By SEPKOLIN WALNE
THE Governor of New Ireland Province, Byron Chan, has committed K300,000 to support an independent marine survey into the ongoing poisonous water issue affecting marine life in the province.
The funding will assist non-government organisations (NGOs) in establishing an independent marine survey team to investigate the cause of the contamination.
Governor Chan said that two months ago he had requested assistance from the Government and the Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, Simo Kilepa, to address the issue and identify its source.
“Up until today, I have not received any written reports or updates,” Governor Chan said.
He added that the water contamination is not only affecting coastal communities, but also threatening the province’s culture and tourism potential.
Founder of Ailan Awareness, John Aini, said the situation reflects a serious lack of response from the authorities.
“There is a need to identify the actual cause,” Mr Aini said.
He said the organisation had already conducted community visits and preliminary surveys in affected areas.
“This is not only damaging the marine environment, but is also a direct threat to livelihoods, health, and food security for people living along the coast of New Ireland,” he said.
Mr Aini stressed the importance of identifying the poison or other substances causing the deaths of marine life so that authorities can make informed decisions on the way forward.
Governor Chan urged the marine survey team to gather the necessary information to determine the source of the contamination.
“We know something is causing this problem, but we do not know where it is coming from or how to deal with it,” he said.
“We want to know what is happening, who is responsible-or whether it is a natural occurrence. The survey will help provide those answers.”