As the El Nino weather condition continues its torment in part of the country, the prime minister has now called for the immediate mobilization of resources for disaster assistance for impacted communities.

Prime Minister James Marape has directed all Provincial and District Administrations throughout Papua New Guinea to immediately mobilise Disaster Relief and Assistance for communities affected by the ongoing El Niño-induced dry weather conditions and other Disaster-related challenges, assuring the nation that the Marape-Rosso Government remains committed to supporting affected communities.  

Prime Minister Marape said the National Government has already made Disaster Funding available for transfer to the relevant accounts, and District and Provincial Authorities must now take responsibility for ensuring that assistance reaches people who need it most.

“We have Funds for Disaster Transfer to all our accounts already. I want all our Districts to start get to work on making sure our people are saved and let’s start to work on this,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The prime minister stressed that the Government’s immediate priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of citizens, particularly those in rural and remote communities experiencing difficulties associated with prolonged dry weather and other natural disasters. He said the Government recognises the challenges confronting affected communities and is determined to ensure that assistance is coordinated effectively through established District, Provincial and National Government structures.

Prime Minister Marape called on all District Administrators and relevant Government Authorities to take proactive measures to identify affected communities, assess their immediate needs and coordinate appropriate Relief Assistance without unnecessary delays.

“Every District must now step up their game in making sure we attend to our people’s needs wherever they are. We have no time to waste. Start to assist our people,” he said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that District Administrations are the first points of contact for communities requiring assistance and must work closely with Provincial Authorities to ensure that emerging Disaster situations are promptly reported and addressed.

He encouraged citizens experiencing hardship from the prevailing weather conditions and related disasters to immediately contact their respective District Administrations.

“If any one of you out there throughout our country feeling this, as I’ve always been saying, go to your District Administrators,” Prime Minister Marape said.