Budibudi Island in the Samarai Murua District of Milne Bay Province was one of the worst affected areas after a cyclone ravaged through the coral seas and displaced people, contaminated water sources and food gardens and destroyed homes.
This has prompted the Minister for Samarai Murua to make an appeal to the business on Misima Island for immediate relief in food and water among other necessities. He made this call when visiting owners of local and foreign business houses recently.
“Businesses could help in providing rations of food and water supplies and send their invoices to the District Office for payments to be done. In this way the government through the district will give back to the business houses and maintain a steady cash flow and economy in the district.”
So far, three business houses on Misima Island have come forward with immediate relief supplies in food and water rations among other necessities. Red Cross Medical supplies have also been shipped to the Island and fuel assistance has been provided for by the Milne Bay Disaster & Emergency Team in Alotau.
“It is only proper for the government to give money back to the businesses operating in the district as they create employment for the people.”
This past week saw a team made up of the District and Electoral Officers and Police Personnel from Bwagaoia Station on Misima Island travel out to Budibudi Island to deliver relief assistance.
“I thank all the business houses for their prompt response to this call and for preserving in a challenging maritime district like Samarai Murua to set up and operate your respective business.”