Governor Wouwou clarifies his provincial government’s decision
West Sepik Governor Tony Wouwou has denounced ethnicity, and regionalism claims by various individuals and groups regarding the recent action taken by the West Sepik Provincial Government to send back workers traveling in to work for the Bewani Oil Palm Plantations.
Governor Wouwou says the Provincial Government was not consulted or notified in advance nor was there any formal coordination with Bewani Oil Palm regarding their arrival.
There is no verified evidence that these individuals possess specialised skills that are unavailable within the local workforce.
Governor Wouwou says all employment practices within the province must comply with existing laws and agreements ensuring that customary landowners and local communities are primary beneficiaries of economic activities.
He says that in the absence of proper documentation or evidence of lawful recruitment, the Provincial Government takes precautionary measures in the interest of its people.
Security issues important
Governor Wouwou says the safety, security, and well-being of the people of West Sepik is his paramount interest and he will do what is best for his Province.
He made these statements concerning the recent action taken by his Provincial Government to send back more than 70 men who came to work in the Bewani Oil Palm Plantations.
Mr Wouwou says West Sepik is facing several challenges, particularly to law and order issues.
As a border Province, West Sepik has seen an increase in border trafficking, social issues within communities, and uncontrolled movement of people in and out of the Wutung Border Post.
The Governor says it is vital that the province start controlling the influx of people moving into Vanimo to mitigate these security concerns.
He says he is equally concerned about the protection of landowner's rights that job opportunities within the province must be prioritiesed for local residents before external recruitment takes place.
Governor Wouwou further clarifies that the decision to implement these measures was not a permanent restriction on movement; it was a temporary and necessary action taken in response to immediate threats to the safety and security of the people of West Sepik.