K17mil over Jan 10 riots

Govt honours relief aid to affected businesses

By JESHER TILTO
AT least K17.5 million was yesterday distributed to eight business houses affected by the Jan 10 civil unrest in Port Moresby.
Government chief secretary Ivan Pomaleu said the presentation, which took place at the Gerehu shopping centre, fulfilled the Government’s second phase of the committed relief package for businesses impacted by the riots.
The K17.5 million, he said, was part of a K270 million relief package initiated in April.
Pomaleu said these payments comprised support for employees’ wages and for costs associated with debris removal and damage repair.
Pomaleu said the Jan 10 civil unrest had significant repercussions for businesses.
“The Government is committed to provide support to all business affected. This relief support will help them rebuild and continue to service our communities,” he said.
Among them, Bismillah Holdings Limited received the largest second batch allocation of K9,233,800 for its debris removal and clearing claim.
Desh Besh Enterprise Limited was granted a total of K2,349,000 (debris removal and clearing, and wages support) followed by Pypon Holdings Limited with K2,022,520 (debris removal and clearing), Tango Limited got K1,926,000 (wages support), Papindo Trading Company Limited received K978,000 (wages support), CBL Limited K660,000 (wages support), Asha Enterprise Limited K280,000 (wages support) and Pacific Pest Solution was granted K90,000 also for wages support.
Pomaleu added: “The Government recognises the vital role businesses play in the community and is committed to their recovery and continuity.”
Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Rio Fiocco expressed great satisfaction with yesterday’s presentation.
“We are very pleased that the phase two cheques have been processed and allocated today (yesterday),” he said.
“There is a lot of work needed to clear out the burnt and destroyed buildings. And that is what the funds that have been paid today are for.”
Fiocco said the cheques presented yesterday were also part of the employee retention scheme for phase one which allowed for K500 per fortnight to be paid to each employee of the businesses affected.