Western forms disaster committee

One week after the 7.5 magnitude hit the core region of gold, oil and gas extraction, a disaster committee has been formed for Western Province with members from its provincial disaster office.

Member for North Fly James Donald is the chairman of the committee.

Following Monday’s concern regarding assistance not going into the province, particularly the North Fly district, Ok Tedi Mining Ltd responded positively with the request for a helicopter hire to carry out assessment in the areas affected.

Assessment started yesterday.

Donald thanked the management of OTML, especially Deputy Managing Director Musje Werror, for the timely support and assistance.

Meanwhile he has called for investigations into a helicopter that was bought for K1 million from the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) money in 2015 by the previous Government.

“North Fly should not face any problem with choppers because we have our own that was bought in 2015 and yet we are looking for help everywhere as if we don’t own one,” the frustrated MP stated.

He said an investigation would be conducted to establish the whereabouts of the helicopter, which is unknown at the moment, including those involved.

Donald said unavailability of that asset had caused unnecessary delay in dispatching disaster emergency teams to Olsobip and Nomad local level government areas to respond to those affected by the recent 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton