Prime Minister Hon. James Marape will travel to Milne Bay Province this weekend to personally assess the impact of Cyclone Maila, following the receipt of initial and updated Situation Reports from Provincial Authorities.
The Prime Minister confirmed that a detailed Report from Milne Bay Provincial Administration is expected later today, which will further guide Government Response efforts as the scale of devastation becomes clearer.
This afternoon, Prime Minister Marape will meet with the Milne Bay Provincial Government team to receive their Report and map out his Visits to the affected Communities, demonstrating the Government’s care and direct support for those impacted.
“I will be visiting Milne Bay to get a full Report directly from the Provincial Administration and see firsthand the impact of the Cyclone,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Government Moving from Immediate Relief to Full Assessment
Prime Minister Marape said early Reports indicate that Cyclone Maila has caused widespread destruction across affected Regions, particularly in island and coastal communities.
“The Cyclone has caused massive destruction in its path. Those directly in its line, as well as nearby communities, have all been impacted in different ways,” he stated.
He stressed that the Government is now transitioning from initial Emergency Response to a more structured National Recovery Plan.
Relief Funding and Distribution Underway
The Prime Minister reiterated that the National Government has already mobilised K5 million for each affected Province, totalling K30 million for six affected Provinces, including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
“These Funds are being channelled through Provincial Treasuries to ensure immediate delivery of water, food, medicines, and essential supplies to our people,” he said.
In addition, the Government is working through District Development Authorities (DDAs) and Local-Level Governments to support Relief distribution and identify priority needs on the ground.
Coordinated National Response and Ministerial Deployment
Prime Minister Marape confirmed that Government Ministers have been deployed to support Assessments and Response coordination across affected Regions.
Minister for Works and Highways, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili, has been tasked to visit Autonomous Region of Bougainville and other impacted Provinces to oversee infrastructure assessments and assist Provincial Authorities in recovery planning.
The Prime Minister emphasised that close coordination with Provincial Administrations will be critical in ensuring that assistance reaches affected Communities efficiently and transparently.
Cabinet to Decide on Long-Term Rehabilitation
Following his visit to Milne Bay Province and the consolidation of Provincial Reports, Prime Minister Marape confirmed that Cabinet will convene next week to deliberate on a comprehensive National Recovery and Rehabilitation Program.
“Once I am on the ground in Milne Bay and we receive full Reports, Cabinet will meet to make decisions on the permanent work needed to restore our Communities,” he said.
He noted that the Government’s focus will go beyond immediate Relief to long-term Rebuilding and Resilience, particularly for remote island and coastal communities vulnerable to extreme weather.
“We are committed not just to immediate Relief, but to a long-term fix that will help our people rebuild and live with the reality of changing weather patterns,” he added.
Direct Leadership and National Solidarity
Prime Minister Marape said his Visit underscores the Government’s commitment to standing with affected communities during this difficult time.
“I want our people to know that we are with them. We will assess, respond, and rebuild together as one country,” he said.