Governor Bird responds to Angoram boundary concern

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has responded to concerns raised by communities in Angoram over the new Middle Sepik electoral boundary, saying the matter is now being addressed in consultation with relevant government agencies.

The Governor's response was posted on his official Facebook page on Saturday, 1st August following concerns raised by the Kanda communities over the inclusion of parts of their customary land into the newly created Middle Sepik District.

In the Facebook statement, Governor Bird wrote, "The decision on the boundaries were made around 2021." He added that he had been informed a public consultation meeting was held at Sir Michael Somare Stadium in Wewak before the boundary decision was finalised.

According to the Governor, the East Sepik Provincial Government only received the final boundary decision in January this year. It was then that the province realised Angoram Station had been placed within the new district.

"We took a decision in 2023 to split Angoram Local Level Government into two so Angoram township will remain in Angoram District because ESPG has already decided to build the new district headquarters in Timbunke," the statement reads.

The Governor also acknowledged the legal challenges involved, stating, "We have been informed that we may be legally out of time." A technical team was established four weeks ago to work with the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs and other relevant agencies to resolve the boundary issues.

Governor Bird believes the situation could have been avoided had the Provincial Government been consulted during the 2021 boundary review.

"Had ESPG been consulted in 2021, the current issues would have been avoided," he wrote.

The Governor also assured the people of Angoram that they would be kept informed as discussions continue.

"I will inform our people in Angoram as to the outcomes of the consultations with relevant agencies once completed," Governor Bird wrote.