Think disaster ahead of LLG elections

I APPLAUD Prime Minister James Marape and welcome the K500 million allocation for disaster relief nationwide.
These natural disasters struck certain parts of the country causing landslips, rains causing floods resulting in tragedies with lives lost.
On that note, I acknowledge and thank East Sepik’s Provincial Member Allan Bird for responding quickly to the disaster appeal and declaring an emergency situation in the province.
East Sepik experienced two violent earthquakes in March and devastating flooding that was hazardous and live-threatening.
The impacts of natural calamities have resulted in the loss of lives and damages to food gardens, cash crops, livestocks with food supply chain being cut off.
The main Sepik River and its tributaries were underwater when the 6.9 magnitude earthquake strike which fell hundreds of houses and left people homeless and living in temporary shelters built on floating rafts.
This isn’t normal for the Sepik River people. Mother nature had provided food in abundance and building materials were sourced from afar and brought to the people’s doorsteps some 50 years ago.
Climate change has taken its toll and today we are experiencing its effects.
With the water level still raising, the recovery process is unpredictable, especially with prolonged flooding.
The people have suffered from the floods and earthquake. Recovery will take time.
And, not-so-long ago, we hear that the issue of writs for the local level government elections will be made two months from now.
Therefore, I make this humble plea on behalf of ward councillors, village leaders, and the vast majority of the people of the three most affected districts of Angoram, Wosera-Gawi and Ambunti-Dreikikier that ours be deferred to later.
Our five parliamentarians and provincial member Allan Bird must take our appeal to the next Parliament sitting on May 28.
If not for one, defer the elections to 2027 or beyond considering similar disasters in other parts of the country.
Perhaps run the LLG elections parallel to the National General Elections to reduce cost.
If the elections are to go ahead, then leave East Sepik out.

Emil Gambro
Ward Councillor,
Deputy President
AMSLLG