Upper Ramu needs Govt help, says MP

National, Normal
Source:

By MAVIO LAFANAMADWU Journalism Student

USINO Bundi MP Samson Kuli yesterday blasted the performance of the provincial and National Government disaster offices after continuous wet weather has destroyed infrastructure and devastated food gardens, livestock and houses in the region.
“The provincial government disaster office has done nothing other than produce an assessment report only for the lower Ramu area which has minimal damage.
“My people in the upper Ramu area in Usino are suffering severely and resorting to jungle fruits for survival.
“My appeal for quick response and action to help the people has fallen on deaf ears, with no response forthcoming,” he said.
Mr Kuli has likened the disaster to that of the Oro province.
“An assessment report funded by my district has already been presented to the National Government. 
“This is the third time I am following up on the report. There has been no response,” he said.
Mr Kuli said funds allocated for disasters in the district were not adequate.
However, he thanked Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Minister Job Pomat  for giving K50,000 to the flood-damaged Waput Primary School.
The Ramu nickel and Yandra mine projects have also been affected  by the wet weather as the highway connecting Usino, Yandra and Yakumbu to Simbu is almost unusable.
Classes at Brahman High School are yet to start as the Pukpuk Bridge, connecting the school to the main highway, was washed away.
Mr Kuli is appealing to responsible authorities and international aid donors for help.
Calls to the Madang Provincial Disaster Office for comments were unanswered.