THE Nipa Kutubu District Development Authority has committed K3.5 million in El Niño relief assistance for communities across its 128 wards as Papua New Guinea celebrates its 51st Independence Anniversary.
Member for Nipa-Kutubu and Minister for Health and National Disaster Services, Hon. Billy M. Joseph, MP, said the district’s immediate priority during Independence Week was supporting families affected by the prolonged drought.
The DDA has also allocated a total of K530,000 to the district’s seven LLG Presidents to enable communities to hold Independence celebrations within their respective local ward areas.
The funding will allow each Local Level Government to organise activities closer to communities, enabling people to participate in the national celebrations without travelling long distances to a central venue.
However, Dr Joseph said the district’s leadership must remain focused on assisting families struggling with the effects of El Niño.
“This is no time for politics. Leaders in the district must all work together and support our families as they deal with the effects of El Niño,” he said.
The prolonged drought has affected food gardens across Nipa-Kutubu, putting pressure on household food supplies and reducing opportunities for families to earn income through local markets.
Under the K3.5 million relief programme, basic household food and relief supplies, including rice, tinned fish and noodles, will be distributed across the district’s 128 wards through LLG Presidents and Ward Councillors in the seven LLGs.
Dr Joseph said the priority was to ensure assistance reached communities across the district, particularly families experiencing the greatest hardship.
He also appealed to people throughout Nipa-Kutubu to celebrate the country’s 51st Independence Anniversary peacefully and responsibly.
“Let us celebrate quietly and in peace. Respect for each other and respect for the rule of law must remain paramount,” he said.
Dr Joseph wished the people of Nipa-Kutubu and Papua New Guinea a peaceful Independence celebration and encouraged communities to support one another during the difficult period.
“Happy 51st Independence Anniversary to all the people of Nipa-Kutubu and Papua New Guinea.
May God be with you all as we face the difficult times ahead,” he said.