Relief supplies yet to reach victims

By EREBIRI ZURENUOC
FOOD rations for people affected by monsoon winds and school and aidpost supplies to Tuam Island in Siassi in Tewai-Siassi, Morobe, are yet to be shipped.
Ward 13 councillor Robert Michael told The National that this was due to issues with the mv Sulu Express, the only cargo vessel serving the district.
“The people of Tuam Island were affected by monsoon winds in Jan-Feb,” he said.
“The strong winds destroyed our food gardens and crops, they blew high concentration of salt from the sea onto the crops.
“The Morobe Disaster Office surveyed the area, took pictures and wrote reports, and food rations were bought last month for the affected population, and to be shipped to the island.
“The shipment was never sent because of issues with the management of mv Sulu Express.
“I cannot go back empty handed to the island because the people are waiting for food and materials.”
Michael said many people were affected, and so as those from Malai Island, also in Siassi, and Tami Island in Finschhafen, who experienced similar monsoon winds.
Tuam Island is located south of the Umboi Island and has a population of more than 400.
The main source of food is fish, which is usually traded for sago and garden food with surrounding islands.
Michael said other developments including communication towers and basic services in health and education, were largely non-existent.
“Apart from the food rations which have been at the wharf for the last three weeks, we also have school materials for Tuam Primary School and medical supplies for Tuam Aidpost,” he said.
“The shipment of cargo has been a real problem, but we have managed to secure payments for shipment.
“The people really need the supplies and we really need to ship them to the island as fast as we could because its too long now.”