Local leaders visit villages, give K500,000 for rebuild

YALANDA and Homa communities are looking at rebuilding after almost a month of experiencing destruction, fear, uncertainty and emotional and physical pains since the 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck their Southern Highlands villages last month.
Moran Special Purpose Authority chairman Anthony Hamaka and Kutubu local level government president John Pipi Kila paid a visit to the worst-hit village of Yalanda.
Hamaka broke down after seeing the effect the quake had on his people.
“I am very sad to see you all living like this. Before the earthquake, we never lived like this. We were a strong and united community,” he told them.
He then revealed that K500,000 would be paid to a local contractor to immediately start restoring the road which has been a lifeline for the communities of Kekero, Yalanda, Baguale, Paua and Homa.
“I have brought a cheque for K250,000 to engage a local contractor company to commence work on blockages on the road immediately and to have us connected with the main road so we will be able to access services through our road,” he said.
Hamaka thanked Oil Search and other parties involved in the relief response after the disaster by providing food, water and temporary shelter for the displaced people.
“Without your quick response to our needs, we would find it very difficult to rebuild,” he said.
“Through partnerships we to build our lives and our community.”
Kila also commended the community for their resilience.
The two men then visited Homa, which is where Hamaka comes from, and presented K50,000 to help people.