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Sandaun Province Sandaun Provins (Tok Pisin)Sandaun no pundaun | |
|---|---|
| West Sepik Province | |
 Flag | |
 Sandaun Province in Papua New Guinea | |
| Coordinates:3°40′S141°30′E / 3.667°S 141.500°E /-3.667; 141.500 | |
| 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 |
Sandaun Province (formerlyWest Sepik Province) is the northwesternmost mainlandprovince ofPapua 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 isVanimo. In July 1998 the area surrounding the town ofAitape was hit by an enormoustsunami 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 bordersIndonesia.
Sandaun is aTok 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 theSepik River that flows through the province and forms part of the province's southern border.
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.[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.
There are fourdistricts in the province. Each district has one or more Local Level Government (LLG) areas. Forcensus purposes, the LLG areas are subdivided into wards and those into census units.[4][5][6]
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 theNational Parliament of Papua New Guinea.[7][8]
| 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 |
| 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 |
The province and each district is represented by a Member of theNational Parliament. There is one provincialelectorate 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 |
Media related toWest Sepik Province (Papua New Guinea) at Wikimedia CommonsAuthority control databases: Geographic |
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