Girl who lost family to get help until she’s 21

By PETER WARI
THE 12-year-old girl who was thrown to safety by her father before her family disappeared in a landslide will be assisted by Mendi-Munihu district with her school fees until she turns 21.
Mendi-Munihu MP Michael Nali made the commitment to Jerina Peter who lost her father, mother and siblings in the landslide at Punij village in Southern Highlands during the earthquake 16 days ago.
District development authority chief executive officer Pora Nema said K5000 had been given to the relatives to open a bank account for her.
Her relatives have also been given K27,000 to cover funeral expenses, including K10,000 to erect a monument where the landslide happened.
“Funeral and relief assistance is K27,000 and K5000 is for the girl to open her account,” Nema said.
“Once the account is opened, it will be made known so that people willing to contribute may contribute, and it will be controlled by the DDA.”
A team from the DDA travelled to Puinj village where the four were buried and took rice, canned fish, cooking oil and cartons of biscuits.
The team previously contributed K2000 during the funeral service.
The district will also supply seven water tanks which can hold 9000 litres in Punij.
“Two other council wards, Map 1 and Mopa wards in the Karinz LLG will also be receiving Tuffa tanks as their source of fresh water. Their tanks were damaged by the earthquake,” Nema said.