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By PETER KORUGL
IT will cost more than K5 million to rebuild infrastructure destroyed by
the rain-induced landslides and flooding in Pindiu, Morobe province,
according to an official report.
The provincial disaster centre in Morobe reported that the total cost of
road reconstruction will be K2.1 million while foot bridges will cost
K240,000, water supplies K240,000 and the replacement of the Mongi
Bridge for K2.5 million.
The report said that it cost K180,015 on relief assistance and recovery
exercise for the Pindiu disaster.
The report noted that some of the relief supplies went to the wrong
people, and council managers were engaged to ensure only genuine
families who were affected received the food supplies.
Another point noted in the report was the gardening on mountain slopes.
The report noted that the soil cover was removed, exposing the soil to
rain triggering the landslides.
“People are ignorant and careless towards taking precautionary measures
when using the environment,” the report said.
It noted that increase in environment degradation from human activities
posed serious threat to humans and the environment.
The report further revealed that traditional knowledge in disaster
warning signs should be emphasised strongly to avoid or minimise any
hazardous disasters.
The report stressed that local people should be used to monitor and
record wildlife and weather conditions to help them avert possible
disasters.
“From experiences undertaken from various hazards occurring in Morobe,
the Morobe disaster centre is fortunate to have its disaster management
response and mitigation plans and programmes fully supported by the
Morobe provincial administration,” the Morobe disaster centre said.
It also acknowledged the support from the NDC, Red Cross, ADRA,
Salvation Army and other non-government organisations in addressing
disaster and emergency situations in the province.
 
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