23 Sep 2008

PNG Disaster officials admit rebuilding still forthcoming in post-flood Oro

8:35 pm on 23 September 2008

Almost a year after widespread flooding in Oro province in Papua New Guinea many people still don't have access to fresh water and many are still homeless.

The flooding had affected 150 000 people and killed 170 in November last year.

The acting director of PNG's disaster management , Martin Mose, says many roads and bridges still need to be rebuilt.

Mr Mose says some people have returned to their villages to rebuild their homes, but an uncounted number of people are still living in three care centres waiting for funds to help them rebuild their homes.

He says clean water is also still a problem.

"There's a lot of water, but it's the quality that matters at this stage so they would need a fresh water installation attachements and that will help a lot to stabilise their lives again."

Martin Mose says a lack of funds and mis-management are causing the difficulties.