Marape pledges support to cyclone hit Budibudi Island

Prime Minister James Marape on Sunday visited Milne Bay’s Budibudi Island, a low lying atoll surrounded by a few others, where he pledged his family support to put up a community center for them.

Marape, deeply moved by just how remote the islands are, also pledged support for whatever their immediate needs may be to get them up and ready for future such disasters.

Budibudi was the hardest hit, Cyclone Maila staying solid for days in its vicinity.

An emotional Marape assured Budibudi ward councilor Essie Awauwa his country was behind him.

While there, the Prime Minister also proposed talks with the Rural Airstrips Agency for the setup of a possible land strip for light aircrafts to substitute connectivity.

Meantime for the 400plus population on Budibudi Island in 120households, he also pledged iron roofing for water catchment too.

This apparently was not enough, Prime Minister Marape felt it in his heart to also assist Budibudi with a community center, this one out of his own pocket.

He says it will come with a water catchment and a solid structure to keep them during such strong wind times.

Marape went to the island accompanied by Dr Billy Joseph, Milne Bay Governor Gordon Wesley, and Samarai Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard.

The islanders were delivered relief supplies and food stock to last a week or more by the Provincial Government advance team. It’s understood more help is on its way.