PNG Districts to Receive K2.5m for El Niño Relief

Every district in PNG is to receive K2.5 million in the first round of Government assistance for El Niño relief, Prime Minister James Marape says.

Mr Marape made the announcement before leaving the country for the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he will represent PNG at the global gathering.

He said the money would go towards urgent work in communities affected by dry conditions and other impacts of El Niño.

Prime Minister James Marape

The Prime Minister directed all District Development Authorities to meet and determine the immediate needs of their people.

“I encourage all DDAs to sit down, coordinate and attend to the needs of our people in their respective districts,” he said.

Each provincial government will also receive K2.5 million for the administration and coordination of relief activities.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government will receive the same allocation.

Mr Marape said districts would remain at the frontline of delivering assistance, while provincial authorities would coordinate the wider response.

He directed provincial administrators to bring together their disaster management committees to oversee relief operations.

A further K5 million will be given to the National Disaster Centre to monitor the national response and ensure assistance reaches affected areas.

“The National Disaster Centre must monitor, observe and coordinate the national response so that assistance reaches areas where it is needed,” Mr Marape said.

The Prime Minister said the remaining K2.5 million for each district would be released after reports on the initial funding and further needs had been received.

“The balance of K2.5 million will come later as we receive reports and follow through on the first disbursement,” he said.

Mr Marape leaves for New York this week to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The General Debate is scheduled to take place at UN headquarters from September 22 to 26, with the session concluding on September 28.

He said PNG would use the meeting to put forward its position on issues affecting the Pacific and the wider world.

“I will be leaving the country this week to attend the United Nations General Assembly, once again representing Papua New Guinea at this important world forum,” Mr Marape said.

“We will speak on issues affecting Papua New Guinea, our Pacific region and the wider global community, while contributing Papua New Guinea’s perspective to discussions on the major challenges facing the world.”

Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will act as Prime Minister during Mr Marape’s absence.

The Prime Minister also said the relief money would not be distributed according to political affiliations.

“Government districts and Opposition districts alike will receive equal support from our Government. This is assistance for our people, and we must work together to ensure it reaches those who need it.”

Mr Marape also praised Papua New Guineans for the peaceful manner in which Independence was observed across most of the country.

“I commend everyone right across our country. There have been one or two incidents, but I again remind everyone that law and order is your business and our collective business,” he said.

“Government and our law-enforcement agencies have their responsibilities, but every citizen also has a responsibility to maintain peace, respect the law and look after our communities.”