The National Government will release K5 million to the Manus Provincial Treasury to provide immediate disaster relief to communities severely impacted by recent volcanic eruptions and volcanic discharges.
The funding announcement was made during a high-level solidarity visit to the province by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, alongside Minister for National Disaster Hon. Dr Billy Joseph, the National Disaster Centre team, and provincial authorities led by Governor Hon. Charlie Benjamin and Provincial Administrator Mr Mame Kasalau.
IMMEDIATE DISASTER RESPONSE AND RELIEF
The K5 million allocation mirrors past relief efforts, such as support provided to Milne Bay during Cyclone Malia, and is designed to complement existing local response structures.
The funding will target food security, care, and medical resources for seven affected LLGs:
– Balopa
– Penabu
– Rapatona
– Los Negros
– Pobuma
– Bisakani
– Tetidu
“Disaster is disaster — it affects our people, causing psychological trauma and disrupting livelihoods,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
“Manus has anchored our country’s human resources, contributing enormously to nation-building through its teachers and professionals. We cannot stand by while Manus is exposed to this natural disaster.”
The Prime Minister heard during a disaster assessment briefing that volcanic discharge is heavily impacting local marine environments along the south coast and island communities such as Lou Island, disrupting critical sources of sustenance and income.
Prime Minister Marape has tasked Minister for National Disaster Dr Billy Joseph, on behalf of the National Government, to work with government scientists and relevant agencies to conduct thorough scientific assessments over the next two to three weeks. The assessments will monitor the toxicity of the discharge and evaluate long-term threats to food safety and marine life.
He added that with a potential El Niño phase approaching later this year, provincial teams have been urged to maintain strict focus on disaster preparedness.
The Provincial Administration has been directed to suspend non-essential activities and deploy a coordinated effort involving local health workers and school teachers to support affected zones.
LONG-TERM VISION: SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE AND TAX-FREE STATUS
Beyond immediate relief, Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the National Government’s long-term development commitment to Manus, highlighting the province’s strategic maritime position and extensive sea space.
Key strategic initiatives currently being finalised include:
1. Special Economic Zone Concept: Modelled on international hubs like Macau and Hong Kong, the concept aims to transform Manus into a tax-free province to aggressively attract investors.
2. Corporate Tax Exemptions: Under the proposed policy, businesses establishing operations in tourism, fisheries, agriculture, or manufacturing will be exempt from corporate income tax, provided they maintain a minimum local workforce of 10 to 20 staff, pending final policy frameworks. Goods and Services Tax will still be collected to support local government revenue.
3. Infrastructure Expansion: The Government continues to advance the highway project designed to run through the spine of Manus, connecting north and south. Following completion of the initial 10 kilometres, funding for an additional 10 kilometres will be released to unlock tourism, cocoa production, and commercial fisheries.
The Prime Minister said the Chief Secretary has been tasked with compiling a formal report on the tax-free province and economic zone frameworks.
TOTAL SOLIDARITY
The National Government extended its deepest gratitude to the people of Manus for their tolerance, continued contribution to the nation, and resilient spirit, noting with thanks that no lives were lost during the disaster event.
“The National Government, provincial government, provincial administration, and national agencies — we are in total solidarity with affected communities,” Prime Minister Marape concluded. “It is time to work, to provide help, and to bring comfort to our people.”