By Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The Sinasina Yongomugl District is cutting down 2015 budgeted projects in order to divert funds toward aid relief for drought stricken areas in the district.
Sinasina Yongomugl MP, Kerenga Kua, said the district development authority will meet shortly to announce which projects will see funding cuts. Three presidents and 49 councillors are expected to also attend the meeting.
Kua said the people must be ready to accept the move so relief assistance can be sought soon.
“It is important to save lives, then build projects”, he said.
Meanwhile, the MP has called on the national government to include Sinasina Yongomugl in any aid relief grants or programs. He also called on people from the district to help raise funds for affected communities.
Over 65,000 people have been badly affected by drought. According to reports, not only food sources were badly affected, water sources are drying up as well. People are starving and in dire need of food supplies, and health issues are also another major concern.
Kua said the authority will try to develop a sensible disaster relief program so relief assistance can be coordinated in a timely manner.
