NIPA KUTUBU District Development Authority (NKDDA) has commenced the distribution of K2.5 million worth of El Niño relief supplies to 125 council wards across seven Local Level Governments (LLGs), with Chief Executive Officer Camilus W. Ombalo assuring communities that no ward will be left behind.
The major relief operation commenced in Poroma on Wednesday, November 11, with each ward allocated K20,000 worth of essential food supplies, including rice, tinned fish, noodles and other basic necessities.
Mr. Ombalo, who is coordinating the district-wide distribution exercise, said the administration was determined to deliver relief supplies to every community despite the district’s difficult terrain, vast geographical coverage and limited road infrastructure.
He identified Mt. Bosavi LLG as one of the biggest logistical challenges because of its geographical isolation and lack of accessible road connections.
“The terrain and accessibility remain our biggest challenge. Some parts of the district are extremely difficult to reach, particularly Mt. Bosavi,” Mr. Ombalo said.
“While road infrastructure connecting the LLG is still under construction, we are exploring alternative means of transportation to ensure that no community is left behind.”
Mr. Ombalo said air freight from Mt. Hagen remained the most practical option for transporting relief supplies into Mt. Bosavi while road construction continues.
He stressed that geographical barriers must not prevent government assistance from reaching vulnerable rural communities affected by prolonged dry weather conditions.
The first phase of distribution began in Poroma LLG on Wednesday, November 11, covering nine council wards, including Kum Ward 2, Undu Mespen, Kopa Kesu, Kua 1 and 2, Det 1 and 2, KKR 1 and 2, and Poroma Central.
Distribution continued on Thursday, November 12, covering Mato 1 and 2, Poroma 1 and 2, Poroma Station, Toiyawaro 1 and 2, Neja Kunjulu and Lower Poroma.
Further deliveries are scheduled for Saturday, November 14, covering Utopia, Kar, Tindom 1 and 2, and Kongu.
Five additional council wards in Upper Poroma are also included in the programme, with NKDDA reporting a total coverage of 23 wards in Poroma.
From Monday, November 16, distribution teams are expected to proceed to the remaining accessible LLGs, including Plateau, Nipa Basin, Nipa Urban, Upper Nipa and Lake Kutubu.
Mr. Ombalo said the administration would work closely with LLG presidents, ward councillors and community leaders to ensure the orderly, transparent and equitable distribution of relief supplies.
He emphasised that the relief programme was not simply about distributing food but also about fulfilling the government’s responsibility to communities experiencing hardship.
The K2.5 million allocation is intended to provide immediate assistance to households affected by the El Niño conditions, particularly rural communities heavily dependent on subsistence farming.
The NKDDA has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all 125 wards receive their allocated supplies, with special arrangements being explored for geographically isolated communities.
Mr. Ombalo maintained that distance, difficult terrain and transportation challenges would not deter the district administration from delivering much needed relief assistance to the people of Nipa Kutubu .