Rescue operations called off

THE search and rescue operations (S&R) for those who went missing in the Goilala landslide that claimed nine lives on Dec 28 have been called off.
Goilala MP William Samb confirmed that only nine lives were lost in the landslide and the closure of the S&R and the haus krai had ended after six weeks of mourning, including three children.
The distribution of monies and the food items given to the district was carried out last Wednesday in Saki by Samb and his district officers.
“In total, the district received K240,150. K67,000 was paid to those who assisted the district in the S&R and K90,000 were distributed to family members of those who perished in the landslide,” he said.
“The remaining K83,150 were evenly distributed among families in Saki.”
Samb thanked all the business houses and church groups who provided relief supplies to the victims.
“We also want to thank Prime Minister James Marape for taking time out in his busy schedule to visit his people, our people in Saki,” he said.
“I also wish to thank Governor Robert Agarobe for taking part in mobilising and organising operations in Port Moresby while we were at site.
“We also wish to put on record to thank our people at Saki who, without any outside help, managed to help retrieve those buried in the landslide,” he added.