Lake Lau is one of the many freshwater lakes in Papua New Guinea (PNG), a country rich in natural and cultural diversity. Located in the Enga Province, Lake Lau offers a glimpse into the history, culture and ecology of this highland region. In this article, we will explore some of the unique features and attractions of Lake Lau and its surroundings.
A Brief History of Lake Lau and Enga Province
Lake Lau is situated in the Pilikambi Sub District of Enga Province, at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level1. It is one of the sources of the Lagaip River, which flows into the Strickland and Fly rivers, two of the largest rivers in PNG2. The lake is also near the Yopos Plateau, where several other major rivers such as the Sepik and Purari originate3.
Enga Province is one of the youngest provinces in PNG, having been separated from the Western Highlands Province in 1975 when PNG gained independence from Australia4. The province is home to the Engans, a majority ethnic group that speaks one language (Enga) across its five districts4. The Engans have a long history of interaction with other highland groups, as well as with European explorers, missionaries and miners who entered the region in the 20th century4.
Language, Traditional Cultures, Norms and Practices
The Enga language belongs to the Trans-New Guinea language family, and has several dialects that vary slightly across different areas4. The language is spoken by about 500,000 people, making it one of the most widely spoken languages in PNG4. The Engans also use Tok Pisin (a creole language) and English as lingua francas with other groups4.
The Engans have a rich and diverse culture that reflects their adaptation to the highland environment. They live in scattered homesteads dispersed throughout the landscape, and practice subsistence agriculture based on sweet potato cultivation4. They also raise pigs, which are a culturally valued item that are used for exchange, compensation and ritual purposes4. The Engans have a complex system of pig exchange called “tee” or “moka”, which involves reciprocal gifts of pigs and other valuables among clans and allies4.
The Engans have a strong sense of clan identity and loyalty, which often leads to inter-clan conflicts over land, resources and prestige4. The Engans also have a tradition of warfare and raiding against neighboring groups, such as the Huli, Ipili and Mendi4. However, they also have mechanisms for peace-making and reconciliation, such as compensation payments, mediation and ceremonies4.
The Engans have a variety of religious beliefs and practices that reflect their worldview and cosmology. They believe in a supreme being called Ambeng or Yawe, who created the world and everything in it4. They also believe in ancestral spirits, nature spirits and other supernatural beings that can influence human affairs for good or evil4. The Engans perform rituals and ceremonies to communicate with these spirits, to seek their blessings or protection, or to appease their anger or wrath4.
Current Development and Progress
Enga Province is one of the least developed provinces in PNG, facing many challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, poor health services, lack of infrastructure and environmental degradation4. However, the province also has some potential for development and progress, such as its natural resources, its human capital and its cultural heritage4.
One of the main sources of income for Enga Province is the Porgera gold mine, which is located in the Porgera-Paela District. The mine is one of the largest gold mines in PNG, producing about 20% of the country’s gold output4. The mine provides employment opportunities for many local people, as well as royalties and taxes for the provincial and national governments4. However, the mine also has negative impacts on the environment and society, such as pollution, land disputes, social problems and human rights violations4.
Another source of income for Enga Province is tourism, which is based on its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The province has many attractions for tourists, such as its high-altitude lakes (including Lake Lau), its waterfalls (such as Yuo Falls), its salt ponds (such as Laiagam Salt Ponds), its mountains (such as Mt Sugarloaf) and its festivals (such as Enga Cultural Show)5. The province also has a potential for eco-tourism, which could promote conservation and community development4.
The Enga Provincial Government, led by Governor Peter Ipatas, has been implementing various initiatives and programs to improve the development and progress of the province. Some of these include the Enga Vision 2050, which outlines the long-term goals and strategies for the province4; the Enga Children’s Fund, which provides scholarships and grants for students4; the Enga Take Anda Foundation, which supports cultural preservation and promotion4; and the Enga Provincial Health Authority, which manages health services and facilities4.
Holiday Spots or Tourist Attraction Points
Lake Lau is one of the holiday spots or tourist attraction points in Enga Province, offering a scenic and serene experience for visitors. The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation, and is home to various aquatic plants and animals. The lake is also a source of food and water for the local people, who fish and collect salt from its waters2. The lake is accessible by road from Wabag, the capital town of Enga Province, or by air from Mount Hagen, the capital town of Western Highlands Province5.
Other holiday spots or tourist attraction points in Enga Province include:
- Yuo Falls: a spectacular waterfall located near Wabag, which can be reached by a short hike from the road. The waterfall is about 30 meters high, and plunges into a deep pool that is suitable for swimming5.
- Laiagam Salt Ponds: a unique natural phenomenon located in the Laiagam District, where salt water seeps out of the ground and forms ponds that are harvested by the local people. The salt ponds are also a habitat for various birds and insects5.
- Mt Sugarloaf: a prominent mountain located in the Kandep District, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The mountain is about 3000 meters high, and can be climbed by experienced hikers5.
- Enga Cultural Show: an annual festival held in August in Wabag, which showcases the culture and traditions of the Engans and other highland groups. The festival features colorful dances, songs, music, costumes, arts and crafts5.
Conclusion
Lake Lau is a hidden gem of Enga Province, a province that has much to offer for visitors who are interested in its history, culture and ecology. Lake Lau is one of the many freshwater lakes in PNG, a country that has a rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage. Lake Lau is a place worth visiting and exploring, as well as preserving and protecting.
References
1 List of lakes of Papua New Guinea – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_lakes_of_Papua_New_Guinea
2 The freshwater lakes of Papua New Guinea: an inventory and limnological review | Journal of Tropical Ecology | Cambridge Core. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-tropical-ecology/article/abs/freshwater-lakes-of-papua-new-guinea-an-inventory-and-limnological-review/1A3DF15EAF9A42D192CC290FB9F8B51B
3 Pilikambi Rural LLG – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilikambi_Rural_LLG
4 Enga Province – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enga_Province
5 Enga Province | Papua New Guinea. https://www.papuanewguinea.travel/enga-province
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