By SIONI RUMA
THE Rotary Club in Port Moresby has already collected about 20 tonnes of goods that included assorted food, tarpaulins and medicines for airlifting to Oro province’s flood victims.
The Rotary had thanked Trukai Rice, Ox & Palm and RD Tuna Canners for their donations of rice and canned goods.
There were also containers of shelter boxes containing relief goods like tents, cooking utensils, cooking stoves, foodstuff and many others.
Milne Bay Governor John Luke had committed a total of K20,000 from the provincial government.
He expressed great concern for the victims and said that it was important that relief assistance reached the flood victims immediately.
He added that he would negotiate with business houses for the purchase of relief supplies on credit after he had been informed that funding from the National Disaster and Emergency Centre would be slow to reach Alotau office.
He discussed the matter in a meeting in Alotau yesterday with Member for Esa’ala Moses Maladina, coordinator for disaster and emergency Eric Balaria and other local officials.
The governor, who used to be a businessman in the province, also made a personal contribution of K5,000.
Meanwhile, PNG Gardener Justin Tkatchenko had earlier chipped in a truckload of rice and flour.
Mr Tkatchenko urged business houses to work together help the flood victims, especially the sick children.