Officer asks governors to provide aid

 By PISAI GUMAR

THE administration officer of the disaster-stricken Kome council in Menyamya, Morobe, is appealing to governors of neighbouring Gulf and Eastern Highlands to help the affected border communities.

Kome manager Peto Kaldagaso has called on Gulf Governor Havila Kavo and EHP Governor Julie Soso to assist Kome LLG with relief and supplies.

Border communities from Eastern Highlands that live around Wonenara Kratke Range include Marawaka, Andakombe, Wolondinkwa, Boikoa, Wutabo and Simbari.

They receive health and education services at Umba.

Border communities from Gulf include Kaintiba, Komako, Kanabeya, Awabango and Ikumdi receive health and education services at Kwaplalim and Hakwange health centres and primary schools.

“There students then enter Menyamya High School or attend Menyamya Technical Vocational Education Training,” Kaldagaso said.

Six days’ downpour in the area caused 560 landslips, affecting the Jipa, Menye, Hengiyapa, Hengati, Tsewi and Umba communities.

The affected communities are located north-east towards Marawaka in Obura-Wonenara district.

Kaldagaso estimated K3.25 million worth of damage was done and major effort and grant would be needed to rebuild lives and infrastructure such as roads and bridges. 

“It will cost K1 million to maintain road from Menyamya station to Umba, Concordia to Tsewi (K500,000) and Jipa to Menye (K250,000),” Kaldagaso said.

President Jeffery Tobias said that Kome LLG allocated K40,000 but unavailability of the district treasury printing machine delayedthe cheque processing.

Six primary, 15 elementary schools and six aid posts were affected. Yinimba elementary hasa closed indefinitely.

“We also appeal to our local MP Benjamin Philip to assist with funding as well as machinery to rebuild the roads and bridges”.