ADB gives K3.2m for quake relief

THE Asian Development Bank has signed a K3.2 million (USD$1 million) grant agreement with the Government to fund relief and recovery efforts in earthquake-affected areas.
The agreement was signed by David Hill, the ADB country director for Papua New Guinea, and Charles Abel, Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer, at Parliament House in Port Moresby.
“This emergency relief assistance will help restore livelihoods,” Hill said.
“ADB stands ready to provide further assistance for the stricken provinces to rebuild.”
Abel said the grant would assist in relief and restoration efforts.
“Rehabilitation costs for water, roads, electricity, schools, and other sectors are likely to be very significant,” Abel said.
The Government declared a state of emergency on March 1 in Hela and Southern Highlands.
Homes, bridges, roads, power transmission and health facilities were destroyed, with loss of life estimated to be more than 100.
The earthquake also caused landslides which covered whole settlements, blocked roads and water sources.
The grant will come from ADB’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund which is designed to provide grant resources to developing member countries impacted by major natural disasters.