Three adjacent wards within the Morobe Patrol Post in Huon Gulf District have come together to call for peace, aiming to quell over three years of internal strife. Representatives from Mayama (Ward 3), Zinamba (Ward 4), and Amoa (Ward 5) recently convened with District Administrator Andrew Namuesh to discuss strategies for reconciliation in a closed-door meeting at the district office.
The primary goal of the meeting was to restore peace and ensure unimpeded movement and service delivery within their communities. Reports shared during the meeting painted a grim picture of the toll the conflict has taken, including casualties, injuries, displacements, and property destruction in Amoa.
The conflict’s origins date back nearly two decades, rooted in a disputed land boundary issue aggravated by settlement encroachments and increased lawlessness, fueled by the growing logging industry in the Local Level Government (LLG) area.
Participants from the three wards unanimously agreed on the urgency of engaging in land mediation, with plans to follow up with a public peace and reconciliation ceremony. Their collective desire for tranquility was emphasized:
“We want peace and normalcy.”
Recent peace initiatives included the deployment of Morobe Water Police two weeks prior and plans announced by Namuesh to conduct comprehensive land and subdivision surveys to accurately delineate boundaries in the conflict-affected wards. Villagers’ cooperation was sought for these endeavors.
Namuesh also revealed intentions to formalize agreements through a Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement during a peace ceremony in the LLG. However, he stressed that the district would not provide financial compensation, highlighting the need for community-led initiatives in resolving issues and fostering peace.
Acknowledging historical neglect, Namuesh underscored the significance of Morobe Patrol Post while calling for a collective shift away from past grievances. He encouraged collective responsibility in elevating Morobe’s stature and reputation.
In response to villagers’ requests, Namuesh noted calls for a permanent police presence and the establishment of a village court system, hinting at potential future developments aimed at enhancing security and governance within the area.
This united effort from neighboring wards in Morobe Patrol Post signifies a crucial step towards peace and stability in the region, demonstrating the power of community collaboration in resolving longstanding conflicts and building a better future for all residents.
Recent: https://insidepng.com/clean-water-for-nasuapum-village-after-40-years/
