The Rabaul District Development Authority (DDA) Board has approved K200,000 in disaster relief funding to assist its four Local Level Governments (LLGs) affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
The decision was made during the second quarter DDA Board meeting held last week at the District Headquarters in Kurakakaul, to support communities and families affected.
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District Administrator Freddy Lemeki, speaking during a District Disaster Committee meeting held on Friday, stated that the disaster relief funds will be distributed to the four LLGs as follows: Rabaul Urban LLG will receive K40,000, Kombiu LLG K60,000, Balanataman LLG K60,000, and Watom LLG K40,000.
Mr. Lemeki further said the relief funds will help improve access to government services, particularly through road restoration, as well as support the distribution of food relief supplies and other immediate necessities.
He added that about 11 contractors have been engaged by the district to carry out road clearance and improve accessibility in severely affected areas, including both origin and resettlement locations.
“For Sikut, we are waiting for the river to subside so we can cross. We cannot use the bridge at the moment due to heavy machinery,” Mr. Lemeki said.
He said the immediate priorities are assisting affected families, restoring road access and safety, and ensuring access to health facilities and other essential government services.
The district has received food donations, including rice bales, tinned fish, biscuits, and water containers, from the Provincial Disaster Office.
These have been distributed to affected families across the four LLGs. Another shipment, consisting of cartons of cooking oil, noodles, sugar, and tea bags, is expected to be collected today for distribution.
Mr. Lemeki also commended the support from the Provincial Government, Provincial Administration, and the Provincial Disaster Office, adding that the district will complement these efforts through its recently approved K200,000 disaster relief funding.
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Meanwhile, Deputy District Administrator for Operations, Petrus Maninga, said the district health team and Environmental Health Officers are conducting awareness campaigns in communities on disaster-related diseases and other health concerns.