By JACINTA DOKTA
THE National Government continues its assistance program of providing funding support to business houses that were affected by the riots of January 10th, 2024.
In a media conference today, acting chief secretary Mr Ivan Pomaleu presented a cheque worth K4 million each to two business houses at the Melanesia House to help with their business operations.
The acting chief secretary stressed that the government had paid about K25 million last week to four other companies under the third phase of the assistance program.
“Today we are presenting K4 million each to Eliseo Group of Companies and the City Pharmacy Limited as an acknowledgement of the fact that they were resilient enough to restart operations and continue to support the people in the communities with services almost immediately after the riots,” said Mr Pomaleu.
He reiterated that it was important for the government to continue to embrace a working relationship with the business coalition that comprises of PNG Business Council, the Port Moresby Chamber of Industry and Commerce and its members.
“In an operating arrangement, all claims for payments are signed off by the Business Coalition before they come into our department to be processed,” said Mr. Pomaleu.
“We continue to encourage compliance with all business regulations and we must be consistent in terms of our conversations and requirements relating to government compliance.
“We don’t have a pool of money so claims that come through, we try to give a portion based on what’s available to us at the material time to try and cover all companies in our material list.”
Mr Pomaleu also confirmed that only few businesses had made claims that were of none compliance with the government but most have been compliant.
Elieso group of company assistant chief executive officer Mr Aaron Coi after receiving the K4 million cheque, thanked the government for its support and said that the business was not fighting alone.
“This help from the government does not only come in a financial way but also comes emotionally,” Mr Coi said.
“It reminds us that we are not fighting alone but we have the support of the government and the loyal customers as well.”
Director for City Pharmacy Limited Mary Handen also expressed similar sentiments and said that the business will continue to operate its operations despite the damages, because of its loyal customers.