NORTH-FLY MP CALLS FOR SOE DUE TO PROLONGED DRY CONDITIONS

By Nigel Mado

Member for North Fly District James Donald has called on the Government to explore the idea of calling for a State of Emergency in the district due to continuous dry conditions that are currently plaguing parts of the district and Middle Fly District.

Donald during Parliament Question time this afternoon when posing a series of questions to the Health Minister, Dr. Billy Joseph stated that supply networks into the North fly have been threatened as the dry spell has seen a huge dip in water levels affecting the province’s major supply route, the Fly River.

He stated that as per the El Nino classification standards that were circulated by the Government yesterday, Western Province and two districts in particular, Middle and North Fly, are facing serious conditions despite being categorized as moderate areas of impact.

Service lines are being severely affected and it is only a matter of time before the situation becomes dire for the people. Aside this he also queried the division of the K300 Million for EL Nino relief from the World bank for disbursement to affected areas.

In his response, Health Minister Joseph stated that all provinces have been monitored through a multi-agency task force, the National Disaster Management Committee is working to ensure that reports are being used at the National Disaster Centre to identify areas that need help.

In accordance to the Minister’s press release yesterday afternoon, a financial instruction from the Department of Finance has granted permission for all provinces and districts to utilize PSIP and DSIP funds of up to K10mil and K5mil respectively as the National Government works to find ways to continue assistance to affected areas