GOVERNMENT ADDRESSING MANAM RESETTLEMENT COMMITMENTS

The National Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the displaced Manam Islanders in Madang province and has also clarified recent claims regarding funding delays.

Minister for Provincial Government and Loca-Level Government (LLG) Affairs Soroi Eoe, recently confirmed that the government has fully complied with court orders and financial obligations to the Manam Resettlement Authority (MaRa).

Minister Eoe said the K10 million commitment pledged by Prime Minister James Marape in May 2024 has been released and disbursed to Manam Resettlement Authority in full early April with the stringent financial guidelines to ensure transparent and accountable use on priority areas in the resettlement project.

The minister has placed on record that the MaRa and DPLGA have been working closely in the resettlement efforts since 2019. He added that since K10m came in time where MaRa was in dire need of funding to settle first lot of IDPs according to the plan, the government acted in good faith and released it directly to MaRa.

The Minister clarified that the K10m payment was separate from the National Court-Ordered K6m special legal liabilities.

While the government leads funding efforts, Manam Project requires collaboration with Madang Provincial Government, Bogia District Development Authority (DDA) and other stakeholders to fast-track resettlement of Manam Islanders.

Minister Eoe urged Madang Provincial Government and local authorities to partner with MaRa on the physical infrastructure development and service delivery as these services are not only for the Manam islanders but will benefit the communities surrounding the resettlement area.

He reiterated that the affected Manam Islanders remain their top priority, and their resettlement is a complex, long-term process requiring careful planning and there is no temporary fix.

He further stated that, the Marape/Roso Government through the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs remains committed to permanent solutions for the internally displaced people of Manam by volcanic eruptions.

“We call on all stakeholders to unite constructively, rather than politicizing this humanitarian issue.”