PAPUA New Guinea’s disaster response has often been reactive rather than proactive, despite the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
Member for North Fly, Hon. James Donald, raised this concern in Parliament during Question Time yesterday, highlighting delays in delivering assistance due to funding processes and administrative arrangements.
“Too often, assistance is delayed by funding processes, administrative arrangements, and a lack of readily available resources, leaving vulnerable communities without timely support,” he said.
He said Papua New Guineans cannot afford to wait while homes are destroyed, food supplies run out and lives are put at risk.
Mr Donald asked the Minister for National Disaster Hon. Dr Billy Joseph, the Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Cabinet on what is the Government’s long-term strategic plan to establish a permanent, fully funded and well-equipped national disaster response unit with dedicated assets such as aircraft, barges and other emergency equipment.
“Our people deserve a disaster response system that is prepared before a crisis strikes, not one that struggles to respond after lives and livelihoods have already been lost,” he said.
In response, Minister Joseph said disaster is part of life and with climate change, disasters are becoming more frequent, sustained and simultaneous noting that the DDAs and provincial governments should have budgets set to address as first line responders.
He said there are five stages to disaster management, starting with awareness.
“When we are doing our district, provincial and national government planning, we have to make sure that there is funds put aside to prepare for disasters, and that has been something that we have not done well and needs improvement,”he said.
Minister Joseph emphasized that under the National Disaster Management Act 1984, the National Disaster Center coordinates support to districts and provinces, who are the first-line responders in any disaster.
He said Government is working with development partners including Australia, New Zealand and UN agencies to develop a whole-of-government legal framework.
He said Cabinet has approved the establishment of a National Emergency Management Authority, which is now in its final stages and will be brought to Parliament.