Flood-affected villagers seek help from govt, firms

VILLAGERS at Gabensis in Morobe who lost homes and gardens during flooding three weeks ago are yet to receive relief assistance.
The Gorogesa River washed away half of the village in the Wampar local level government in the Huon Gulf district.
Ward Three councillor Francis Paul said more than 100 families affected had been waiting for almost a month.
The provincial disaster office had promised to help them.
In a meeting on Saturday, the people agreed to petition the provincial administration, provincial disaster office, mining and other companies operating in Bulolo and Huon Gulf to help them.
Paul called on the government, Hidden Valley and Wafi Golpu mining, Zenag Chicken and companies using the Bulolo Highway to help the flood victims.
Gabensis disaster committee member Julius Awa said the Gorogeas River was likely to wash away the bridge if it continued to rain.
He said their food gardens have been washed away by the floods.
“Food gardens that we rely on have been washed away and those remaining are affected as a result of excessive water in the soil,” Awa said.