Restoration Bill tops agenda for special sitting

LEADER of Government Business James Marape believes that Restoration Authority Act to be tabled at a special sitting of Parliament today will ensure a proper flow of earthquake relief efforts.
Marape said the main business of the day was the bill apart from other Government businesses which would be discussed.
“It is envisaged that the Restoration Authority Bill will establish a proper structure to cater for the six provinces affected by the earthquake (Hela, Southern Highlands, Western, Gulf, Enga and Western Highlands).”
Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, through the advice of Cabinet, recalled Parliament for the special sitting in light of widespread death and destruction caused by the 7.5 magnitude earthquake of Feb 26 and ensuing aftershocks.
Marape’s Tari-Pori electorate and Hela were badly affected.
“I welcome the efforts put in by Government in ensuring a proper mechanism is put in place,” he said.
“This is not only to care for people affected, but most importantly facilitate long-term development due to collapse of public infrastructure like buildings, roads and bridges. This is an opportunity for us to plan better development into the future that can withstand the force of natural disasters.
“We now live in a point in time in earth’s history that occurrence of natural disasters is growing.”
Marape thanked Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for his leadership during the post-earthquake recovery work.