RAPID BUSH FIRES DESTROY SAGO SWAMPS AND GARDENS DUE TO HOT WEATHER

By BENBERT WASA

IN recent weeks, the prolong hot weather has caused many rapid bushfires never seen before in Aitape, West Sepik province.

Local communities in Aitape have been warn to control making fires in their homes and gardens to prevent rapid bushfires following the prolong hot weather.

Aitape Central LLG’s ward 11 councilor Mr Benedict Moskem said most sago swamps and food gardens of ward 11 – Yakoi village starting from Louchok to Wakan and Tepirr went up in flames following carelessness of people in making fires during these very hot weather when all swamp waters have all dried out.

Councilor Moskem called on all citizens who uses the Yakoi road not to make or light fires along the roadsdes because these actions led to recent rapid bushfires that already destroyed sago palms and food gardens.

He said his people of ward 11 – Yakoi village are now facing shortage of water with food gardens being destroyed by rapid bushfires recently. Also all fresh water fishing grounds were completely dried and the source of fresh water protein is now gone.

He strongly demanded immediate intervention from Provincial and District Authorities to assist the people with food items and especially water supply as all water sources have dried out and water wells contaminated.

Councilor Moskem urged ward 11 community members to be responsible in taking care of their families during this time as the hot weather poses health risks to the community.

Water levels are now dropping rapidly and the people desperately need relief assistance of water supply before all water wells and other water sources have dried out completely.

Councilor Moskem concluded and confirmed that no properties and houses of people were destroyed during the bushfires and people must be responsible going forward as the community awaits relief assistance from Authorities.