Hela Governor Philip Undialu is calling on the Emergency Controller, Dr Bill Hamblin, to table a report on the funds donated by donors and others during last year’s earthquake.
Governor Undialu said people who have contributed in cash and kind have to be acknowledged.
A massive earthquake of 7.5 magnitude struck some areas in Hela, Southern Highlands, Western and Enga provinces on February 26th, 2018.
The NEC immediately declared a State of Emergency and further approved K450 million for relief operations and to restore services, as well as the formation of an emergency disaster restoration team and the establishment of a restoration authority.
Apart from the Government’s assistance, relief supplies were also offered through cash and kind from donors and other countries.
However, to date, the Emergency Controller, Dr Bill Hamblin, who oversaw all these funds, is yet to table a report.
Governor Undialu called on Dr Hamblin to explain why the provinces affected were not consulted through their provincial administrators, and why he had no office in those disaster provinces.
He added that in the future, he does not want the disaster coordination offices established in Port Moresby but in disaster areas.
Southern Highlands Governor, William Powi also raised this issue in Parliament recently, calling on Dr Hamblin to table a report on the expenditure of the disaster funds.
(Hela Governor Philip Undialu)