The National Court on February 14, 2024 pronounced its decision in the landmark case between Efex Wamawale Kuarilomo and the Huanje Javahama clan of the Womayen Village of Yangoru-Saussia District versus the Minister for International Trade and Investment & Yangoru-Saussia MP, Hon. Richard Maru and the Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA). The Huanje Javahama clan alleged that the acquisition of Portion 178C by the State was illegal and fraudulent. The Court however found from evidence during trial that the allegation by the clan was false and without legal basis and dismissed the case. The court found that the claim by the clan was false and not accurate and the reputation of Minister Maru and the Yangoru-Saussia DDA was unnecessarily tarnished. The clan was ordered to pay the legal costs of Minister Maru and the district authority.
Minister Maru said: “The court ruling now paves way for the Yangoru-Saussia DDA to commence work on the Womayen Market along the Sepik Highway with the groundbreaking ceremony to be held in the next two weeks. We will start the work on Womayen Market with a water supply system that will supply clean and safe water to the market and all the houses in the Womayen Village. We will also immediately commence work on the design of a very modern market. The company that designed and built the Kimbe Town Market and Gordons Market will be engaged to design the new Womayen Market.”
“The Womayen Market will operate 24 hours and 7 days a week and it will have market houses, a police station, ablution facilities, a bank, administration offices, and even a guest house for the mothers from anywhere in the district selling their produce at the market to stay overnight. This market will serve the people of East Sepik and the West Sepik Province, tourists, and the travelling public along the Sepik Highway. The market will be owned by the State through the Yangoru-Saussia DDA,” added Minister Maru.
Minister Maru further stated: “I am happy the court finally dismissed this case which was unnecessary and held-up the construction of the Womayen Market for over 12 months. This market, once completed will be a blessing to the people of Womayen and the district.”
