Sariba Island


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

Administration

The island has 2 Wards : Sidudu in the northern part, and Sauasauaga on the southern part.
Both Wards belong to Bwanabwana Rural Local Level Government Area LLG, Samarai-Murua District, which are in Milne Bay Province.

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 on 20 July 1606..

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 : 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.

Economy

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

Transportation

There is a dock at Sidudu.