Southern Highlands welcomes back UN officials

UNITED Nations staff returned to Mendi in Southern Highlands on Wednesday to resume humanitarian relief activities which have been ongoing since the earthquake in February.
The staff were warmly greeted with chants of “welcome back” by community members, including children and religious and local leaders.
The UN move its staf out of Mendi following the outbreak of violence there on Thursday.
“We stopped at Ilo Elementary School, Yebi Primary School and Kalape Elementary School in the Imbonggu district to see the progress on latrine and water storage installations , the three schools organised a celebration, welcoming (back) UN, said the organisation’s Children’s Fund leader Ali Ramly.
“Chants, songs, posters – big and small – speeches, all thanking and welcoming the UN. Community leaders were there and also welcomed the team, saying people in Imbonggu are peace-loving. I was personally touched when the MC announced ‘mangi Mendi em kambek’.
“As we entered the town and approached the diocese where we stayed, the reception was incredible – children ran up to us, nuns and priests and brothers were coming to approach us.”
UN resident coordinator Gianluca Rampolla said the organisation was committed to serving the people and supporting the communities affected by February’s earthquake.
“Our immediate return is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our staff who are ready to work in the most difficult and challenging situations. The welcome that the communities have extended to our staff is a very clear indication of the value of our work,” Rampolla said.
Rampolla, a Unicef representative, and a World Bank delegation will travel to Mendi this weekend.