Santos donates K648,000 to quake relief efforts

Santos Papua New Guinea yesterday made a donation of US$200,000 (K648,000) to the Oil Search Foundation in support of earthquake relief efforts.
Santos PNG country adviser Ces Iewago said the company was committed to work with Oil Search as joint venture partners as well supporting its efforts in helping communities.
“We are very impressed with the work that the foundation is doing in relation to this disaster,” he said.
“As partners with Oil Search itself, we are pleased to make a donation of US$200,000 towards the cost to assist in the efforts of the foundation to our people in the affected areas.
“Santos made a donation of US$1 million (K3.2 million) last year towards the Tari Hospital, and of course with this unforeseen disaster, the contributions help in bringing services up to the people up there.”
Santos managing director Kevin Gallagher said the company was “deeply saddened” at the loss of life and damage to houses, gardens and infrastructure.
“Our top priority at this time is to help local communities that have suffered as a result of the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks” he said.
Oil Search Foundation director Gerea Aopi said the donation would go a long way in supporting its relief efforts.
“The foundation is really happy for Santos to come on board and support the relief efforts that have been put into Hela and also Southern Highlands, and now also into Kikori, Gulf as well,” he said.
“The foundation has been supporting Oil Search in providing relief on the ground and coordinating efforts that are coming from Australia, New Zealand and the United Nations.
“There are agencies coming forward to provide support and Oil Search has put forward its Moro camp as the base to coordinate relief efforts.”