Flood-affected people in Jiwaka call on the government for assistance

PEOPLE in the North Waghi and Jimi electorates of Jiwaka affected by floods are appealing to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and the Cabinet for help.
“Massive destruction to public infrastructures, houses, stores, gardens and loss of the lives of three people and others injured are calling for attention at the national level,” provincial disaster coordinator John Kupul said.
Kupul said they were doing their own assessments of villages and households affected to find some relief assistance like food to help the flood victims.
“People are living in fear and are devastated at the moment. They have lost their houses and properties,” he said.
“It will take time for people to rebuild. We cannot help them to recover but assist with food reliefs. That’s our immediate focus.”
Kupul said the situation was large-scale and the national government should help.
Provincial civil engineer Thomas Max said two bridges in Jimi and one in North Waghi were washed away by the floods on March 8 and 24 and would cost over K10 million to replace.
“We’ve made assessments of damaged bridges in both districts. It is affecting thousands of people by cutting off access to services,” Max said.