Settlers of Daru’s Frogtown vacates after 30 years
A total of ten households of Daru’s Frogtown area in the South Fly District of Western Province have voluntarily vacated the land belongs to the National Fisheries Authority [NFA] to allow the life changing development to go ahead.
They resided on that land for the last 30 year.
The National Fisheries Authority [NFA] will now use the land to build a new Surveillance Center.
This project will commence in the coming months and will greatly improve fisheries management and security in the area.
Unlike many areas in the country, where forced evictions are common, the 10 affected households residing on NFA’s land have welcome the development pulled down their houses, packed their belongings and are moving out.
A total of seven houses were pulled down yesterday and today will see the remaining three houses doing the same.
According to a longtime resident and neighbor of the frog town settlers Falkingham Jogo this families have been residing in Frogtown since the 1990s, originating from Samari village in the Kiwai Island.
He explained that between 1992-1993 that’s when the mass migration from the Fly River because of the sedimentation and the compensation payouts, people started migrating from the Kiwai Islands out into Daru.
Mr Jogo emphasized that initially the area was established as sea cucumber fishing camps and Frogtown evolved into a more permanent settlement over time.
“This group of people found home in the fringes of the mangroves here and setting up their small camps and that’s when they started going out fishing for Sea cucumber [Bechdemer] and started using this area to process the bechdemer and then they stayed long and then evolved into other fisheries like catching Garfish known as Jabere in our local language and 'Nil Pis' known as Parasa," he said.
He said, “Their history as fishermen has contributed significantly to local fish markets, indicating their role in the community’s economy and culture.”
“The decision for these families to voluntarily pull down their houses and relocate is significant. It suggests a level of cooperation between the residents and NFA, highlighting an understanding of the necessity for development projects that may benefit broader community interests or environmental management.”
Meanwhile, in consultation with the settlers, NFA has provided relocation assistance to ease their transition. This collaborative and humane approach ensures that affected families are not left struggling. Instead, they are being supported in their move.
The resilience and understanding of the Frogtown settlers show their desire for development in Western Province.
While challenges remain, this project sets a strong example of how government agencies can work hand-in-hand with communities to achieve progress without conflict.