Sisimakam launches first disaster risk plan

Ward 13 Sisimakam in the Ningerum rural local level government [LLG] has officially launched Western’s first community-led disaster plan to boost local emergency preparedness.

The Community-Based Disaster Risk Management [CBDRM] plan, which is the first of its kind for Ningerum Rural LLG, was launched yesterday at the North Fly District Administration in Kiunga.

The plan was developed during a five-day workshop held in Ward 13, facilitated by the International Organization for Migration [IOM] and the North Fly District Disaster Office.

Community members, including men, women, and youth, participated in mapping out local environmental risks and setting safety priorities for their area. The project was funded by USAID, in partnership with the Western Provincial Disaster Office.

Ward 13 council member Ben Kawyok said the initiative was the start of a long-term partnership to build resilience against natural disasters.

“We thank IOM and the North Fly District Disaster Office for their invaluable support, and strongly recommend replicating similar community-led initiatives across all other wards within Ningerum LLG,” Kawyok said.

The CBDRM plan will be supported by a new evacuation center designed to provide safe shelter for residents during floods, fires, or other emergencies.

Funding for the evacuation center is being provided by IOM PNG, with technical support from the Western Provincial Disaster Office.

The launch was witnessed by Ward 13 community members, officials from North Fly District, the Western Provincial Government, and senior representatives from IOM.

The North Fly District Disaster Office confirmed it will continue to work with IOM to roll out similar community-based plans to other vulnerable wards across the district.