Prime Minister James Marape recently announced that K2.5 million will be released to every district today to support frontline El Nino relief efforts. He called on all District Development Authorities to meet immediately and coordinate assistance according to the needs of affected communities.

“I encourage all DDAs to sit down, coordinate and attend to the needs of our people in their respective districts,” Prime Minister Marape said.

An equal K2.5 million will also be released to each provincial government, including the Autonomous Bougainville Government, for administration and coordination of relief efforts, while districts will remain at the frontline of delivering assistance.

Prime Minister Marape called on provincial administrators to convene their respective provincial disaster management committees to coordinate the response.

A further K5 million will be released to the National Disaster Centre to coordinate, monitor and oversee the national response.

“The National Disaster Centre must monitor, observe and coordinate the national response so that assistance reaches areas where it is needed,” Prime Minister Marape said.

He said the first tranche of funding would be followed by further support after reports on implementation and needs were received.

“The balance of K2.5 million will come later as we receive reports and follow through on the first disbursement,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape stressed that disaster assistance would be provided equally across the country, irrespective of political affiliation.

“Government districts and Opposition districts alike will receive equal support from our Government. This is assistance for our people, and we must work together to ensure it reaches those who need it.”