PNG Drought Response Gets K50 Million Boost From Ok Tedi

A K50 million commitment from Ok Tedi Mining Limited will add further support to PNG's efforts to deal with the worsening drought affecting communities across the country.

The mining company said the money would be used for practical drought response and recovery measures as authorities assess growing problems involving access to water, food supplies and household livelihoods.

Parts of PNG have already been classified by the National Weather Service as experiencing critical, severe or moderate drought conditions.

 PNG Drought Response Gets K50 Million Boost From Ok Tedi/Photo supplied

The situation has prompted concerns that the number of affected people could rise considerably if the dry spell continues or intensifies.

Ok Tedi chief executive officer and managing director Kedi Ilimbit said the company wanted to contribute to the wider national effort while leaving overall coordination of the drought response with the Government.

According to Mr Ilimbit, the company's assistance would be directed towards communities and programmes identified through consultation with relevant authorities and humanitarian organisations.

“OK Tedi stands with the people of Papua New Guinea during this difficult period. Our contribution is intended to strengthen existing Government and humanitarian initiatives and ensure assistance reaches communities most affected by the drought,” he said.

The company will work with the National Disaster Centre, provincial disaster offices and other agencies to identify areas where its contribution can have the greatest benefit.

Instead of distributing the funding directly as cash assistance, OK Tedi plans to back activities covering water security, transport and logistics, agricultural recovery and projects aimed at helping communities withstand the effects of the drought.

More information on the implementation of the programme is expected after consultations with Government agencies, humanitarian groups and other stakeholders.

“We are committed to ensuring that all assistance is delivered transparently, responsibly and in a manner that complements ongoing national efforts,” Mr Ilimbit said.