Women upset over distribution of vehicles

By PISAI GUMAR
WOMEN in agriculture groups from the Wampar communities in Huon Gulf, Morobe province, last Thursday rowed over the ownership of vehicles handed to them by local MP Sasa Zibe.
The argument was between women from Mare against Wampet, Puseka against Gabensis and Zifasing against Tararan villages.
The squabble started at the main gate while preparations for the Huon Gulf district development achievement exhibition were in progress at the Sir Ignatius Kilage outdoor volleyball courts.
Forty-five minutes before the arrival of guests including Morobe deputy governor Morokoi Gaiwata, Kabwum MP Bob Dadae, Sasa, provincial administrator Kemaseng Tomala, local level government presidents from Salamaua Joshua Hagai and Morobe Post Michael Gape, the argument erupted again inside the main arena.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, who was invited to launch the national rural housing scheme and to present the K7 million balance for the new mv Morobe Rainforest did not turn up.
After the presentation of vehicle keys, the ownership squabble turn rowdy, with women from other villages returning home unhappy with Sasa’s distribution of the five Dyna trucks, a Coaster bus, a LandCruiser, a Mazda Bravo, three dinghies and two tractors.
Sasa said it was fitting that on the eve of election they came together to evaluate what the district had achieved over the past five years.
The new K10 million mv Morobe Rainforest is yet to arrive from New Zealand.Wampar ward five councillor Douglas Gedisa and Gabensis leader Bruce Mamu said the distribution of vehicles was totally unfair as the Zia and Suena communities from Morobe Post had missed out.
Gedisa said despite using the names of the communities, the vehicles were given to Sasa’s supporters only.
However Sasa said the joint district planning committee considered women in agriculture a priority.