Here’s an unfortunate event that happened in Kundiawa, Papua New Guinea a few months ago.
Harsh environmental conditions are typically to blame for the loss of records in this region. However, mis-communication seems to be the culprit in this instance. Check it out:
A RARE collection of traditional Chimbu songs, string band music, legends and myths and traditional bamboo flute sounds were destroyed last week. The National Broadcasting Corporation’s library and archives building
in Kundiawa, containing this rare collection, was demolished last Thursday to make way for the new highlands regional treasury building.
The NBC building was constructed in 1973, and the recordings destroyed were a collection of the last 37 years. It was demolished in the presence of Chimbu Governor Fr John Garia and other MPs from the province. Also there was Finance secretary Gabriel Yer, NBC acting managing director Memafu Kapera and NBC board chairman Paul Reptario.
The National saw remains of the destroyed records burning and lying around the perimeter fence of the site last weekend. NBC management and staff, who have relocated to a new site near the Kundiawa-Gembogl district office and the provincial education office, have reportedly failed to relocate the archived records. Director of Sangamanga Culture Environment Protection (SCEP) Eric Sinebare expressed grave concerns over the loss of these rare collections. He blamed the management and staff of NBC Kundiawa for failing to relocate these items when they moved out three months ago.
Sinebare said when the official demolition was carried out last Thursday, NBC staff arrived and collected what they wanted, leaving the records behind. “By 6pm last Saturday, the public moved in and helped themselves, scattering the recordings on a shelf all over.”
Source- By ZACHERY PER
Island Time 