Sariba Island
Saliba Island is an island to the south of Milne Bay 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 closest part to the larger Sideia Island, near the town of Sauasauaga. Its highest point is 278 metres. Sariba has a tropical rainforest climate.
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. During World War II the US Navy built a seaplane base on the island as part of Naval Base Milne Bay. The base contained a camp for 130 men, a small boat pier, communications building, offices, and general storehouses.
Demographics
The population of 1980 was 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. There is a small boatbuilding industry, with many of the male inhabitants contributing to the work.
Transportation
There is a dock at Sidudu.