By Bridgette Komatep – EM TV, Port Moresby
The maritime district of Namatanai now has a 24-hour emergency disaster call centre.
A memorandum of agreement was signed between the Namatanai District Authority and a mobile phone’service provider.
Namatanai district is known for a high number of sea casualties due to bad weather conditions at sea.
Every year, about 10 people go fishing at sea due to bad weather. Local MP and Mining Minister Byron Chan was pleased with the partnership with the telecommunications company.
As a maritime province, the service will cover 90 percent of the electorate. This means the people can call for emergencies when in times of distress, out at sea. Chief Executive Officer and Acting District Administrator Robin Brown spoke highly of the initiative undertaken by the local MP.
The service will also benefit the people of East New Britain who frequently visit New Ireland province, particularly Namatanai.
Mr Chan hopes that this service will reduce the number of casualties at sea during rough weather.
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