Thursday 4 July 2024
Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, (second from right) with representatives of affected business houses during a cheque presentation on Wednesday 3 July 2024. (photo: PM’s Media).
The Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, presented the National Government’s wages support assistance for six months, to five more companies on Wednesday 3 July 2024, after the January destruction of businesses, at his Sir Manasupe Haus office, Waigani.
The five companies were Sinomotor PNG Limited, a sister company of 2 Fast Motors, Proscan Limited, a Kundiawa based company, CBL Limited, a sister company of RapidFones, Rahamatullil Alamin Holdings Limited and Shaharia Alam Trading Limited.
The cheque presentation on Wednesday was also the first for a company based in Chimbu province.
The Chief Secretary told the business representatives that although it was taking some time for government support to reach them, it is aware of the effects of the events of the 10 January 2024.
He said however, it is important for the businesses to be aware that this is part of the government’s support to acknowledge the effects of the unfortunate events in January.
“I know all of you are resilient in your own rights in terms of picking up the pieces and re-establishing your businesses and operations,” Chief Secretary Pomaleu said. “We appreciate you. You continue to keep your staff employed even when you suffered destruction of your businesses.”
Mr Pomaleu said the government assistance is an important demonstration of the government’s commitment to support businesses after the January 10 events were unfortunate.
He said no one planned for it, no one foresaw it but it has happened.
“We all have to pick up the pieces in trying to, as best as possible, continue to see to it that our businesses remain in operation.”
The Chief Secretary added that maybe some of the businesses have some elements of their business that is still intact so they can reposition staff while others have completely lost their premises like the businesses at Gerehu and they basically have to restart, rebuild and restock, and commence normal operations.
He said the small cheque presentation ceremonies, which have been taking place, is the government’s support for wages of their staff, and a way of acknowledging the effects of the January destruction of businesses.