The people of Porebada village in the Hiri district of Central province should get assistance for damages caused to their livelihoods following the strong wind and heavy rain last month that destroyed a total of 40 buildings, including 4 classrooms. Over the weekend, the first fundraiser was organized to raise funds to go towards the rebuilding where a total of K300, 000 was raised in the form of cash and commitments made by local leaders and the people. Local Member for Hiri Koiari Keith Iduhu, NCD Deputy Governor and Motu Koitabu Chairman Dadi Toka Junior and President for Hiri Local Level Government (LLG) Haoda Rogea, were present at the fundraising event. Dadi Toka Jnr made a commitment of K10, 000 towards the fundraising. Hiri LLG and Special Purpose Authority also made a commitment of K100, 000 whilst Porebada Besena Associations made a donation of K10, 000 towards the fundraising. Member Iduhu also made another big donation towards the fundraising to assist with the rebuilding of the damaged properties. "On behalf of the Hiri- Koiari we are pledging K100, 000 to support you’re fundraising,” said Mr. Iduhu. Mr. Iduhu further stated that he held talks with ExxonMobil already to also get its assistance to rebuild the classrooms. Another major donation was done by State Investment Negotiating Team Chairman and former Treasury Secretary Mr. Dairi Vele. He donated K65, 000. During the fundraising event there were also other small cash donation from the communities within Porebada and the surrounding communities to come up with the total. The Porebada Disaster Committee is expected to raise a total of K1.2 million to help the families who have lost their homes during the bad weather and also rebuild damaged classrooms at the Porebada Primary school.