KERAM VILLAGERS CONCERN OVER SUSPICIOUS SHIPMENT OF MATERIALS ALONG KERAM RIVER

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

PEOPLE living along the Keram river, a major tributary of the Sepik River in Angoram district, East Sepik province have raised concerns about the suspicious shipment of materials in the area.

Representing the people, Keram LLG President, Junior Bagindo told this newsroom, that a shipping vessel is currently transporting heavy machinery from Angoram Station to the Tamo Mining area through the Keram River.

Mr Bagindo said there was no prior consultation or notification to the leaders and people of approximately 50 villages along the Keram River.

He said the people are concerned because the Keram river is much narrower than the Sepik River and serves as the primary source of life for the people, serving as the main source of drinking water, cooking, food source and other needs.

Mr Bagindo further explained that there have already been three shipments using this river system. Since then, villagers have begun to observe changes in the river ecosystem, including signs of water pollution and oil spillage.

The Keram LLG president says the activities going on in the area are suspicious with no idea of what the ships are transporting or what they doing.

He is appealing to all responsible authorities to urgently intervene, engage with the affected communities, and address this matter with transparency.