PNG PM Heads to UN as El Niño Relief Funding Released

PNG PM Heads to UN as El Niño Relief Funding Released/Photo supplied

PNG Prime Minister James Marape will travel to New York this week for the United Nations General Assembly as the Government moves to release emergency funding for communities facing the effects of El Niño.

Mr Marape said his absence from the country would not delay the Government’s response, with K2.5 million to be released to every district for immediate relief work.

 

The funding will support District Development Authorities in responding to drought, water shortages and other problems affecting communities.

Mr Marape said the districts must meet immediately and identify the areas requiring assistance.

“I encourage all DDAs to sit down, coordinate and attend to the needs of our people in their respective districts,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister will attend the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, where the General Debate is scheduled from September 22 to 26, with the session concluding on September 28.

Mr Marape said PNG would use the international forum to raise issues affecting the country, the Pacific and the wider international community.

“I will be leaving the country this week to attend the United Nations General Assembly, once again representing Papua New Guinea at this important world forum,” he said.

“We will speak on issues affecting Papua New Guinea, our Pacific region and the wider global community, while contributing Papua New Guinea’s perspective to discussions on the major challenges facing the world.”

Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will serve as Acting Prime Minister while Mr Marape is overseas.

An additional K2.5 million will be made available to each provincial government, including the Autonomous Bougainville Government, to help administer and coordinate relief operations.

Provincial administrators have been directed to convene their disaster management committees and coordinate the response.

The National Disaster Centre will receive a further K5 million to monitor and coordinate the national response.

“The National Disaster Centre must monitor, observe and coordinate the national response so that assistance reaches areas where it is needed,” Mr Marape said.

He said more funding would follow after the Government receives reports on how the first allocation was used and where further assistance is required.

“The balance of K2.5 million will come later as we receive reports and follow through on the first disbursement,” he said.

Mr Marape said assistance would be provided to districts regardless of whether they were represented by Government or Opposition MPs.

“Government districts and Opposition districts alike will receive equal support from our Government. This is assistance for our people, and we must work together to ensure it reaches those who need it.”

The Prime Minister also thanked citizens for maintaining peace during the country’s 51st Independence Anniversary celebrations.

“I commend everyone right across our country. There have been one or two incidents, but I again remind everyone that law and order is your business and our collective business,” he said.

“Government and our law-enforcement agencies have their responsibilities, but every citizen also has a responsibility to maintain peace, respect the law and look after our communities.”