Governor Wouwou visits disaster site in Lumi, West Sepik province
Affected families of the Lumi Landslide in East Wapei LLG have received a cheque of K200, 000 from West Sepik Governor Tony Wouwou who was in Lumi on Friday 10th April 2026 accompanied by Sandaun Provincial Administrator Jacob Areman.
The cheque of K200,000 is to assist the displaced families in relocating and building new houses and to assist in additional reliefs.
"This funding is to assist those affected with houses destroyed by the landslide relocate to safer areas" said Governor Wouwou.
He urged community members to ensure the funds are shared equitably and utilized solely for essential needs and reconstruction of damaged homes.
Governor Wouwou emphasized the severity of the situation, classifying the event as both a provincial and national disaster.
He noted that while natural occurrences are beyond human control, the provincial government remains committed to supporting the recovery in every possible way.
The Provincial Administrator on behalf of the Sandaun Provincial Administration passed on his deepest sympathy to everyone affected by the disaster.
He also reiterated the continued assistance from the Administration.
"The Administration is in the final stage of compiling the disaster report and once completed I will personally present the report to the National Disaster Office with the possibility of securing further assistance.”
The Governor also formally acknowledged the generous assistance from Ok Tedi Mining Limited through the OK Tedi Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme [ITCS] for its significant contribution of K1 million.
"This will be presented to the Aitape-Lumi District Development Authority [DDA]. This money will be administered by the DDA to facilitate the construction of new homes for the families who lost their homes during the landslide." WouWou said.
A special appeal was also made to the people of the affected area and the entire Lumi Village community that the affected route is a national highway and stressed that road reconstruction must proceed without interruption to ensure the restoration of vital transport links between the provincial capital of Vanimo and inland areas of Lumi, Yangkok and Nuku.
In response, Paul Makain, Chairman of the Lumi Disaster Organizing Committee, expressed the community's gratitude for the timely assistance from the Provincial Government and the government's consistent presence since the disaster began.
He further gave his guarantee on behalf of the community and assured the Governor and the Provincial Administrator that the community will cooperate and not interfere with any reconstruction work.
“We are truly thankful for the commitment shown by the provincial government,” Mr. Makain said.
“We assure the Governor that the community will fully cooperate and not interfere with the necessary road works."