By: LYNETTE KIL
THE people of Lese Kavora village in East-Kerema, Gulf province are still grappling with the aftermath of a devastating King Tide that struck on March 10th, washing away their homes and livelihoods.
Today (Wednesday 20th), Facilitator of the Lese Kavora Tide Appeal community, Marry Oasekoka Wia, along with community leaders in Port Moresby, stepped forward to offer support. They generously donated essential food items such as rice and water bottles to help the villagers sustain themselves as they work to rebuild their lives and food gardens.
Wia said that despite the community’s notable figures, including Governor Chris Haiveta, Thomas Opa, Kerema MP, and Famous Singer Sir Basil Greg, they chose to spearhead the disaster relief efforts themselves.
“We, as a community, are taking the lead in this initiative to demonstrate our respect for our leaders, with the hope that other Papua New Guineans will follow suit. If we lead, then the government and our leaders can join in as well. It must be a collaborative effort,” said Wia.
Governor Haivita extended assistance by providing one tone of Rigo Rice, 100 sandbags, and spades, along with a family contribution of K500 to facilitate the transport of the food items to Lese Kovara village.
“Opa also lent a hand by providing two PMV trucks and two 44-liter zooms for transporting the food items to the village. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to both of our leaders for their unwavering support,” Wia said.
According to reports from the disaster committee, the King Tide affected over 128 households comprising a population of more than 200 individuals, along with a school facility, health center, and two churches.
Wia highlighted that this sudden disaster is a stark consequence of climate change, which has disrupted weather patterns and led to widespread impacts such as landslides, affecting not only coastal communities but also those in the Highlands region.
