Will Genoka Settlement get razed?

After dinner last night I went out the back and had a muck around with “Gelo” our dog for a little while; and for a few moments I felt a relief from the worries of the world.

A dog really does embody the essence of loyalty and the expression “a man’s best friend” rang bells for me last night as I became lost in the moment with our best friend, protector come night security.

My words so far – the above photo which I have titled “Nag, nag and more nagging” – the title of this post and what follows have no correlation whatsoever. Or do they?

I’m a bit all over the place but still feel the urge to push out the proverbial post. It normally happens when I set out to write and the thought “got nothing to write about today” buzzes endlessly around the grey matter – something of quasi substance does eventually emerge from the tips of these fingers (only two by the way) as they tap away at the laptop’s qwerty pad (that’s qwerty and not squirty!).

Let’s start with a story that appeared in today’s edition of The National:

EHP Settlements to be destroyed

The National: story by Zachery Per

ILLEGAL settlements on State land considered as likely breeding grounds for cholera, dysentery and influenza within the Goroka Township will be destroyed. The Eastern Highlands provincial administration, in collaboration with the police, will carry out the eviction exercise as soon as logistics are in order.

Notices have been issued to major settlements in Goroka last week by Eastern Highlands provincial administrator Munare Uyassi.
Mr Uyassi also issued the notice last week to police, which was received by provincial police commander Chief Inspector Augustine Wampe. Police would issue notices to the settlers before proceeding with the eviction exercise should the settlers fail to comply with the notice.

Mr Uyassi said illegal settlers squatting on State land and living in unhygienic conditions created an environment conducive for diseases like cholera, dysentery and influenza to spread. “There are no proper toilets, water supply and garbage disposal facilities, which endanger the lives of other people,” he said.

According to the Eastern Highlands provincial lands office, the illegal settlements on State land are Genoka, Watabung Block, Dagis Block and Pawapos Block. Other settlements listed for eviction are Banana Block, Piswara close to Minogere Police Barracks, Ston Block at Zokozoi and Mambu settlements…. (Read full story)

My thoughts on what you have read so far…

• Migration of people from rural and village areas of Papua New Guinea to urban and town centres is absolutely a major concern. Years of sitting back and just watching this happen and without adequate planning has now reached somewhat of a crisis point. The whole settlement debate is a very sensitive, high impact and extremely complex issue – the answer to, far from simple – the responsibility to resolve on the shoulders of many and one that will have to be dealt with.
• I will eat humble pie if Genoka settlement does get razed. It has been tried before on at least two occasions but without any luck. I’m not sure about other settlements around Goroka town but I know for fact that you will find three generations of Genokians living there. Do the authorities really believe that these people will just pack up their belongings nice and quietly and choof of? Besides – where would these people go if they were tossed?
• For some reason when Papua New Guineans – especially Highlanders – get angry the first reaction in many cases is to mobilise and burn down one or more “enemy” homes. This approach to dealing with issues reminds me very much of when the police in Port Moresby went in and razed Tete settlement after the killing of Sir George Constantinou by a group of local raskols.
• Does anyone relate to the above photo “Nag, nag and more nagging”? I certainly do. Eli tells me many a times: “Yu no man long harim tok” (Tok Pisin for “you don’t listen”). It must be a habit I’ve picked up in PNG from the locals – pretending to listen – even agreeing to what was said – and then proceeding to do the exact opposite – this trait is very (I repeat very) Papua New Guinean. Perhaps after all, the above photo does have a relevance to today’s post!
• Ah yes… talking about “Gelo” reminds me that Manam remains missing in action. Every so often we do get word back from the village that he’s alive and well albeit terrorising the local “pussy” population.
• The Cholera situation remains stable – no better and no worse. The Provincial Health Authorities in conjunction with Goroka General Hospital are putting much time and energy into preparing for a possible Outbreak. Admissions for severe diarrhoea seem to be on the increase. Despite what the newspapers say – the building of temporary accommodation out the back of the Hospital has not yet started other than they have brought in a grader and leveled some land. Considering the difficult and pressured circumstances the management of Goroka Hospital are under – IMHO they are doing an excellent job.
• Credit has to go to someone(s) for stopping the market cooked food sales around town. It would appear that the sale of “oil lid” cooked lamb flaps and red sausages is temporarily on hold. This necessary move does raise a question though: What will those good people that were making a few kina from their “fast food” sales now do for an income?
• If anyone reading this has recently “lost” a Nokia 95 mobile phone around Goroka town – shoot me an email as I might be able to help out.
• A PNG’ism at it’s best! Despite the current Cholera Outbreak and the need under the circumstances to ensure a supply of clean water – the local Council is busy going around cutting people’s water for non payment of bills.
• In fact we almost had ours cut today despite going into Council Chambers last week and making payment. The last bill that came in was the first water bill that we have seen in 12 months and the bulk of the arrears is from a previous tenant. Numerous letters and verbal requests to sort out this situation has had zilch effect.

(Note how a list of 10 Things has magically appeared!)

Finally, an email over the weekend from an Australian planning on visiting the Eastern Highlands and Simbu Provinces in a few weeks wanting to climb Mt Wilhelm (the highest mountain in Papua New Guinea). This person was enquiring on the Cholera situation basically wanting to know whether it is safe to travel these parts considering the epidemic.

I managed to catch up with Dr. Joseph Apa this morning (Hospital’s CEO), he provided the following response – it might be of interest to others planning a visit to this part of the country:

1) It is relatively safe for you to travel to the Eastern Highlands.

2) May consider taking a cholera oral vaccine in Australia but not essential.

3) Town water supply in Goroka is safe and well treated.

4) Staff from local Hotels are well prepared and extra precautions have been taken regarding serving of food.

5) As soon as you arrive in Goroka the Rapid Response Team will brief you should further clarification be required.

Kets!!