Govt response swift: PM

Locals at the landslide affected area in Enga’s Maip-Mulitaka listening to Prime Minister James Marape who visited the area on Friday. The Government allocated K20mil to the Enga provincial government as its support for the disaster relief fund.

PRIME Minister James Marape, during his visit to the landslide-hit Porgera-Paiela district in Enga on Friday, says the Government had swiftly responded to the May 24 landslide, although he himself arrived late.
“Although I may be late, the Government, through departments and agencies such as the National Disaster Centre and PNGDF, acted promptly in attending to the disaster,” Marape said.
The Government allocated K20mil to the Enga provincial government as its support for the disaster relief fund.
The May 24 landslide claimed more than 600 lives with more than 7,000 displaced.
He thanked the Enga provincial government and provincial administration for responding immediately to the disaster.
The Hela and Southern Highlands provincial governments also committed K1 million each to the Enga disaster management committee.
Newmont Corporation will also provide K1 million in assistance to support the response to the May 24 landslide.
Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph in a statement said the National Disaster Center allocated another K500,000 in addition to the K500,000 last Monday.
Joseph said within 72 hours, a team from Port Moresby comprising officials of the National Disaster Center and PNG Defence Force was sent to the disaster site.
He thanked countries and development agencies who participated in the relief and recovery exercise.
He added that the Government will work with the Enga government in the reconstruction and rebuilding efforts, and the resettlement of displaced people.
The National Disaster Center will work with United Nations agencies and international partners to build capacity and awareness for future disaster warnings and preparedness.