Sariba Island

Saliba Island is a large island in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea.

Sariba Island
Sariba Island is located in Papua New Guinea
Sariba Island
Sariba Island
Geography
LocationOceania
Coordinates10°36′30″S 150°43′30″E[1]
ArchipelagoLouisiade Archipelago
Adjacent toSolomon Sea
Total islands1
Major islands
  • Sariba
Area23.21 km2 (8.96 sq mi)
Length5.5 km (3.42 mi)
Width7.8 km (4.85 mi)
Coastline41.6 km (25.85 mi)
Highest elevation296 m (971 ft)
Highest pointMount Haines
Administration
Province Milne Bay
Island GroupSamarai Islands
Island GroupSariba Islands
Wardsplit
Largest settlementSidudu (pop. 300)
Demographics
Population1880 (2014)
Pop. density81/km2 (210/sq mi)
Ethnic groupsPapauans, Austronesians, Melanesians.
Additional information
Time zone
ISO codePG-MBA
Official websitewww.ncdc.gov.pg

Administration

The island has 2 Wards : Sidudu in the northern part (with adjoining islands), and Sauasauaga on the southern part (which also includes adjoining islands and the western part of Sideia). Both Wards belong to Bwanabwana Rural Local Level Government Area LLG, Samarai-Murua District, which are in Milne Bay Province.[2]

Geography

The island is part of the Sariba group, itself a part of Samarai Islands of the Louisiade Archipelago. The island is only 240 meters at its most closest part to the larger Sideia Island, near the town of Sauasauaga.

History

Sariba Island was first sighted by Europeans when the Spanish expedition of Luís Vaez de Torres passed through Sawa Sawaga channel that they named Boca de Batalla (Battle Passage) on 20 July 1606.[3] During World War II the US Navy built a seaplane base on the island as part of Naval Base Milne Bay.

Demographics

The population of 1880 is living in 30 villages across the island. The most important one, and where the dock is located, is Sidudu. The other villages (clockwise): Simsimai, Nawaripa, Tobai, Wakoiara, Tanabuibuna, Sebuluna, Bwasikoko, Lamabo, Labulabu, Namoai, Isunaleilei, Sauasauaga, Dabunai, Bwastau, Porapa, Gamarai, Kwalosai, Iogi, Sunamaleuya, Kikina, Debasina, Koitubitubi, Magalkalona, Magesina, Magehau, Dagadaga.[4]

Economy

The islanders, are farmers as opposed to eastern Louisiade Archipelago islanders. they grow Sago, Taro, and Yams for crops.[5]

Transportation

There is a dock at Sidudu.

References
  1. Prostar Sailing Directions 2004 New Guinea Enroute, p. 168
  2. LLG map
  3. Hilder, Brett The voyage of Torres, Brisbane, 1980, pp.29
  4. map with villages
  5. Lonely Planet


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