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 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.
Name Sandaun 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. 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 The Sandaun Province has beaches along the northern coast, as well as mountainous areas throughout the province, primarily in the southern area of the province. 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 There 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.
District District Capital LLG Name Aitape-Lumi District Aitape East Aitape Rural East Wapei Rural West Aitape Rural West Wapei Rural Nuku District Nuku Mawase Rural (Nuku) Palmai Rural Yangkok Rural Maimai Wanwan Rural Telefomin District Telefomin Namea Rural Oksapmin Rural Telefomin Rural Yapsie Rural Vanimo-Green River District Vanimo Amanab Rural Bewani-Wutung-Onei Rural Green River Rural Vanimo Urban Walsa Rural
Provincial leaders
The 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.
Premiers (1978–1995)
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)
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
The 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
External links