O’Neill wants K1.3mil donation used wisely

By GYNNIE KERO
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says funds received to help those affected by the earthquake will reach the people in the remotest parts of the country.
He said this in Port Moresby yesterday when receiving a cheque for K1.3 million from the Chinese community in PNG.
O’Neill thanked the Chinese businesses and individuals who raised the amount saying it was a sign of “true friendship”.
“It is certainly times like this that we understand the true meaning of friendship,” he said.
“The gift given to us is quite a large donation that will go right to the remotest areas right throughout the country.
“We are trying our best to have less bureaucracy and less spending on just running around.”
O’Neill said they wanted to make sure the money “reaches families and those who really need it”.
He said recovery would take a few years, especially the rebuilding of infrastructure in the remote communities.
“Our aim is to make sure that the roads and bridges, schools and hospitals are rebuilt,” he said.
“People are on the ground clearing roads blocked by the landslips – in fact, more than 100 landslips on the main highways. So it’s taking time to clear.”
The China-PNG Friendship Association which made the donation yesterday extended their sympathy to the families who lost loved ones.
The association had set up the PNG Chinese Community Earthquake Relief Committee which raised the K1.3 million in two days.
Committee member Lady Ni Cragnolini said: “So far we have raised over K1 million to assist in the relief efforts. But we hope to raise over K2 million by the end of the day. PNG has always been very good to the Chinese community so it is important we help the country when it needs. We hope to continue to raise more in the coming days.”