Saturday, April 26, 2008; Posted: 12:51 AM
The PNGDF was called out to help police provide security and restore public order in Sinasina-Yongumugl where the landslide cut the highway two weeks ago.
The National Executive Council (NEC) at its special meeting in Madang yesterday, decided on the call out of the PNGDF to help police deal with various issues affecting the efforts to rebuild the highway.
PNGs Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare announced the NEC decision in Madang.
In order to restore essential services to the towns and project areas, there is an urgent need to seek the assistance of the PNGDF to assist police manning both sides of the road section directly affected by the 11th April 2008 landslide, Sir Michael said.
The NEC will advise the Head of State to call out the PNG Defence Force under Section 204 (c) (II) of the Constitution in aid of the civil power.
Sir Michael said there was an urgent need to restore road links to the Highlands region. The landslide occurred 9km east of Kundiawa town which resulted in the closure of the Okuk Highway, thus also resulting a severe shortage of fuel and food supplies.
The Prime Minister said the Cabinet also approved K35 million (US$12 million) for the PNGDF call-out. The funds will also be used to help open a 5km road, a 21km alternate route as well as provide emergency relief aid to the affected communities.
The landslide has directly affected the livelihood of about 2000 of our people. About 450 to 500 people of the Womai and Gera area have suffered the most. Moreover, the impact of this natural disaster on the people and resource projects that depend on the Okuk Highway is huge. The national economy is not immune to this as well, Sir Michael said.
He said under the emergency, a controller would be appointed immediately to work with the PNGDF call-out to develop and maintain effective co-ordination and reconstruction.
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