Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill has announced an immediate State of Emergency for Disaster areas in Hela, Southern Highlands, Western and Enga Provinces.
The National Executive Council has further approved K450 million for relief operations and to restore services, as well as the formation of an Emergency Disaster Restoration Team and the Establishment of a Restoration Authority.
The Prime Minister said it is an unprecedented disaster in the Highlands Region and the appropriate response is underway by the National Government.
“An Emergency Disaster Restoration Team, led by Dr. William Hamlin, as the Emergency Controller, will now manage and co-ordinate all restoration activities working with Provincial Authorities.
“The Emergency Disaster Restoration Team will be supported by Department of Works and Implementation, and all other relevant Government agencies.
“Cabinet has further approved the establishment of a Restoration Authority that will manage long-term reconstruction efforts over a 4-year period to fully restore normalcy.
An emergency session of Parliament will be convened for the presentation of legislation that will establish the Restoration Authority, with the date of the session to be announced by the Speaker of Parliament.
ends.
