Second relief supply dispatch to reach Lovongai and Tikana

The New Ireland Provincial Government has stepped up its relief distribution programme, with a second batch of supplies now being delivered to communities in Lovongai and Tikana Local Level Governments.

The latest dispatch covers communities in Lovongai LLG and Wards 1, 2, 17 and 18 of Tikana, as the provincial government continues its phase-one efforts to assist people affected by difficult conditions, particularly in island communities.

Governor Byron Chan said the ongoing distribution reflected his government's commitment to ensuring that assistance reached people who needed it, regardless of where they lived.

“Our responsibility is to make sure that no community is forgotten. Whether our people live on the islands or on the mainland, they deserve to feel the presence of their government, especially during difficult times,” Governor Chan said.

He said the relief programme was part of a wider effort to ensure government assistance was delivered where it was needed most, with communities and local leaders involved in the process.

Provincial Administrator Dennis Kosam said the Provincial Administration was coordinating the distribution with LLG authorities, ward councillors, community leaders and government officers to ensure supplies reached the intended beneficiaries.

“The delivery of this second batch of relief supplies is another important step in getting assistance to our people. We are working closely with local leaders and communities to ensure the distribution is carried out in an orderly, transparent and accountable manner,” Kosam said.

Kosam said the relief programme would not be limited to the island communities, with mainland areas of the province scheduled to be covered in the next phase.

He said the phased approach was necessary to coordinate transportation, logistics and distribution arrangements across New Ireland's geographically spread communities.

“Our people are at the centre of government. Whether they live on the islands or the mainland, every community matters, and every New Irelander deserves the attention and support of their government,” Kosam said.

The Provincial Administration will continue working with district administrations, LLG authorities, ward councillors and community leaders to prepare for the next batch of the programme.fsctored under the initial K2.5 million in disaster aid from the National Government.

K6 million from the Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP) funds have been facortored in the second phase of relief efforts.

Governor Chan and Kosam acknowledged the cooperation of local leaders and communities in facilitating the relief exercise, saying their support was important in ensuring assistance reached the right people.

The Provincial Government said it remained committed to extending relief assistance and essential government services to communities throughout New Ireland Province.