Hela Province has become the first province in Papua New Guinea to develop a strategic plan to prepare for the impacts of the developing El Niño weather pattern.
In an interview with Hela Provincial Administrator Ronny Angu following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Hela Provincial Government, the PNG Fire Service and the National Airports Corporation to keep Tari Airport and the new Tari Town fire safe.
Mr. Angu said the province moved quickly after Prime Minister James Marape directed all provinces and districts to prepare for a possible, prolonged dry season.
"We have the El Niño program which is affecting the province and, under the leadership of the Governor, we are the first province in the country to plan for it. We also have the strategic plan that is now being implemented."
He said the Provincial Executive Council approved the strategy just one week after the Prime Minister's directive.
"One week after the decision, under the leadership of Governor Philip Undialu, we held a PEC meeting, passed the resolution and the first thing we had to do was develop the strategic plan."
The plan covers 2026 and 2027 and will be implemented in three stages, beginning with preparedness.
Mr. Angu said the province has already begun purchasing water trucks, water tanks, cement bags, and plumbing materials to support vulnerable communities.
"We are currently supplying schools with water tanks and plumbing fittings, while water trucks are travelling around the province helping schools, churches and other critical infrastructure."
He said the strategy also provides a framework for government agencies and development partners to identify where support is most needed.
"When we have a strategic plan, the plan tells us who should come in to support because this is a nationwide issue."
Mr. Angu said the newly signed agreement with the PNG Fire Service and National Airports Corporation would further strengthen the province's disaster preparedness, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure.
"If fire catches one of these important infrastructures, we are in trouble. This MOU signed by the Governor will help us moving forward."
He said the Provincial Government and District Development Authorities will lead implementation through disaster committees, with support from resource companies operating in Hela.
"We are not going to wait. That's the way we want to go."
The Hela Provincial Government says the strategy is designed to improve the province's readiness and response as El Niño conditions continue to develop across Papua New Guinea.
