GOVERNMENT FOCUSES ON IMPROVING DISASTER RESPONSE

The Disaster and Emergency Response Mechanism in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is currently being reviewed with the aim to improve the response to disasters, both natural and man- made disasters.

The Minister for Defense Dr. Billy Joseph announced this recently (May 6th) in Port Moresby city, saying that the review was a decision of the National Executive Council (NEC)- Decision No: 300/2024, which gave the approval.

He said this review is important as it will improve effectiveness on the process of managing the impact of disasters in PNG, whether natural or man-made.

The purpose of the review is to put in place an effective disaster management mechanism called the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) as a long- term strategy aimed at establishing an effective process of managing the impacts of disasters, in which provincial governments, Local Level Government (LLG) and the communities should work together to better prepare for respond to, and recover from naturally occurring and rapid onset events that cause serious distributions to communities.

“The review will basically set the stage for the establishment of the National Emergency Management Authority.

NEMA will bring together players in disaster response and management together under one organization for effective prevention for elective prevention, response and management of natural and man- made disasters,” said the minister.

The Review Team will be led by Mr. Ray Paul- former Commissioner of Customs and will be assisted by Retired Major General Gilbert Toropo and former Chief of Emergency Medical at Port Moresby General Hospital Dr. Sam Yokopua (who is now member elect for Porgera Paiala).

This exercise will further look at the provisions of the existing legislations governing;

I. National Weather Service,
II. PNG Fire Service,
III. Volcanic Observatory Center, and aspects of Department of Geohazard and Mineral Policy to fall under the ambit of the NEMA,
IV. National Disaster Center,
V. National Maritime & Safety Authority, and
VI. National Ambulance Service,
VII. NDoH Emergency Medical Services.

It is envisaged that the proposed NEMA will have the capability to cover all Disaster Risk Management Cycle.

The Review is expected to be completed in six (6) months.