings will determine the next cause of action,” he said to the affected communities at Markham Bridge yesterday.
Wenge said K250,000 had been budgeted for the scientific investigations.
 “Investigations will verify the cause. If the chemical evidence is proven, I will take legal action against those responsible for compensation for the damage caused to the river system.”
Wenge was accompanied by acting administrator Patilias Gamato and provincial programme adviser for mining and environment Taikone Gwakoro.
“Human beings’ livelihood is not like marbles that anyone, whether government or companies, can play around with,” Wenge said.
“I have instructed Morobe Mining Joint Venture to give K1 million to set up proper water supplies for the affected communities.”
Gamato said: “It’s not only MMJV contributing to this issue. There are also small alluvial miners like Niuminco and dozens of lease holders as well. 
“Such issues were experienced by communities in all mining centres such as Misima, Ok Tedi, Porgera and elsewhere and Morobe is no exception.
“And who is really responsible to address this issue?”
The people living along the affected waterways called for ongoing funding to be set aside to monitor pollution levels.