Wednesday 15th June, 2011 |
By NEVILLE TOGAREWA
THE people of two Palimp villages of Moge Nampka tribe of Western Highlands have been supplying Mt Hagen city with water for more than 30 years and they want the government to compensate them for their resource.
According to their leaders, the government had paid only K15,000 about 32 years ago (December 18, 1979) and they want something done about this.
More than 300 tribesmen and women and their leaders gathered at Palimp One village on the edge of Mt Hagen city on Saturday and petitioned Governor Tom Olga to take up their grievance with appropriate authorities in Waigani.
Councillors, chiefs and other community leaders did not reveal details of the petition and no copies were given to the media but it is understood that they are asking for K2.5 million.
Councillor David Rumints told the gathering that their ancestors gave their land away that is now occupied by Mt Hagen city and Rebiamul, the headquarters of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mt Hagen.
Late MP Raphael Doa initiated the K15,000 payment and the understanding was for the government to find another source of water supply after 10-15 years but the government had not honoured this agreement, Mr Rumints said.
He said the landowners took the matter to court but no decision had been made.
“The Waterboard has been benefitting (from collection of water rates) for about 20 years now but not the landowners,” Cr Rumints said.
Senior councillor Jacob Kop said then Opposition leader Sir Michael Somare and late Mr Doa were the last leaders to visit the people of Palimp village in 1982.
The councillor said Governor Olga was the first leader to visit the area after about 29 years.
“Our water resource is the source of the city’s water supply.
“The landowners received only K15,000 and they have been supplying the city with their water for about 30 years now without complaining.
“Thank you, Governor Olga for coming to accept the people’s petition,” Cr Kop said.
Mr Olga commended the Moge Nampka tribesmen for their patience.
“You have patience, wisdom and understanding.
“Presenting your petition through me to the government is the right way to go about addressing your concerns,” he told the people.
The Governor said water was vital for life and he had made water, sanitation and garbage collection and disposal an integral part of his K1.2 billion Mt Hagen City Redevelopment Plan.
Mr Olga gave K20,000 to the people and told them that he would return in two weeks time on June 25 and give them his response on their petition.
According to their leaders, the government had paid only K15,000 about 32 years ago (December 18, 1979) and they want something done about this.
More than 300 tribesmen and women and their leaders gathered at Palimp One village on the edge of Mt Hagen city on Saturday and petitioned Governor Tom Olga to take up their grievance with appropriate authorities in Waigani.
Councillors, chiefs and other community leaders did not reveal details of the petition and no copies were given to the media but it is understood that they are asking for K2.5 million.
Councillor David Rumints told the gathering that their ancestors gave their land away that is now occupied by Mt Hagen city and Rebiamul, the headquarters of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mt Hagen.
Late MP Raphael Doa initiated the K15,000 payment and the understanding was for the government to find another source of water supply after 10-15 years but the government had not honoured this agreement, Mr Rumints said.
He said the landowners took the matter to court but no decision had been made.
“The Waterboard has been benefitting (from collection of water rates) for about 20 years now but not the landowners,” Cr Rumints said.
Senior councillor Jacob Kop said then Opposition leader Sir Michael Somare and late Mr Doa were the last leaders to visit the people of Palimp village in 1982.
The councillor said Governor Olga was the first leader to visit the area after about 29 years.
“Our water resource is the source of the city’s water supply.
“The landowners received only K15,000 and they have been supplying the city with their water for about 30 years now without complaining.
“Thank you, Governor Olga for coming to accept the people’s petition,” Cr Kop said.
Mr Olga commended the Moge Nampka tribesmen for their patience.
“You have patience, wisdom and understanding.
“Presenting your petition through me to the government is the right way to go about addressing your concerns,” he told the people.
The Governor said water was vital for life and he had made water, sanitation and garbage collection and disposal an integral part of his K1.2 billion Mt Hagen City Redevelopment Plan.
Mr Olga gave K20,000 to the people and told them that he would return in two weeks time on June 25 and give them his response on their petition.
No comments:
Post a Comment