PM commits K1 million for village

PRIME Minister James Marape has committed K1 million to the villagers of Saki in Goilala, Central, for development projects to benefit them.
The villagers, most of whom depend on alluvial mining to survive, are still looking for those still missing when a landslide buried homes at dawn on Monday, Dec 28.
Nine bodies have been found so far.
Marape visited the area yesterday with Goilala MP William Samb and Central Governor Robert Agarobe.
He warned the villagers that the money was not for the “mourning” but for projects to benefit them all.
Access to the area is by helicopter as walking could take up to four days – to Tolukuma and then to Tapini.
He said the K1mil would be paid to the Central government to pass on to Goilala.
“This is for the development of Saki – whether you build a hospital or ensure that the alluvial mining business is done safely, the money should be used wisely,” Marape said.
“I know that alluvial mining is lucrative business.
“But it is dangerous as well.”
He advised the villagers to lift their living standard and use their money wisely.
He also said the Government would provide food to the people as they continued the search for the bodies.