Villagers call on Morobe govt for aid

National
Source:
The National, Wednesday July 20th, 2016

A GROUP of villagers in a remote part of Morobe have called on the provincial government and the Huon Gulf district development authority (DDA) to assist them with food and supplies.
The people of Ward 14 in the Morobe local level government (LLG), Huon Gulf, were affected by a prolonged dry season last year and, more recently, by floods.
Ward councillor Baruga Zarau said rain last month caused the Waria River to flood, destroying food gardens and houses.
“The river flooded through Bau and Eware Lagoons,” he said.
Zarau said people were facing food shortages and starvation.
He said some houses were washed away during the floods.
“The disaster committee has not attended to those people,” Zarau said.
“People are now seeking food assistance from the provincial and district authorities, including the disaster office.”
But Huon Gulf DDA chief executive officer Robin Bazinuc brushed aside the Zarau’s claims, saying people were not facing starvation.
“Just disregard what Zarau has said,” Bazinuc said.
“Yes, there has been flooding in the area but the people are not starving.”
Bazinuc said a disaster response team had been dispatched to assess the damage in the affected areas.

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