Prime Minister James Marape announced that the Cabinet is poised to decide this week regarding an assistance package for businesses impacted by the riots that occurred on 10 January of this year. PM Marape provided this update in a statement last night in response to inquiries raised by Member for Moresby North-East John Kaupa during yesterday’s parliamentary session. He revealed that a paper requesting government assistance is currently under deliberation by the National Executive Council (NEC), with approval anticipated during today’s session. While the specifics of the proposed assistance package were not disclosed, PM Marape acknowledged reports indicating a total loss of K480 million due to the unrest. He expressed regret to the affected business community for the resulting loss of employment and economic disruption during a recent Back-to-Business breakfast. The statement further gives PM Marape’s assurance to affected businesses of a comprehensive plan being prepared. It will be presented to Cabinet for consideration. Despite time constraints leading to the postponement of discussions during a recent Cabinet meeting, the prime minister confirmed that the matter will be addressed in detail on today. But in Parliament on Tuesday, the Prime Minister did disclose that administrative investigations into the Black Wednesday riots are completed. The report is slated for presentation to Cabinet during the upcoming session. In response to concerns about the police operation during the January 10th riots, PM Marape said the Government has initiated a Commission of Inquiry, to be headed by a sitting judge. This inquiry aims to comprehensively examine the events surrounding the riots, complementing ongoing investigations conducted by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary's Criminal Investigation Division into the underlying causes of the unrest. In a recent media conference last week, the Police Commissioner David Manning revealed that fifty individuals in the police office are facing disciplinary charges, with the president of the Police Association facing both disciplinary and criminal charges. PM Marape emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the aftermath of the riots with seriousness and thoroughness. "We are not taking this lightly," he affirmed, underscoring the importance of accountability and resolution in the face of recent challenges. The forthcoming assistance package and investigative measures reflect the government's dedication to supporting affected businesses and fostering stability in the community following the January riots.