Coordinator calls for own budget to be better prepared for disasters

By TONY PALME
JIWAKA provincial disaster coordinator John Kupul says disaster response should have a budget of its own because of the frequent natural disasters they have been recently facing.
More flooding occurred on Monday night.
The culvert bridge at Bunum Wo was washed away cutting of the main road.
Kupul said floods and landslides were more frequent because of changes in the global weather pattern caused by global warming and climate change.
“We can have budgets for health, education, infrastructure and law and order,” he said.
“And disaster should also be given the same priority.
“If the people are affected by disaster, then who would
benefit from the health, education and infrastructure services?
“Let’s not forget that disaster response is a priority concern of any government.
“Natural disasters are unpredictable.
“They strike anytime and
we should have resources ready to respond when they happen.” Kupul said floods
had been causing the loss of lives and destruction to properties.
The most recent floods washed away the Kun and Jimning bridges in Upper Jimi, Kaunang bridge in North Waghi, homes and properties along the Mombol River and the culvert bridge at Bunum Wo.
The damage to the road and bridges has been affecting thousands of people in the North Waghi (Jiwaka) and Dei (Western Highlands) areas, including coffee plantations, schools and government and church-run institutions.