Chimbu digs deep for brothers in Southern Highlands

PEOPLE in Mendi town wept openly last Saturday when they saw more than 20 vehicles arriving from Chimbu carrying relief assistance.
People from Chimbu also came to express their sympathy for the pain and loss suffered after the earthquake.
They brought rice, kaukau and other vegetables, tinned fish, water bottles and second-hand clothing.
The donations were from all the districts in Chimbu.
Simbu administrator Joe Kunda said the people were saddened by the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that ravaged Southern Highlands and they had come in the highlands traditional way to show their sorrow.
“The Simbu provincial government had been raising funds to bring in relief supplies and with the help of Chimbu people, we have come here to say sorry to the people who lost their family members and those that are affected.
“There is no defined solution to this problem (earthquake) but we at least brought something to show that we are with you in these times of sorrow.
“Do not give us food or money in return. We will go back to Chimbu with nothing but the provincial disaster office must assure me that those relief supplies must be distributed directly to the affected areas.”
Southern Highlands deputy administrator Fiebik Kilip said the province was going through a difficult time and assistance shown by the people of Chimbu had brought tears of joy to the affected people.
“We had a chaotic election, then the earthquake struck causing massive destruction to lives and properties,” he said.
“We were in despair and misery when you came with relief supplies.
“This is the spirit of Highlands brotherhood and it must be maintained during good and bad times.”