Bougainvilleans residing in Port Moresby recently presented a donation of relief supplies to support communities affected by the devastating impacts of Cyclone Maila in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB).
The contributions included significant support from the Bougainville Students Association at the University of Papua New Guinea, reflecting a collective effort by the diaspora in the Nation’s Capital to assist families back home.
The donations were formally presented by the President of the Port Moresby Bougainville Association, Beverly Puton Piawu, to the Bougainville State of Emergency (SOE) Controller, Kearnneth Nanei.
“We are responding to help our families back home,” Mrs. Piawu said during the presentation.
“On behalf of the Port Moresby Bougainville Association, we would like to express to the people of Bougainville through the SOE Controller, that we are there with them and this is our gesture to show that we want to support them.”
Mrs. Piawu further indicated that the Association will be launching a crowdfunding initiative to sustain fundraising efforts, noting that this initial contribution marks the beginning of ongoing support throughout the State of Emergency period.
She added that the Association will continue to liaise closely with the Disaster Office and the Controller, while acknowledging the support of the National Disaster Centre in coordinating logistics for the delivery of assistance to the region.
The relief effort received further momentum from the National Government.
Meanwhile, Manasseh Makiba, the National Minister for Bougainville Affairs, presented a cheque of K100,000 to the Bougainville Disaster Office to support ongoing operations.
“I expressed sympathy to the people of Bougainville affected by the cyclone disaster. Our prayers and support are with Bougainville communities who are badly affected,” Minister Makiba stated.
He further announced that the National Gaming and Control Board has committed K1 million to the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) to assist affected communities, with support to be channeled through the Bougainville Disaster Office in coordination with the National Disaster Centre.
In receiving the support, SOE Controller Kearnneth Nanei acknowledged the contributions on behalf of the ABG leadership and the people.
“Your commitment to support us at this time of need for our people who have been affected so much; we want to thank you for your generosity and for standing with us and our leadership in the region,” Mr. Nanei said.
“I also want to thank our Bougainville community for your generous hearts and thoughts and the support given to your fellow Bougainvilleans in the region.”
Mr. Nanei also expressed gratitude for the international support provided by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, as well as United Nations agencies.
He commended the strong working relationship with the National Disaster Centre in facilitating the flow of aid.
The ABG continues to coordinate response efforts under the current State of Emergency to ensure the timely delivery of essential assistance to those in need.
