K70 million needed to boost El Nino preparedness

A funding submission of K70-milion has been put through to the National Executive Council for preparedness work towards the El Nino currently affecting the country.

Concerned key government agencies have rallied together to work towards dealing with this severe weather condition.

Speaking with this newsroom, Director National Weather Service Jimmy Gomoga says his office requires an additional K5-million.

Despite the declaration of El Nino three years ago and call for preparation work including funding – warnings by relevant government agencies have not been heeded.

With the onset of the El Nino in April, there is growing uncertainty on what’s to be expected.

Mr Gomoga says the funding will be used for monitoring, assessments and recovery efforts:

Funding has been an issue, hindering the operations of this key government agency especially during this period of time.

The National Weather service funding was cut from last year’s K5.4 million to K3.9 million this year.

With four months more before the peak of the El Nino, related work is heavily dependent on this 70-million-kina submission.