The acting mayor of Lorengau says Australia should do more for the Manus Island town that's hosting refugees it detained in Papua New Guinea.
Refugees in a protest at West Lorengau Haus. Photo: supplied
Kakau Karani said the community has been forced to accept about 600 men and wants greater development in return.
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Mr Karani said Australia had already upgraded the road to the airport, the police station and the market.
But he said Lorengau needed its schools repaired, sports facilities and a sea wall to protect it from the rising ocean.
"If they [the refugees] are here then the Australian government should take care of whatever projects, whatever infrastructure we want. But most of these refugees here don't want to stay in Manus. So we want the government to recognise their rights and send them to where they want to go."
Kakau Karani said, apart from a small faction of youths, the people of Lorengau are friendly towards the refugees.