By JULIA DAIA BORE
AUSTRALIA has promised continuing humanitarian aid for the Oro people.
The Australian government will also help the Papua New Guinea nGovernment with long-term assistance in light of the enormous destruction of homes, roads and bridges in the province.
This undertaking was conveyed by Australian High Commissioner to PNG Chris Moraitis in a news conference in Port Moresby yesterday.
Mr Moraitis’ assurance came immediately following his visit yesterday to the affected areas of the province to witness first hand the extent of the damage caused by Cyclone Guba and the subsequent torrential rains and flooding that had rendered over 100,000 people homeless.
The Australian official was accompanied on the trip by Community Development Minister Dame Carol Kidu, commander of the Australian assistance operation Group Capt Tim Innes and head of AusAID Margaret Thomas.
Mr Moraitis said he was very proud that his government was prompt in coming to PNG’s aid as quickly as it did.
He also acknowledged that Australia had special relations with the Oro province – the second world war.
“Our historic relationship was based on a bed-rock relationship,” he said.
He said Oro people living in the flood-stricken areas were now receiving 27 tonnes of humanitarian relief goods.
Yesterday, an Australian vessel hauled 70 tonnes of rice from Lae to Gona, the only inland access by road to the Popondetta township.
The foodstuff was apart from water containers, tarpaulins, generators, blankets and water purification tablets which had already been distributed to flood victims.
Meanwhile, three Caribou transport aircraft and three Army Blackhawk helicopters had joined the relief efforts to help distribute crucial food, medical supplies and shelter to the many isolated communities and villages in Oro province.
AusAID coordinator in Popondetta Bill Costello said one of the biggest challenges was reaching the many communities that had been isolated because the 70 bridges in the area had been washed away or badly damaged.