Submited by Russell Saigomi
As drought continue to take their toll on many parts of Papua New Guinea, the effects of the El Nino weather pattern are being felt at their hardest along the country’s largest river, the Fly.
Kiunga is one township, along with many more, hard hit by low water levels. The low levels along the Fly are impacting on the delivery of vital items for many in Western Province.
This has caused major food shortages in the area, with many supermarkets running drastically low on stock. Local authorities have instructed wholesalers in Kiunga to stop selling food in bulk, instead reverting to smaller quantities in order to cater for the area’s large population.
A district official, who wished to remain anonymous, said that disaster officials from the region have remained silent about the entire situation, oblivious to the fact that the river is needed in order for not only food, but fuel and medical supplies to enter places like Kiunga.
Many business houses share similar concerns and fear that they will take a dip in profits, with their cargo getting stuck further down the Fly River.
