27 wards in Karimui LLG wants new electorate
The four tribes in Karamui Local Level Government [LLG] consist of 27 ward areas in Salt Nomane Karamui District seeking the creation of a new district.
This sentiment is driven by a desire for better representation and improved access to government services and resources.
Wetty Paul, on behalf the people said the Salt Nomane Karamui electorate is one of the biggest electorates in Simbu and Papua New Guinea, with the least in development
He said the Salt Nomane people speak different languages and are completely different from the Karamui people with different cultures.
He said the establishment of Karimui as the seventh district would secure fair distribution of government resources, stronger political representation, and better service delivery for the remote and resource-rich area.
Mr. Paul said Karamui has vast land and scattered population towards the south and shares border with Gulf, towards the west with Southern Highlands and east with Eastern Highlands Province.
He said that according to NSO in 2011, the estimated population was 38,586 plus.
"Instead of having a big electorate, it is only sensible to create new electoral boundaries and make Karamui a district of its own," he said.
He highlights Karamui abundant natural resources, rich cultural heritage, and potential for eco-tourism and also raised concerns over the decades of neglegance that have left the people struggling with inadequate services and infrastructure.
"The creation of Karimui District would strengthen local governance, improve essential services, stimulate economic growth, and preserve our cultural heritage," he said.
" We urged our district authority to recognize our demand and establish Karimui as the seventh district of Simbu," he said.
Michel Kabum, a former ward councillor, also emphasized that creating Karimui District is a call for justice, dignity, and respect for their people and that the people stand united and ready for change.
" Karamuai people are the forgotten people with no road links, lack proper education and health services, and we can not continue to suffer for the next 50 years," he said.
He said that by population, its remoteness, isolation, lack of service deliveries, its land mass, and service centres make Karamuai eligible to get its own district.
He said it had been ages since their last proposal to the district authority and urged them to adress it before continuing into the next 50 years.
According to Simbu Governor Noah Kool, creating a news district would unlock Karamui's economic potential, improve service delivery, and increase provincial revenue from K5 million to K50 million.
Mathew Boi, the Chief Executive Officer of Salt Nomane Karimui, acknowledges that community leaders and government officials have indeed made various reports and statements in support of creating a new district. However, he notes that addressing this matter is currently not feasible.