Lumi community demands K1.5 million for damages

The Tonwepis and Namerus Ward 10 council area of East Wapei LLG in Lumi is demanding K1.5 million in compensation for damages caused by landslides experienced over the years.

As customary landowners of the road that serves as part of the national highway linking East and West Sepik and extending to the international border with Indonesia, the community says the compensation must be paid before any reconstruction work begins.

The people of Tonwepis and Namerus say they have survived six landslides in their area since 1938.

They are the original occupants of what is now the Lumi Government Station. When the colonial government was established in 1937, the community gave up land for the station and relocated to nearby slopes and terraces, which they say are prone to natural disasters such as landslides.

The first landslide occurred in 1938, followed by others in 1989, 2000, 2012, 2024 and the most recent on March 15, 2026.

According to locals, the first four landslides were caused by natural events, while the 2024 and 2026 incidents were linked to roadworks in the area.

Community spokesperson Ambros Maiu said the road is used as a national highway connecting Nuku, Lumi, Aitape and East Sepik to Vanimo, and claimed that construction work on the road was poorly carried out.

"This road was built like a skidding road for logging companies. There was no proper drainage system being installed. When it rains, water rushes out on the main road, causing cracks along roadsides."

He said a pool of water has been seen forming along the roadside and at the base of the road, causing erosion.

The demand of 1.5m kina will compensate all the damages that have been done to them on all 6 landslides.

" The demand of K1.5 million is not negotiable. Responsible authority must meet our demand first before any road construction will be carried out." said Maiu.

He stated this time the Department of Works and Technical Services must be responsible for the road.

The community then presented their petition to the Sandaun Provincial Administration and was received by Sandaun Provincial Disaster Response Team Leader Anslem Mani.

"We have received your petition. We will be meeting with the Sandaun Provincial Administration and Government, the Aitape-Lumi District Authority, and the Member to negotiate what is stated on the petition.