State entity helps displaced families in Alotau

TWENTY-FIVE displaced families in Alotau, Milne Bay, have received mattresses, cooking utensils and other supplies thanks to PNG Ports Corporation Ltd (PNG Ports).
The state-owned entity last week presented K10,000 worth of items, including mattresses, bed spreads, buckets, storage containers, kitchen utensils, kerosene lamps, bags, torches, toiletries and baby essentials, to the families.
The items were received by town officials and Red Cross representatives who will distribute the items to the families.
Recent criminal attacks in Alotau, which led to an arson attack on the Alotau Police Barracks, has resulted in the eviction of residents at the Garuboi compound leaving families homeless.
It is now almost four months since the families – 13 from the police barracks and 12 from Garuboi Compound – were displaced.
PNG Ports managing director Fego Kiniafa said the state entity was assisting as a responsible corporate citizen with a port in Alotau.
“It is a dire situation given that a number of women and children have no shelter and basic essential items,” he said.
“These families are innocent victims of the situation and we at PNG Ports sympathise with them, including two PNG Ports staff who also reside at the Garuboi Compound.
“We hope that the gesture by PNG Ports will help the families rebuild their lives in some way.
“We also hope that after this situation and post-Covid-19, Milne Bay can return to be the beautiful, peaceful tourist destination it is known for.”
PNG Ports owns and operates 15 ports in the maritime provinces, including the Alotau port.