Arabic version: سكان ناوييو يواجهون العودة إلى منازلهم المغمورة بالمياه دون خدمات

Residents of Nauiyu, a community ravaged by severe flooding, are set to return to their homes, but they will find themselves without essential services. Community leaders and Indigenous organizations are urging the Northern Territory (NT) and federal governments to provide necessary assistance for repairs and equipment replacements.

According to ABC News, the Merrepen Arts Centre, a vital source of income for the community, is among the organizations struggling to recover. Community leader Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann expressed her concern that the town’s 400 residents will return to a community lacking vital services, as funding for repairs remains uncertain.

Wayne Buckley, chief executive of the Green River Aboriginal Corporation, stated that their four Aboriginal corporations have collectively requested approximately $9 million from both levels of government to address the extensive damage caused by the floods. He noted that they have reached out multiple times since March but have yet to receive a response.

The community’s infrastructure, including aged care facilities and other essential services, has been severely impacted, and without government support, many programs may not resume. Julie Calvert from the Miriam Rose Foundation emphasized the risk of youth engaging in negative activities if programs are not reinstated. Meanwhile, Felicity Wright, chief executive of the Merrepen Arts Centre, highlighted the significant loss of equipment, which has hindered their ability to generate income.

Both the NT and federal governments have indicated they are working on restoring services, but community leaders stress the need for immediate action, especially with the potential for future flooding. They are advocating for the construction of an evacuation center on higher ground to better prepare for the next wet season.