By JOE GURINA
THE Kokoda Track Authority has delivered K80, 000 worth of relief supplies to the Cyclone Maila affected wards in the Kokoda local level government constituent in Sohe district, Northern province last week.
KTA chairman Jack Deia said the authority responded quickly following requests from people in the affected wards along the Kokoda Track corridor.
He said a cheque of K80, 000 was drawn down and given to a HQH wholesale mart in Popondeta for food rations to be delivered to the affected wards.
Mr Deia was accompanied by the KTA chief executive officer Julius Wargirai to deliver the relief supplies.
” We responded quickly to provide the relief supplies while awaiting the National Disaster office and the national government to intervene.
” Upon arrival, we witnessed how devastating cyclone maila had affected people’s livelihood. It was unexpected for the people to prepare for such natural disaster. Food gardens were destroyed, houses were destroyed, forcing people to be displaced,” he said.
He commended the KTA board and the executive management team in approving the funds for cyclone maila affected wards in Kokoda.
” As an authority representing the corridor villages of Kokoda, we stand ready to assist our people along the track corridor villages on such natural disasters,” Deia said.
He said the four affected wards each received K20, 000 worth of relief supplies.
The affected wards include Kaina ward 7, Biage ward 2, Biage ward 8 and Biage ward 9.