By SHEILA LASIBORI in Popondetta
SHORTAGE of Jet A1 fuel for aircrafts including helicopters in the flood-devastated Oro province has reportedly hampered the distribution and transportation of relief supplies and teams to affected areas.
The delay in shipment from Port Moresby and Lae are also said to be contributing to the problem.
By yesterday, nine drums containing 180L of fuel was transported by Defence Force Arava aircraft from Port Moresby to Girua airport and transported to the main relief supply operation centre at Popondetta campus of the Vudal University
The cost of fuel has reportedly been met by the National Disaster Centre (NDC), an action which has proven very expensive, but the need to transport the much-needed supplies to inaccessible areas has superceded the costs.
The Jet A1 fuel is being sold at K2.77 per litre and K563.95 for a drum containing 200L.
There are also some drums of fuel reportedly waiting for shipment from Port Moresby and Lae, but when they are going to be shipped to Popondetta is not known.
However, distribution of relief supplies and teams of workers to certain devastated areas is continuing with four helicopters.
The helicopters had been engaged in flying teams of security forces and relief supplies since Monday.
The security forces were dropped off at Pirive, Ajeka, Ainsi and Kinjaki while on Tuesday a police team and rations were dropped off at Kokoda and Kumusi.
Other relief supplies were also dropped off at Kokoda, Namudi and Emo River, among others.
This will continue today, with the transportation of relief supplies to areas like Tufi.