It has been six months since the Black Wednesday Riots in Port Moresby city that saw the destructions of major supermarkets and warehouses, but things are starting to pick up in terms of these businesses rebuilding from the ashes all thanks to government support.
That support through the government relief assistance package for the affected businesses, recently saw the Chief Secretary to Government, Mr. Ivan Pomaleu on Monday July 1st presented cheques for the Phase 2 (debris cleaning) for several businesses affected by the January 10th riots.
The Port Moresby Chamber of Commence and Industry (POMCCI) President, Mr. Rio Fiocco, said the cheques totalled K17 million, which included a few Phase 1 claims for the employee retention scheme.
“I was pleased to see the government releasing those payments to enable businesses to clear the burnt buildings and to start rebuilding,” he said.
“Papindo’s Gerehu store is being rebuilt and they expect to reopen this October.”
Meanwhile, the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s role in the January 10th civil unrest will commence soon.
Mr. Fiocco added that the COI Commissioner and Chairman, Justice Ellenas Batari announced that the enquiry will commence its hearings on July 15th at the APEC Haus, Port Moresby.