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Sandaun Province (formerly West Sepik Province) is the northwesternmost mainland province of Papua New Guinea (also known as home of the sunset). It covers an area of 35,920 km2 (13868 m2) and has a population of 248,411 (2011 census). The capital is Vanimo. In July 1998 the area surrounding the town of Aitape was hit by an enormous tsunami caused by a Magnitude 7.0 earthquake which killed over 2,000 people. The five villages along the west coast of Vanimo towards the International Border are namely; Lido, Waromo, Yako, Musu and Wutung. It borders Indonesia.
Sandaun Province
Sandaun Provins (Tok Pisin)Sandaun no pundaun | |
|---|---|
| West Sepik Province | |
 Flag | |
 Sandaun Province in Papua New Guinea | |
| Coordinates: 3°40′S 141°30′E / 3.667°S 141.500°E | |
| Country | Papua New Guinea |
| Capital | Vanimo |
| Districts | |
| Government | |
| • Governor | Tony Wouwou (2018-Present) |
| Area | |
• Total | 35,820 km2 (13,830 sq mi) |
| Population (2011 census) | |
• Total | 248,411 |
| • Density | 6.9/km2 (18/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+10 (AEST) |
| HDI (2018) | 0.518[1] low · 17th of 22 |
Name
editSandaun is a Tok Pisin word derived from English "sun down," since the province is located in the west of the country, where the sun sets.[2] The province was formerly named West Sepik Province, for the Sepik River that flows through the province and forms part of the province's southern border.
Physical Geography
editThe Sandaun Province has beaches along the northern coast, as well as mountainous areas throughout the province, primarily in the southern area of the province.[3] Several rivers flow throughout the province, most notable the Sepik River. The area, like much of Papua New Guinea, is prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
Districts and LLGs
editThere are four districts in the province. Each district has one or more Local Level Government (LLG) areas. For census purposes, the LLG areas are subdivided into wards and those into census units.[4][5][6]
Provincial leaders
editThe province was governed by a decentralised provincial administration, headed by a Premier, from 1978 to 1995. Following reforms taking effect that year, the national government reassumed some powers, and the role of Premier was replaced by a position of Governor, to be held by the winner of the province-wide seat in the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea.[7][8]
Premiers (1978–1995)
edit| Premier | Term |
|---|---|
| Jacob Talis | 1978–1980 |
| Adam Amod | 1980–1982 |
| Andrew Komboni | 1982–1984 |
| Paul Langro | 1984–1987 |
| provincial government suspended | 1987–1988 |
| Egbert Yalu | 1988–1992 |
| Aloitch Peien | 1993–1995 |
Governors (1995–present)
edit| Governor | Term |
|---|---|
| John Tekwie | 1995–2000 |
| Robert Sakias | 2000–2002 |
| Carlos Yuni | 2002–2007 |
| Simon Solo | 2007–2012 |
| Amkat Mai | 2012–2017 |
| Tony Wouwou | 2017–present |
Members of the National Parliament
editThe province and each district is represented by a Member of the National Parliament. There is one provincial electorate and each district is an open electorate.
| Electorate | Member |
|---|---|
| West Sepik Provincial | Tony Wouwou |
| Aitape-Lumi Open | Anderson Mise |
| Nuku Open | Joe Sungi |
| Telefomin Open | Solan Mirisim |
| Vanimo-Green River Open | Belden Namah |
References
edit- ^ "Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab". hdi.globaldatalab.org. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ "Papua New Guinea Provinces". statoids.com. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
- ^ "Sandaun Province · Papua New Guinea". Sandaun Province · Papua New Guinea. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
- ^ "National Statistical Office of Papua New Guinea". spc.int. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
- ^ "Final Figures". www.nso.gov.pg. 2011 National Population and Housing Census: Ward Population Profile. Port Moresby: National Statistical Office, Papua New Guinea. 2014. Archived from the original on 2015-09-06. Retrieved 2019-06-04.
- ^ "Census Figures by Wards - Momase Region". www.nso.gov.pg. 2011 National Population and Housing Census: Ward Population Profile. Port Moresby: National Statistical Office, Papua New Guinea. 2014. Archived from the original on 2019-05-19. Retrieved 2019-06-04.
- ^ May, R. J. "8. Decentralisation: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back". State and society in Papua New Guinea: the first twenty-five years. Australian National University. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ^ "Provinces". rulers.org. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
External links
edit
Media related to West Sepik Province (Papua New Guinea) at Wikimedia Commons
