PNG failed its people many times: Haoda

Papua New Guinea has failed its people many times when it comes to natural disasters.

Disaster is now and must be attended to now, says Central Province Governor, Kila Haoda.

According to him, people wait for months before relief arrives.

“This is a very serious issue…we need to change, we need a better system.

“We must have funds parked on the side all the time for natural disasters so when it strikes, we can quickly attend to it now rather than later (months later).”

The Central Governor made the remarks when presenting over K69,000 worth of food relief supplies to the flood affected people at Kalo, in the Rigo coast, last Friday (March 31).

He was given a ‘King’s bench’ welcome when Kalo youths carried him on a specially designed platform built on two canoes, 100 metres through the village to the grandstand. 

There the Governor and his wife, Lepapa, were treated to the traditional pariva, a special dish to welcome visitors. Pariva is made from a mixture of mashed ripe banana, sago and coconut cream. 

Governor Haoda was accompanied by Central Deputy Provincial Administrator – Corporate Services, Vala Kapa, Central Provincial Treasurer, Ruth Goroa, Central Provincial Disaster and Emergency Advisor, Tumai Ipou, officers from the national and provincial Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), and a contingent of journalists.

He apologised to his people for the Government’s late response, blaming it on the cumbersome procurement process and acute financial situation in the country where Waigani was unable to fund provinces (PSIP) and districts (DSIP) adequately and on time. 

Food items presented comprised 450 bags of 10 kilogram rice, 40 cartons of tinned fish, 20 bags of flour, 15 cartons of cooking oil and 15 cartons of noodles.

Officers from the national and provincial Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) were also there and delivered 50 kilograms of cassava cuttings and 100 kilograms of high breed corn seedlings (that takes six weeks to mature).   

Central Province emergency advisor, Ipou, told journalists that more relief supplies have been identified for the Baramata, Launakalana, Bore, Niurika, Bika and other villages within the precinct of Kemp Welsh River that burst its banks during the heavy rains in February. 

He said Mekeo and Goilala flood-affected villages have been identified and K28,000 worth of food relief supplies were ready for distribution this week.

Also this week, Ipou said relief supplies will reach affected villages in the upper Central Rigo and Laloki areas.   

(Central Governor Kila Haoda handing over K69,000 worth of food relief supplies to Kalo village ward councillor, Guria Rawali, at Kalo village along the Rigo Coast on Friday)

Author: 
Cyril Gare