by Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV News, Mendi
Southern Highlands Province is yet to receive food rations for distribution to areas affected by frost and drought.
Provincial Disaster Advisor, Martin Pat, told EMTV News that no explanations were given to explain why food rations were transported up to Western Highlands and have been kept there.
“We have no idea why we are experiencing delay for these food rations to be delivered to Southern Highlands Provincial Disaster Centre,” said Mr Pat.
Mr Pat said authorities coordinating the delivery of these rations have not advised the Southern Highlands Provincial Disaster Centre (SHPDC).
Mr Pat also questioned why disaster funds for the province was not channeled through the SHPDC but given directly to Ward councillors.
The Southern Highlands Provincial Government allocated K2 million for food rations for affected districts in the province.
Pat said leaders from all districts affected have been constantly checking the Provincial Disaster Centre to check on food rations.
Mr Pat also denied the recent deaths in Kagua Erave stating the deaths were not related to frost or drought.
He is now calling on the National Disaster Office to step in and address the issue so rations are distributed fairly to affected communities in Southern Highlands Province.
