PM MARAPE DIRECTS NATIONWIDE PREPAREDNESS FOR EL NINO THREATS

PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has directed all Provinces and Districts across Papua New Guinea to immediately prepare for the possibility of an extraordinary and prolonged Dry Season as El Niño conditions develop across the tropical Pacific.

Prime Minister Marape said the Government is taking early action to ensure that Communities, particularly those in drought-prone and water-scarce locations, are prepared before conditions worsen.

The Prime Minister said Cabinet was examining appropriate Financial and Administrative arrangements to support Provincial and District Governments to prepare for, mitigate and respond to Disaster situations arising from prolonged dry conditions.

“I just want to pass instruction to all Districts and all Provinces to be prepared for an extraordinary Dry Season if it does happen,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“Our country has a system where Provinces and Districts have channels of funding from the National Government. Cabinet is looking at tailoring provisions of our Financial Instructions to make sure that Districts and Provinces are assisted to prepare and respond to Disasters as they happen where appropriate, especially this prolonged Dry Season that is coming.”

The Prime Minister said the National Government is closely monitoring the developing El Niño situation and would continue to provide national interventions where necessary.

However, he said that Disaster Preparedness must begin at Community, District and Provincial level, with Local Leaders taking responsibility for identifying their own water sources, vulnerable communities, food-security risks and practical response measures.

Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea must act with urgency, unity and practical planning to protect lives and livelihoods. He called on Provincial Governors, Members of Parliament, District Development Authorities, Provincial Administrations, Local-Level Governments, Churches, Community Leaders, Development Partners and Citizens to work together in preparing their communities.

“This is a time for preparedness, not panic,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“We are keeping tab on what is happening and, wherever possible, the National Government is intervening to make interventions,” Prime Minister Marape said. “But in the meantime, we have asked Provinces and Districts to take ownership of this Disaster that may happen and have a localised approach.”