K25 million Government assistance

It was all smiles today as Acting Chief Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu (middle) took a group photo after handing over cheques totaling K25 Million to four businesses affected during the 10th of January 2024 riot in Port Moresby (NBC News: Edwin Wavu)

National Government's commitment to give a financial helping hand to businesses affected by the infamous 10th January riot last year, saw another cheque presentation of K25 million dished out today.

Acting Chief Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu before presenting the cheques to the four businesses echoed the Government's main intention of the relief package is to protect the "welfare of Papua New Guineans employed by these businesses."

The four companies that operate supermarkets in the nation's capital are Desh Besh [K7 million], Bismillah [K7 million], Pypon (K7 million), and Papindo [K4 million], benefiting under the fourth phase of the taxpayer's financial assistance.

Mr. Pomaleu gave a guarantee that all relief submission for government assistance by pass a stringent vetting process.

"Now we have an idea who [which businesses] were affected… with the help from the PNG Business Coalition."

Desh Besh managing director Mohammed Abdul Wahed says it's "pleasing to see government support because [the affected businesses] provide jobs for thousands of Papua New Guineans.