The National Government has released its third batch of financial assistance to business houses affected by the January 10 looting throughout the nation’s capital, Port Moresby.

The cheque presentation held on Monday, 6 May 2024, was officiated by the Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, who expressed regret for the unfortunate incidents that occurred on the day.

He shared his sentiments for those business houses, who were affected during the January 10 chaos saying, “The government values the contributions of business houses, that apart from collecting taxes from you, you continue to generate community activities throughout various locations, particularly providing services and employment and therefore, our job as Government, is to provide an operating environment for you to operate safely and securely as service providers.”

Mr Pomaleu said when the 10th January events occurred, there was a commitment by the government to ensure support to continue to carry their employees through salary payments; to restore and rebuild their businesses, and in turn continue to provide services to the communities.

“I reside in a community where most of our shops were affected or destroyed by the January 10 events, and I understand how hard it is to be affected by those losses.

“I may have the means to travel comfortably elsewhere to get the services that I need, but the bulk of our people are doing it tough,” he said.

Meanwhile, the three business houses who received the third batch of financial assistance included SYZ Investment Ltd with K156,000.00; Eliseo Limited with K583,439.40 and Big Rooster (PNG) Limited with K576,000.00.