By JAMES APA GUMUNO
IN a bid to curb what has been termed as a growing trend of fraudulent claims, the government is under mounting pressure to enact legislation that would outlaw compensation for damages inflicted by natural disasters on public facilities.
Critics argue that the current system allows a minority to exploit state resources, effectively double-dipping from public funds.
Instances of individuals benefiting from government services over the years and subsequently demanding compensation for damages caused by natural disasters have raised concerns, particularly in regions such as the highlands.
It’s alleged that some residents living near main roads have seized upon natural disasters as an opportunity to defraud the state.
Central to the issue is the ownership of infrastructure such as roads and bridges, which are unequivocally government property.
Despite this, there have been cases where individuals residing near these public assets have laid claim of compensation following natural disasters, effectively obstructing government efforts to restore vital infrastructure.
The Highlands Highway Rehabilitation Programme, conducted over a decade ago, serves as a pertinent example.
Despite being compensated by the state to vacate areas adjacent to the highway, some residents have since resettled in prohibited zones, complicating efforts to maintain and repair infrastructure in the event of natural disasters.
Instances of landowners asserting ownership over sections of public roads and demanding compensation for damages have led to delays in emergency response efforts.
This has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of the law and the imposition of penalties on those found guilty of fraudulent claims.
Law enforcement agencies, notably the police, have been criticized for their perceived ineffectiveness in addressing the issue.
It’s alleged that weak enforcement has emboldened individuals to pursue illegitimate compensation claims, further burdening government resources.
The ramifications of such practices extend beyond financial implications, with emergency response efforts being hampered by unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
The recent natural disasters in Chimbu province underscore the urgency of addressing these challenges, with vital infrastructure remaining inaccessible due to disputes over compensation.
In response to these challenges, local leaders have called for a paradigm shift in attitudes towards natural disasters, emphasising their inherent unpredictability and the need for collective resilience.
Efforts to prevent individuals from pursuing illegitimate compensation claims are crucial in safeguarding public resources and expediting emergency response efforts.
In districts such as Chuave, where the District Development Authority opted to negotiate with landowners rather than succumb to compensation demands, progress in restoring infrastructure has been achieved.
Local MPs have echoed calls for legislative action to deter fraudulent claims and ensure timely restoration of vital infrastructure.
Chief Executive Officer Francis Aiwa said if the DDA wanted to negotiate with concern landowners to free up their land.
Thousands of people living further beyond who depend on the road would be badly affected because of prolong delay.
He said the people and those institutions such as health and educations that have already suffered from natural disaster would face further problem.
Aiwa said that road was a lifeline of the people so the DDA didn’t waste anymore time, they paid some little money as compensation to group at Movi, Mainamo, and Gogo.
He said after the compensation was paid, the landowners free up their land for work to start.
He said that people are now freely moving around and rebuilding their lives.
Meanwhile, In Sinasina/Yongumul district, many landowners demanded some form of compensation before machines would move in to fix the road.
Local MP Kerenga Kua didn’t give into the demands for compensation and said no to any compensation demand for the road.
Picture: Provincial Disaster Committee visiting and talking to villagers affected by the natural disaster in Upper Chimbu.
