Province willing to help

By MICHAEL WARTOVO
THE “East New Britain for the Australian Bush Fire Appeal” was launched on Tuesday by Governor Nakikus Konga.
“The people of ENB have been helped by the Australian government during times of need, most notably during the 1994 volcanic eruptions as well as other emergencies, and with bushfires ravaging three states in Australia, the provincial government felt compelled to support by raising funds through a public appeal,” he said.
The Australian bush fire appeal started on Tuesday with a presentation of K10,000 by Konga to get the ball rolling as he and Pomio MP Elias Kapavore pledged their support towards the humanitarian cause which would see support from business houses in the province as well.
ENB deputy administrator for local level governments (LLGs) and district Nicholas Larme said there would be a call in their programme with assistance from Telikom PNG to help the fundraising drive which would also include a music concert. Larme said administrators of four districts – Kokopo, Gazelle, Pomio and Rabaul – were tasked to coordinate any form of relief assistant from their areas.
“The ENB people may not do something big but they can still show their heartfelt sorrow towards our friends from Australia who have been the victims to one of the worst fire disasters in their history,” Larme said.
He said the province needed to show that the loving people of ENB could still assist PNG’s neighbour and closest friend.
The cheque for K10,000 was forwarded to the ENB Australia Bush Fire Appeal committee headed by Larme, with assistance from provincial disaster officer Donald Tokunai.