Chimbu MPs call for assistance

Chimbu MPs have reminded the Government that timely assistance and intervention is needed to help people affected by floods and landslides.
Sinasina-Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua and Chuave MP James Nomane, in a joint statement yesterday, said: “Lives have unfortunately been lost, food gardens destroyed, road links cut off by landslides and properties damaged – it is indeed a challenging time for our great province.
Kua said: “Sinasina-Yongomugl is facing difficulties with supplies and road accessibility cut off. Intervention by the PNGDF engineering battalion to clear the road is needed.
“While we appreciate helicopter assistance, this can only go so far in providing widespread assistance. Our access to goods and services has been cut off for two weeks now, and the onset of further rainfall threatens relief efforts.”
Nomane said: “We call on the Ministry of Defence to immediately distribute funds from the K500 million allocated for disasters to the Simbu government as soon as practicable.
“The Simbu government is the most equipped authority to determine which areas require funding, support and understand the logistics to provide relief.
“It is in the best interest of the province to coordinate efforts from the provincial government and not Waigani.”