People

Simbu is densely populated. The 2000 census statistics show we have a population of 258,000. On an average about 300 people live per square kilometer. In the Karamui area it could be as low as 10 people per square km. With better health services, increased fertility and reduced mortality rate the province has realized a substantial population growth. About 20% of Simbu’s population migrates to other provinces in pursuit of opportunities or where they find the environment more conducive to their existence.

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About Simbu Province

Geography

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Simbu Province lies between latitudes of 5 degrees 45’South and 7 degrees 50’ South. The most prominent
features are the Bismarck range to the North topped by Mt. Wilhelm, 15,500 feet above sea level and the
Kubor Range to the South. Between them runs the Waghi River which later joins with the Asaro River in
the East and later exits into the ocean as the Kikori River. (Provincial Rolling Plan 1988).
Simbu is mountainous and rugged. Sedimentary rocks are its foundations, with limestone being the
predominant rock type. Gorges of up to 200 meters in depth are a common sight from Gembogl to
Kundiawa, Gumine and to Kiari. It offers some of the most unique breath taking scenery in PNG.


Economy

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About 85 percent of Simbus are subsistence farmers while the other 15 percent are involved in some form of wage earning employment. Due to the rough geography the province does not invite large-scale economic activities such as coffee, tea or spice production. The Simbus living to the North depend entirely on vegetables for their cash income, whilst the rest of the Simbus are limited to owning small coffee plots which would yield approximately 300kg of parchment annually. Towards the south is Karamui which has vast areas of virgin rainforest that has the potential for mass cash crop development. However, the major constraint is that it is inaccessible by road. At the time of writing this Plan, the Papua New Guinea defense force engineering battalion has been engaged to construct the road from Kundiawa to Karamui. This is an overdue development, which is seen as an opening to the province for major cash crop economical development. There is a high possibility that Simbu may have some natural resources like; gold, copper, gas, crude oil waiting to be developed and exploited, however this is yet to be prospected. The discovery of

Language and Culture

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We have sixteen major languages, although within some there are slight differences in the dialects. They are Kuman, Siane, Kamara, Gomia, Gai, Tabare, Kumai, Dinga, Dom, Kepai/Gunangi, Yuri, Golin, Nagl, Daribi, Yasu and Woma/Kapma. The languages are fast dying out and gradually being replaced by Tok Pisin which may sooner or later become the lingua franca. The culture is tied to the language and is fairly similar throughout the province but varies slightly from one area to another.


Government Administration

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The Province is headed by an Administrator who is the head of the Public Servants and a Deputy
Administrator who is the next in seniority in the hierarchy. The Divisional Heads are known as Principal
Advisors who report either directly to the Administrator or the Deputy Administrator. Each of the six
districts has a District Manager who is appointed to oversee the operations of the public servants and other
activities at the district level. Under the current administrative structure there are six District Education
Administrators (DEA), who oversee the operations of education in the district. The DEAs are responsible to
the District Managers. However, educational issues are reported to the Provincial Education Advisor.

Population

Simbu’s population growth is about two percent annually. This implies that about 2500 children are naturally born annually. This figure represents five percent of the student population. If all children are to attend classes we anticipate 60 to 80 new classes annually.

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