Minister of Defence Dr Billy Joseph arrived in Wewak yesterday to obtain firsthand reports on the earthquake disaster and to ensure much needed emergency support like food, water, medicines and shelter are provided to those affected.
The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the overall disaster response after meeting with the Provincial Disaster Management Committee led by the Chairman and Provincial Administrator Sason Torovi, Member for Wewak Stanley Samban heads of other key government agencies including the Commanding Officer of 2RPIR Moem Barracks.
“I got a brief of the work of the committee and their preparedness, the leadership on the ground is commendable, all preparations required are set to start delivering relief supplies to our people that needs them the most,” Minister Joseph said.
The Minister stated that “the task at hand now for the Provincial Disaster Management committee is to release the report to the National Disaster Center. This is the information that will be used to determine the level of disaster relief support to be given by all stakeholders, especially our UN family.”
Dr. Joseph stressed the need to get relief supplies to the affected people immediately and expressed disappointment that it has taken seven days before relief supplies are dispatched.
“Let’s work together on getting all the supplies to our people who need them at this critical time. My only concern is that we have not sent any supplies to our people to date and I have issued instructions that before I leave Wewak today, I want to see the convoy arrive with relief supplies to our people in the most affected LLGs and electorates.
“If people die immediately or within 24 hours after the disaster, it’s understandable. If they die after 24 hours, it’s on us”. Dr Joseph said.
“There will be three phases to our response: Current phase is Immediate Emergency relief, Reconstruction Phase and the Recovery Phase. The duration of this is estimated to be 3 months but may go for up to 12 months or more,” Minister said.
He applauded the collective leadership of the local MPs and other leaders of ESP including Governor Allan Bird.
“This morning (yesterday morning), I have confirmed that the Australian C27 aircraft with relief supplies is leaving Port Moresby at 08:45am and arriving Wewak at 09:45am. A total of 250 household packages donated by the Australian Government will be delivered this week. I thank the Government and people of Australia, our close friends, for always supporting us in our time of need,” Minister Joseph said.