PM hails K1mil help in difficult economic times

By GYNNIE KERO
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says the relief assistance to people affected by the earthquake is beingsupported by development partners and overseas governments.
He was speaking when thanking the China Enterprises Association for its K1 million donation in Port Moresby yesterday.
O’Neill said Chinese government-owned enterprises continued to be very strong partners in the development of the country.
“Your (Chinese Enterprises Association) donation is more personal because it is a contribution from the staff and families in PNG,” he said.
“K1 million is a lot of money through this economic difficult times to raise.”
O’Neill said rebuilding communities in the affected areas was going to be difficult and would take time.
“So far it is estimated that over 100 people have lost their lives or are missing,” he said.
“There are families stranded in remote communities because roads have been closed by landslips.
“As we clear landslips, new ones are coming up because of the aftershocks.”
O’Neill acknowledged the support by China, Australia, New Zealand, organisations such as Oil Search and development partners such as the Asian Development Bank.
China Enterprise Association vice-chairman Luo Haozhong said they felt sorry for the loss of lives and properties.
“As we all live and work in PNG, we have strong feeling of connections with the PNG people,” he said.
“We strongly believe the PNG government, led by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, will lead the people through this tough time, and rebuild their lovely and happy homes in those provinces.”