PLAN International has deployed a team to Ranonga with emergency supplies and support for some of the island’s most isolated communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila. The team, which includes officers from the social and livelihood sectors, arrived safely at Mondo yesterday and began programmes and activities there this morning. Emergency Response Manager for TC Maila, Henson Makoani, said the team will visit five communities to conduct awareness activities and distribu...te essential supplies. He said the assistance includes an agriculture toolkit for every household, dignity kits and basic hygiene supplies for girls aged between 13 and 19, as well as school kits for children aged between five and 11. “These communities are badly affected by the cyclone but they are isolated and hard to reach. “Plan International with the support of partners are happy to lend a hand,” Makoani said. He said the supplies are part of Plan International’s recovery programmes and activities aimed at supporting communities affected by the cyclone. Makoani said the communities were identified following assessments conducted by Plan International after Cyclone Maila, with the needs of each community determined through the assessment process. He acknowledged the Australian Government and the Asia Pacific Humanitarian Fund for supporting the response activity.
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands Government’s planned shelter recovery programme for communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila could cost about a million with implementation projected to begin next year, subject to proper planning, costing, design and eligibility assessments.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), David Hiriasia, said the above at a press conference today.
He said the government is still working on the details of the recovery programme.
He said the programme will provide shelter assistance to families in Western and Choiseul provinces whose homes were completely destroyed by the cyclone.
Hiriasia said the government is considering several housing options as part of the recovery programme, including standard two-bedroom houses and three FAB houses.
He said the options were still being assessed as the government works with relevant ministries to determine the most affordable and practical housing solution.
He said the shelter recovery initiative is significant because the government had not undertaken a similar programme on this scale since Tropical Cyclone Namu.
“This is the first time where government will be going shelter recovery,” he said.
He said the programme will take time because the government needs to ensure the proposed housing solution is affordable and can be delivered within approved budget.
“We are currently working with relevant ministries, particularly the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), to develop house designs, bills of quantities and construction costs. We are also considering whether to directly construct the houses or provide building materials to affected households as part of the recovery programme,” he said.
He said the proposed standard two-bedroom houses will be designed to allow recipients to expand them in the future.
Hiriasia acknowledged concerns from affected communities over delays but said careful planning was necessary to ensure the programme is properly implemented.
He said accurate and verified assessment data will also be used to determine which households qualify for shelter assistance.
“We need valid data to make sure the house inside the data deserves it,” Hiriasia said.
He appeals to affected residents in Western and Choiseul provinces to remain patient while the government finalises the design, costing, eligibility and delivery arrangements.
Hiriasia said the priority is to ensure assistance reaches people whose homes had been genuinely destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by Cyclone Maila.
He said the recovery programme will also focus on essential community infrastructure, including schools and health clinics damaged by the cyclone.
He said discussions are continuing with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to determine recovery needs in the affected areas.
“Assessments have already been conducted with government agencies, provincial authorities and development partners to identify damaged schools and clinics and determine priorities for allocating recovery resources,” he said.
Hiriasia said the shelter and infrastructure programmes forms part of the government’s transition from the immediate response to the longer-term recovery phase following Cyclone Maila.
He acknowledged the support of the World Bank, United Nations agencies, Papua New Guinea Red Cross, Asian Development Bank, Australian and New Zealand governments, government ministries, provincial governments, businesses and individuals.
He said continued cooperation among the government, provinces and development partners is critical as the country moves into the recovery and rebuilding phase.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Response to Tropical Cyclone Maila is gradually moving into the recovery phase, with most major emergency operations completed in the worst-affected areas of Western and Choiseul provinces.
Director of the National Disaster Council (NDC) and Chairman of the National Disaster Operations Centre (N-DOC), Jonathan Tafiariki, made the statement during a press conference at the National Disaster Management Office today (NDMO).
Tafiariki said the government activated its national disaster management arrangements following Cyclone Maila, triggering a whole-of-government response to support affected communities.
“Following the declaration of a disaster in Western and Choiseul provinces, the NDC assumed overall responsibility, while the National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) and Provincial Disaster Operations Committees (P-DOCs) coordinated emergency response activities,” he said.
He said the response was guided by the Government-approved National Response and Early Recovery Plan of Action.
Tafiariki said significant progress has been made in restoring essential services, particularly health, education and livelihoods.
He said the health sector has stabilised its services and scaled down its large emergency response component.
“Importantly, no disease outbreaks have been detected in either affected province. We were fortunate that there was no outbreak detected from the two provinces, the disaster had not resulted in a secondary health crisis,” Tafiariki said.
“The education sector has also completed much of its emergency response, allowing children to continue their education and schools to return towards normal operations. Some recovery measures will require continued maintenance and assistance.
“In terms of emergency food and non-food assistance, Choiseul has completed a large portion of its relief distributions. Western Province has also made substantial progress, although some communities are still awaiting final distributions,” he said.
Tafiariki said most government agencies had completed major emergency activities and are now transitioning into longer-term recovery.
Meanwhile, the disaster order remains under review. N-DOC and P-DOCs are assessing the response and will advise the NDC on recommendations for revoking the order.
Tafiariki stressed that outstanding relief activities will continue while the government shifts its focus towards recovery and rebuilding affected communities.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Malaita Premier Elijah Asilau’a has said the United States’ interest in supporting development of the long-awaited Bina Harbour Project must result in tangible progress for the people of Malaita.
The Premier said this following recent interest from the United States in supporting key components of the Bina Harbour development, including the wharf, jetty, port facilities, fuel storage, water and energy and roads infrastructures
Asilau’a welcomed the United States’ interest but warns that the project must not experience a similar outcome to the previous Winrock initiative.
“Yes, I just caution about the strong interest that the United States has committed to support us with this national project. Make sure it must not be like the Winrock initiative,” he said.
Asilau’a said the Malaita Provincial Government is fully prepared to work alongside the national government and development partners to advance the project.
He said the people of Malaita are eager to see Bina Harbour move beyond years of planning and discussions into actual development on the ground.
Last week, a United States assessment team visited the proposed Bina Harbour site as part of efforts to assess the project and identify areas where support could be provided. The team is expected to produce reports following its assessment.
The Bina Harbour Project has been identified as one of Solomon Islands’ major national development projects and has remained under discussion for many years.
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$3 million set aside to support Cyclone Maila-affected tourism operators
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has identified tourism operators in Choiseul and Western provinces to receive support from a $3 million allocation for businesses affected by Cyclone Maila, following a government assessment.
Five operators in Choiseul were identified for $335,000, while 24 affected operators in Western Province were assessed, with the ministry also considering renewed airport welcoming activities to improve the country’s tourism image.
Read more
https://theislandsun.com.sb/3-million-set-aside-to.../
By Simon Tavake
There have been growing concerns and calls from landowners, communities and individuals over pollution and environmental impacts allegedly caused by logging and mining activities.
While these concerns and calls are being heard and considered by the relevant authorities, affected parties say there is still no clear or immediate solution that can fully address their concerns.
Legal action and support from the Government may be among the options available to those affected, but prolonged and lengthy court processes can also cause cases to stall and lose momentum, leaving communities to continue living with the impacts they are seeking to address.
In light of these concerns, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal Constituency, Hon. Paul Popora Bosawai, has called for the establishment of an Environmental Bond.
He said the bond would ensure that companies responsible for environmental damage are held accountable and required to pay for the clean-up and restoration of areas affected by their activities.
Hon. Bosawai raised the issue following reports from downstream communities along the Metapona River regarding alleged pollution caused by mining activities upstream. The affected communities are also located within his North Guadalcanal Constituency.
The Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon. Wayne Ghemu, confirmed that his Ministry has conducted an assessment following the reports.
However, he highlighted that while the assessment was carried out through field observations and consultations with affected communities, the Ministry requires a comprehensive scientific investigation before any conclusion can be drawn on the extent and level of pollution along the river.
This prompted the PAC Chairman to ask whether the country has an Environmental Bond in place that could be accessed by the Ministry to help support the affected communities.
“My question to you, Minister, is: does the country have an Environmental Bond so that you can assist?
“I am also a medical doctor, and there are a lot of allergic cases along the Metapona downstream because of sedimentation inside the food chain. Those are indirect evidence to the case. So I want to ask: if we have an Environmental Bond, how can you access it and build water supply for these communities?” said Hon. Bosawai.
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale, while acknowledging the concern raised, said there is currently no such mechanism as an Environmental Bond in the country.
He said this has left the country “high and dry” when environmental issues such as this arise.
“This is a very significant and serious matter and is going on for far too long, so we must address it.
“There is no Environmental Bond anywhere in any mining assets in the country, and that’s a defect in our regulatory system. Our laws, both in environment and mining, do not require it, so we are left high and dry when these things happen,” Prime Minister Wale said.
Hon. Bosawai further pressed for the matter to be regulated, stressing that although it has yet to be addressed through the amended Bills, regulations providing for it have already been passed.
Hon. Bosawai previously served as Minister of Health and Medical Services under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), which has since been succeeded by the GREAT Coalition Government.
During his tenure as Health Minister, he similarly pursued the regulation of dangerous drugs, including the Dangerous Drugs (Methylamphetamine) Rules 2025.
“There are no regulations on how to deal with methylamphetamine in the country. I took a Cabinet paper to regulate it, and it worked. Even the methylamphetamine amendment will come later in the Bill, but its regulations have already been passed. So I thought the Environment Minister can do better regulation on this,” Hon. Bosawai said.
While the matter was being debated and considered in Parliament, the Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) highlighted that an Environmental Bond is already provided for under the interim measures of the Mineral Resources Bill 2025.
If passed, the Bill, together with the review of the Environment Act, could have a significant impact on how environmental responsibilities and liabilities are managed in the country, particularly in the mining sector.
[end]
The post Dr Bosawai calls for Environmental Bond to protect communities first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Solomon Islands’ economic recovery is continuing, but the World Bank says growth remains fragile and vulnerable to fuel price shocks, climate disasters, declining logging and weak private investment. The World Bank projects economic growth of 2.8% in 2026, before a modest recovery to around 3.1% in 2027–28. The report says the 2026 outlook is being affected by higher fuel costs, the impacts of Cyclone Maila, weak private-sector investment and the continued decline of logging. Fuel prices have risen by more than 40% since March 2026, creating renewed inflationary pressure. The World Bank warns that annual headline inflation could reach 5–8% if fuel prices remain elevated. At the same time, the country’s fiscal position remains under pressure. Fiscal deficits are projected to average 3.4% of GDP over the medium term, with public debt expected to rise above 35% by 2029. The World Bank says Solomon Islands has limited room to absorb future shocks because fiscal policy is carrying most of the burden, while other economic adjustment mechanisms remain weak. The report argues that the country must rebuild public finances while developing a broader economy capable of absorbing shocks. //ENDS//
Solomon Islands is developing its first dedicated national policy to address the growing economic and social costs of climate change...
The post Solomons Develops First Policy to Address Climate Loss & Damage appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Government has allocated SBD75 million towards recovery and rehabilitation efforts following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Minister of Finance Gordon Darcy Lilo made the announcement during the second reading of the 2025 Appropriation Bill in Parliament last week.
Lilo said the SBD75 million allocation will support recovery and rehabilitation services through to 31 December 2026.
“I will not go through the details of the bill, but the details can be viewed in the bill itself,” he said.
Lilo said the allocation reflects the Government’s commitment to ensure budget and donor-funded projects, including credit and grant assistance, are appropriately coordinated to support the recovery effort.
He said the funds will be administered through the National Disaster Council and the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
Lilo also warned political leaders against politicising the funding, stressing that the appropriate authorities should be allowed to administer and deliver recovery programmes and activities to cyclone-affected communities.
“Let the rightful authorities administer and deliver much needed programs and activities that will support communities that were affected by Cyclone Maila,” he said.
The announcement comes as a relief to many communities in Western and Choiseul provinces, which have expressed growing frustration over the pace of recovery and rehabilitation efforts following the cyclone.
Communities have been waiting for assistance to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods and repair essential infrastructure damaged by Maila.
For months, affected communities have questioned when substantial recovery assistance will reach them.
Lilo, however, said assistance was coming and urged communities to remain patient while the Government puts the necessary arrangements in place.
He said funds needed to be properly administered before being dispersed for recovery and rehabilitation programmes.
The SBD75 million allocation now provides a dedicated financial commitment towards addressing the needs of communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila as the Government moves into the recovery phase.
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has issued Heavy Rain Warning Number Eight cautioning that a heavy rain warning remains current for Temotu Province.
The warning was issued at 7:00pm yesterday evening, Sunday 16th August 2026.
According to the Meteorological Service, a trough lies northeast of the Solomon Islands, while a general southeast trade wind flow continues to persist over the country. The associated cloud and heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected to affect Temotu Province.
SIMS warns that such localised heavy rain may trigger landslides and flash flooding, particularly over communities living near hill slopes, and close to large rivers, streams and low-lying areas.
Sea travellers have been urged to take safety precautions, as heavy rain can significantly reduce visibility.
The public is strongly advised to take necessary safety measures to avoid danger and loss of lives, and residents are encouraged to share this information with people living with disabilities.
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'PROTOCOL IS OVER' TUKE DEMANDS DIRECT MAILA RECOVERYBy ULUTAH GINASolomon Star, HoniaraThe post-Cyclone Maila recovery process should now move beyond established relief protocols and allow assistance to be implemented directly with affected communities, Ward 2 Provincial Assembly Member Gideon Tuke says.The Simbo MPA is questioning how the current disaster-response system is being implemented, arguing that four months after the cyclone, recovery assistance should no longer be held up by the procedures used during the immediate relief phase.“I want them to deal directly with leaders in the community, not through PDOC. That protocol is over now. The implementation should go straight to the victims,” Mr Tuke said.His concern is not only about the delivery of assistance but also about how the recovery system is operating and communicating with those at community level.Mr Tuke said affected communities and their leaders needed clear information on what happens after the initial disaster-response phase, including when recovery assistance would be delivered, why particular approaches were being taken and how communities would be involved.“It has been four months since two Prime Ministers set foot on the very islands and villages affected by Cyclone Maila,” he said.“What took so long? We need the right information. If not to the village leaders, then let us MPAs know what is going on when, why and how recovery is going to be carried out," he questioned.Mr Tuke said the current system was leaving elected provincial representatives unable to properly respond to their constituents.“As MPAs, we are the first point of contact for our people, but we cannot give them answers. We are just as confused as they are,” he said.He said community leaders and MPAs should be directly included in the recovery implementation process so they could understand what assistance was planned and when it would reach affected communities.The call comes as communities affected by Cyclone Maila continue to seek assistance following damage to homes, food gardens and livelihoods.Mr Tuke's criticism places the focus on the transition from disaster relief to recovery, questioning whether the existing response system and communication channels are still appropriate four months after the cyclone.For the Simbo MPA, the priority now is to move the recovery process from protocol to implementation with affected communities directly involved and assistance reaching the intended victims.///Ends/////
‘PROTOCOL IS OVER’ TUKE DEMANDS DIRECT MAILA RECOVERY By ULUTAH GINA Solomon Star, Honiara 梅拉飓风后的恢复过程现在应超越既定的救援协议,允许直接与受影响社区实施援助,西姆博省议会成员吉迪恩·图克(Gideon Tuke)表示。 这位西姆博省议员质疑当前的灾后响应系统如何实施,认为在飓风过后四个月,恢复援助不应再受到紧急救援阶段所使用程序的阻碍。 “我希望他们直接与社区领导人沟通,而不是通过PDOC。那个协议已经结束了。实施应直接面向受害者,”图克先生说。 他关心的不仅是援助的交付,还有恢复系统如何运作以及与社区层面的沟通。 图克先生表示,受影响的社区及其领导人需要明确的信息,了解在初步灾后响应阶段之后会发生什么,包括恢复援助何时交付、为何采取特定方法以及社区将如何参与。 “自从两位总理踏上受梅拉飓风影响的岛屿和村庄已经过去四个月了,”他说。 “为什么花了这么长时间?我们需要正确的信息。如果不能告知村庄领导人,那么请让我们这些省议员知道恢复将何时、为何以及如何进行,”他质疑道。 图克先生表示,当前的系统使得当选的省代表无法有效回应选民的需求。 “作为省议员,我们是人民的第一接触点,但我们无法给他们答案。我们和他们一样困惑,”他说。 他表示,社区领导人和省议员应直接参与恢复实施过程,以便他们能够了解计划中的援助及其何时到达受影响社区。 这一呼吁是在梅拉飓风影响的社区继续寻求援助之际,因其房屋、食品花园和生计受到损害。 图克先生的批评将焦点放在从灾后救援到恢复的过渡上,质疑在飓风过后四个月,现有的响应系统和沟通渠道是否仍然适用。 对于西姆博省议员来说,当前的优先事项是将恢复过程从协议转向实施,直接让受影响的社区参与,并确保援助能够到达预期的受害者。 ///结束/////
CYCLONE MAILA VICTIMS DEMAND ANSWERS OVER DELAYED ASSISTANCEBy ULUTAH GINASolomon Star, HoniaraFour months after Cyclone Maila devastated communities in Western Province, affected families in Ranonggah and Simbo are demanding answers over delays in disaster relief and recovery assistance.Residents say promised support, including financial assistance, food supplies and materials to rebuild damaged homes, has yet to reach many affected communities.The situation has left some families struggling to secure food, while uncertainty continues over when recovery assistance will reach villages.Speaking to the Solomon Star, Koriovuku resident Chris Pondokolo said families on Ranonggah have been facing serious food shortages following the destruction of their gardens by the cyclone.“Families here have yet to receive further assistance from national or provincial disaster recovery teams,” Pondokolo said.“Our food gardens were destroyed, and the root crops we are pulling up now, like cassava and kumara, are just dry roots. “For months weeks, families have survived on water and swamp taro shared among neighbours. Gardens will not be ready for harvest until September.”.Pondokolo said affected families were also unclear about assistance for damaged houses and destroyed cash-crop plantations.He said no tents or building materials had reached affected households in Koriovuku.The situation has been further complicated by uncertainty over the distribution of relief supplies, with communities receiving conflicting information about the status of recovery operations.Pondokolo said there were reports that relief shipments intended for Gizo had encountered problems because of unsuitable vessels.There were also reports that disaster recovery operations had ended in areas classified as “orange zones”, with further assistance reportedly being restricted to designated “red zones”.However, affected communities and local leaders have not received clear information confirming the status of the assistance.The lack of communication has also frustrated local leaders, who say they are struggling to respond to questions from their constituents.The Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 2 in Simbo has criticised the communication breakdown between national disaster authorities, local leaders and communities affected by Cyclone Maila.“It has been four months since two Prime Ministers set foot on the very islands and villages affected by Cyclone Maila,” MPA Hon. Gideon Tuke.“What took so long? We need the right information. If not to the village leaders, then let us MPAs know what is going on when, why, and how recovery is going to be carried out," he questioned.The leader said MPAs were often the first point of contact for communities but were unable to provide clear answers because they had not been properly informed about the recovery process.“As MPAs, we are the first point of contact for our people, but we cannot give them answers. We are just as confused as they are,” the leader said.The concerns come as some communities continue to face food shortages and remain uncertain about assistance to rebuild homes and restore livelihoods damaged by the cyclone.Community members and provincial leaders are now calling on the National Disaster Management Office and other responsible authorities to provide clear information on the status of relief funds and recovery programmes.They are also calling for urgent assistance to affected communities in Ranonggah and Simbo, particularly families facing food shortages and those whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed by Cyclone Maila."Information is power. I called directly to the Prime Minister and his office to to deal with this as matter of priority and urgency."While the government is now embarking on reforms some parts of the country and the very people whom we want to serve been long ignored are still suffering," MPA Tuke further added.//Ends///
CYCLONE MAILA VICTIMS DEMAND ANSWERS OVER DELAYED ASSISTANCEBy ULUTAH GINASolomon Star, Honiara四个月前,气旋梅拉摧毁了西部省的社区,受影响的家庭在拉农嘎(Ranonggah)和辛博(Simbo)要求对灾后救助和恢复援助的延迟给出解释。居民们表示,承诺的支持,包括财政援助、食品供应和重建受损房屋的材料,尚未到达许多受影响的社区。这种情况使一些家庭在获取食物方面面临困难,同时对恢复援助何时能到达村庄仍然感到不确定。拉农嘎居民克里斯·庞多科(Chris Pondokolo)在接受《所罗门星报》采访时表示,气旋摧毁了他们的花园,导致家庭面临严重的食品短缺。“这里的家庭尚未收到来自国家或省级灾后恢复团队的进一步援助,”庞多科说。“我们的食品花园被毁,现在挖出来的根茎作物,如木薯和甘薯,只有干枯的根。“几个月以来,家庭只能靠邻居分享的水和湿地芋头生存。花园要到九月才能收获。”庞多科表示,受影响的家庭对受损房屋和被毁现金作物种植园的援助情况也不清楚。他说,科里奥武库(Koriovuku)受影响家庭没有收到帐篷或建筑材料。由于对救援物资分发的情况不确定,社区收到关于恢复行动状态的相互矛盾的信息,情况变得更加复杂。庞多科表示,有报告称,原定运往吉佐(Gizo)的救援物资因船只不适合而遇到问题。还有报告称,灾后恢复行动在被划分为“橙色区域”的地区已结束,进一步的援助据称仅限于指定的“红色区域”。然而,受影响的社区和地方领导人并未收到确认援助状态的明确信息。缺乏沟通也让地方领导人感到沮丧,他们表示难以回应选民的提问。辛博(Simbo)第二选区的省议会成员(MPA)批评国家灾害当局、地方领导人与气旋梅拉受影响社区之间的沟通失灵。“自从两位总理踏上受气旋梅拉影响的岛屿和村庄已经四个月了,”省议会成员吉迪恩·图克(Gideon Tuke)说。“为什么花了这么长时间?我们需要准确的信息。如果不能告知村庄领导人,那么请让我们这些省议会成员知道恢复工作何时、为何以及如何进行,”他质疑道。这位领导人表示,省议会成员通常是社区的第一接触点,但由于没有得到关于恢复过程的适当信息,无法提供明确的答案。“作为省议会成员,我们是人民的第一接触点,但我们无法给他们答案。我们和他们一样困惑,”这位领导人说。随着一些社区继续面临食品短缺,并对重建房屋和恢复因气旋而受损的生计感到不确定,相关担忧不断加剧。社区成员和省领导人现在呼吁国家灾害管理办公室及其他相关当局提供关于救援资金和恢复项目状态的明确信息。他们还呼吁对拉农嘎和辛博受影响社区提供紧急援助,特别是面临食品短缺的家庭以及那些因气旋梅拉而失去家园和生计的家庭。“信息就是力量。我直接致电总理及其办公室,将此事作为优先和紧急事项处理。“尽管政府现在在国家某些地区进行改革,但我们希望服务的那些人却长期被忽视,仍在遭受痛苦,”省议会成员图克进一步补充。
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
CONTINUED bad weather has hampered relief programs and other activities in Western Province, delaying the delivery of much-needed assistance to cyclone-stricken communities.
A number of non-government organisations planning to distribute additional relief supplies remain in Gizo after being unable to travel to communities across the province since last week.
The changing weather pattern has provided only limited opportunities for the teams to travel by sea, forcing most organisations to repeatedly postpone their deployment schedules.
The weather has affected large parts of the province, making sea travel difficult and raising safety concerns for relief workers travelling in small boats.
Last week, teams of Red Cross volunteers from the Western Branch travelled to Ranongga, Vella La Vella and Simbo to deliver assistance and assess the needs of affected communities.
A team returning from Vella La Vella reported on Friday that sea conditions were rough during their deployment, with strong winds making travel challenging.
The continued poor weather is a major concern for relief organisations as many communities are still recovering from the impacts of Cyclone Maila and remain in need of essential supplies and support.
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service continues to issue strong wind warnings for parts of the country.
Small boat operators and travelling teams have been urged to take extra precautions and assess sea conditions carefully before travelling between the islands.
For relief organisations, the priority remains finding a safe weather window to resume their operations and reach communities that are still waiting for additional assistance.
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FOUR MONTHS ON, VICTIMS STILL WAITINGBy GEHAZI SEKOSolomon Star, HoniaraFour months after Cyclone Maila caused widespread damage to homes and properties in Choiseul Province, affected victims are questioning the lack of updates on government damage assessments and rehabilitation assistance.The concern has been raised by victims who say provincial assessment teams visited affected communities following the cyclone, documented the damage and collected information from those affected.However, months later, many victims say they have yet to receive clear information about the outcome of those assessments or whether further assistance will be provided.One affected resident said he was personally present when the provincial assessment team visited his village and assessed the damage caused by Cyclone Maila.He said building and hardware materials for his newly constructed building were badly damaged during the cyclone, including bags of cement and reinforced square tubes.“After the assessment teams from the province came to our communities and carried out the assessments, we have not heard any feedback on the assessments,” he said.The victim acknowledged that food relief supplies had reached some people in cyclone-affected communities.However, he said those who suffered significant property and livelihood losses were still waiting for information about rehabilitation support.“So far, food relief supplies have been received by people in affected communities. But those whose properties were damaged are still waiting for good updates,” he said.He questioned what had happened to the information collected during the provincial assessments and what progress had been made on the Cyclone Maila rehabilitation programmes announced following the disaster.Four months on, affected residents are asking which communities and victims have actually benefited from rehabilitation assistance and whether further support is planned.The victims say the issue is not simply about conducting damage assessments, but ensuring that the information gathered leads to practical assistance for those who suffered losses.They are calling on the relevant authorities to provide clear and transparent information on the assessment results, rehabilitation programmes and assistance available to cyclone victims across Choiseul.For affected families and property owners, the continued lack of information has created uncertainty as they wait to rebuild their homes, replace damaged materials and restore their livelihoods.The victims are now seeking answers from the responsible authorities, saying communities that opened their doors to assessment teams deserve to know what happened to the information they provided.“Our people deserve transparency, accountability and clear answers, not just assessments followed by silence,” the victim said.//ends//
FOUR MONTHS ON, VICTIMS STILL WAITINGBy GEHAZI SEKOSolomon Star, Honiara四个月后,随着气旋迈拉(Cyclone Maila)对乔伊瑟尔省(Choiseul Province)的房屋和财产造成广泛损害,受影响的受害者正在质疑政府对损害评估和恢复援助缺乏更新的信息。受害者们提出了这一担忧,他们表示省级评估小组在气旋过后访问了受影响的社区,记录了损害情况并收集了受影响者的信息。然而,几个月过去了,许多受害者表示他们仍未收到关于这些评估结果的明确消息,也不清楚是否会提供进一步的援助。一位受影响的居民表示,他亲自见证了省级评估小组访问他的村庄并评估气旋迈拉造成的损害。他说,他新建建筑的建筑和五金材料在气旋中遭到严重损坏,包括水泥袋和加固方管。“在省级评估小组来到我们社区并进行评估后,我们没有听到关于评估的任何反馈,”他说。这位受害者承认,食品救助物资已送达一些受气旋影响的社区。然而,他表示,那些遭受重大财产和生计损失的人仍在等待关于恢复支持的信息。“到目前为止,受影响社区的人们已经收到了食品救助物资。但那些财产受损的人仍在等待好的更新,”他说。他质疑在省级评估中收集的信息发生了什么,以及在灾后宣布的气旋迈拉恢复计划上取得了什么进展。四个月过去,受影响的居民在询问哪些社区和受害者实际上受益于恢复援助,以及是否计划提供进一步的支持。受害者们表示,这个问题不仅仅是进行损害评估,而是确保收集到的信息能够为遭受损失的人提供实际的帮助。他们呼吁相关部门提供关于评估结果、恢复项目和可供气旋受害者使用的援助的清晰透明的信息。对于受影响的家庭和财产所有者而言,持续缺乏信息使他们在等待重建家园、替换受损材料和恢复生计时感到不确定。受害者们现在正在向负责部门寻求答案,他们表示,向评估小组敞开大门的社区有权知道他们提供的信息发生了什么。“我们的人民应当得到透明、问责和明确的答案,而不仅仅是评估后随之而来的沉默,”这位受害者说。//ends//
Heavy Rain Warning Issued for All Provinces
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service has issued a Heavy Rain Warning Number One for all provinces, warning of possible flash flooding and landslides.
The warning was issued at 7:00am on Thursday, 13 August 2026.
According to the Meteorological Service, a trough is lying just north of Solomon Islands while a general south-easterly trade wind flow persists across the country.
Associated cloud, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to affect all provinces.
The Meteorological Service warned that localised heavy rainfall could result in flash flooding and landslides, particularly in communities located near hill slopes, large rivers, streams and low-lying areas.
Sea travellers have also been urged to take extra safety precautions, as heavy rain could significantly reduce visibility at sea.
The public is strongly advised to take necessary safety measures to avoid danger and possible loss of lives during the period of heavy rainfall.
People are also encouraged to share the warning with persons with disabilities to ensure they receive the necessary information and can take appropriate safety measures.
Heavy Rain Warning Issued for All Provinces
所罗门群岛气象局已发布强降雨警告编号一,警告可能发生的闪电洪水和山体滑坡。
该警告于2026年8月13日星期四上午7:00发布。
根据气象局的说法,一个低压槽正位于所罗门群岛以北,同时,整个国家仍然受到东南季风的影响。
相关的云层、强降雨和雷暴预计将影响所有省份。
气象局警告称,局部强降雨可能导致闪电洪水和山体滑坡,特别是在靠近山坡、大河、溪流和低洼地区的社区。
海上旅行者也被敦促采取额外的安全预防措施,因为强降雨可能会显著降低海上的能见度。
公众被强烈建议在强降雨期间采取必要的安全措施,以避免危险和可能的生命损失。
人们也被鼓励与残疾人士分享警告,以确保他们获得必要的信息并采取适当的安全措施。
BY JOSES SAREN
The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) has accounted for $18.6 million in advanced funds it used last year, including a $17.47 million grant tranche to all nine provinces.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry into the 2025 Supplementary Bill 2026 Tuesday afternoon, Permanent Secretary Dr Derek Futaiasi said the advanced warrants total $18,585,410.67.
The full amount breaks down into four components: $17,467,954.63 in subventions and grants, about $1 million for climate change officer salaries, $35,000 for ICT equipment, and $9,128 for miscellaneous office costs.
The subventions and grants line represent the additional 2025–2026 tranche for provinces under the Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience Project (IEDCR).
“This is basically for additional grant for the IEDCR project, due for release in 2025–2026 for the qualifying provinces,” Mr Futaiasi told the Committee.
However, Futaiasi also flagged a discrepancy in the bill itself, noting that the Chart of Accounts breakdown printed in the bill does not match what the ministry submitted, though the bottom-line total remains unchanged.
The Committee ordered the ministry to correct the figures before the bill reaches its committee stage in Parliament.
The IEDCR project is jointly supported by the UNDP’s Government for Resilience Project (Gov4RES) and the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). Its climate resilience component runs through UNCDF’s Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL). Every province now has a draft climate strategy under that facility, said Permanent Secretary for MPGIS. The salary allocation covers seven officers recruited under LoCAL.
CTA-PGSP/PM-IEDCR Momodou Sawaneh confirmed that the $17.4 million grant was disbursed to all nine provinces under the programme’s standard allocation formula, while the $1,073,000 covered salaries for the seven LoCAL-recruited officers.
During questioning, Manasseh Sogavare, MP for East Choiseul and leader of Opposition, asked whether procurement followed Government process or donor procedures.
Futaiasi confirmed government process applied throughout, explaining that the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF)—the performance-based grant mechanism used to move the funds—now operates entirely within state systems.
Jeremiah Manele, MP for Hograno/Kia/Havulei, pressed for specifics on which provinces currently qualify for funding.
The Chair then asked whether the funds were SIG money or a World Bank concessional loan, and what would happen to a province’s allocation if it fails to qualify in a future year.
Mr Sawaneh clarified that LoCAL funding is 100 percent grant, and that US$6 million of the wider IEDCR pool is a concessional IDA loan, on top of a separate $30 million the SIG contributes annually to the PCDF. He added that while all nine provinces qualified for PCDF funding in the last assessment, only eight of nine have qualified so far this year. The question of what happens to a disqualified province’s money went unanswered as time ran out and the Chair moved on.
Citing time pressure, the Chair closed the hearing and said outstanding technical and compliance questions would be sent to the ministry in writing for its report.
Government condemns repeated damage to new road infrastructure in Honiara and Guadalcanal, vows to hold responsible parties accountable
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Government is sending a strong message to companies, private contractors and developers that continue to show no-care attitude to roads and damaging them that they will be dealt with.
This follows another damage to newly repaired road at Henderson this week.
An excavator was being transferred from the Elite Co compound to the adjacent Moiba Co compound. During the transfer, the excavator scrapesd off the road shoulders, damaging approximately 15 metres of the edge and the fog line marking, a statement by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) yesterday said.
This latest incident adds to a growing string of damages to newly built or repaired roads in the city in which the perpetrators are companies carelessly driving their excavators directly on the tarsealed road, damaging the surface.
On June 26 a similar incident occurred at the newly built Tandai road in which a company drove its excavator on the road and damaged the surface.
MID had condemned the incident then and said it would seek penalties for the company.
With the latest incident, MID said an assessment found localised surface fractures of approximately 6 mm to 10 mm deep, with broken coarse aggregate and minimal exposure of the underlying asphalt layer. A further inspection identified an older section of similar damage, approximately 7 metres long, in front of the Elite Co compound.
It will affect the pavement’s durability by allowing water infiltration, accelerating deterioration well before the end of the road’s expected lifespan, MID said.
Acting Permanent Secretary of MID, Mike Qaqara said we cannot tolerate these avoidable damages anymore.
“Those responsible will pay for their ignorance, which is to meet the cost of repairs, and face appropriate penalties in accordance with applicable provisions under the Roads Act.
“We have repeatedly called on heavy machinery operators to respect and protect the newly completed road infrastructure. It is disappointing that we continue to see damages that should have been avoided by making sound judgements and best practices during machinery movement and construction,” Mr Qaqara said.
“The Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP) is a significant investment with the ultimate goal of improving and modernising our national road network; thus, protecting public infrastructure is a shared responsibility.”
This highway network from Henderson Court to Mberande (31.7km) is the first road component of this project by the Government of Solomon Islands, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
MID along with the project support team, is again sending a clear message to construction groups, developers, utility operators and heavy machinery operators and owners to adopt appropriate protective measures when moving tracked equipment on asphalt roads, including the use of suitable loading and unloading platforms, protective mats, and other safeguards to prevent damage to public assets.
Photo credit: MID
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Red Cross Western Branch has deployed three teams to distribute supplies [NFIs] to affected communities in Vella, Ranonga and Shortland Islands. The teams left today. Below is Red Cross Team Shortland..
BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) questioned the Ministry of Rural Development’s (MRD) team on the amendment of the CDF Act 2023 when they appeared before the Committee on Sunday.
PAC Chair, Dr Paul Bosawai noted that their bill is $51.9 million in additional supplementary funding split between the recurrent operations and development grant.
MRD Permanent Secretary John Misite’e presented two requests, a supplementary request of $1.869 million to cover annual costs and an additional $50 million for the 50 constituencies.
He said reasons for the first request was that they are dealing with 150 constituency offices and an initial drafting of the contract between constituency offices and public service did not cater for rental support for constituencies.
In regards to the request of $50 million, he said this is for the 50 constituencies, especially given that the economy was really hit hard this year and it can also be part of the Government’s support towards recovery efforts following Tropical Cyclone Maila in April.
Mr Bosawai said MRD wishes to amend the CDF Act 2023 under their policy for the Great Coalition Government.
He then asked if the recurrent budget accounts for the amendment proposal or if it is entirely for house rents for constituency offices.
Misite’e said it is specially for house rental.
Speaking on MRD’s reform programme, he said they have a budget allocation for it.
Misite’e explained that when they had the reform programme, it was specifically to develop the regulation with the current the CDF Act.
He however said that now that there is a slight change in the policy of the current government, which is to look at the review, they will just shift the budget accordingly to adjustments inside their work plan under the broader themes of reform.
“And I think we have sufficient funds to look at that,” he said.
Bosawai then asked if they are repurposing some of the already appropriated budget in 2026 for the amendment to which Misite’e agreed.
“That is correct.
“I think repurposing is almost the correct term for what we are doing under the broader areas in reform in particular, in relation to the CDF Act,” Misite’e said.
Bosawai then asked whether there is any policy intention of the current led government to amend the CDF Act 2023.
“Is there any policy intention of the current led government to amend the CDF Act 2023 as per the policy statement by the new government? As I could understand that only two constituencies are audited.
“Are they fearing the audit? So, they want to amend the CDF Act?
“Not quite. Let me give some context. When we were doing the regulation, we found some cumbersome in certain sections in the act itself,” Misite’s said.
Misite’e said one good example is the functions of the constituency development committee versus the constituency office itself.
He highlighted that the act gives certain powers to one institution within the act, describing it as “almost like stepping on each others functions.”
Misite’e said from the ministry’s side, they want to see distinction between what one office is doing versus the other.
Meanwhile, he mentioned that they are still in the early stage of consultation.
“We are still in the early phase of doing consultation on the broader review of the CDF Act,” he said.
Bosawai told the MRD team that they will be waiting for their policy translation.
“You have a very short budget and short policy guide which is only two. We are waiting for your policy translation to see the expansion of what does it really mean on your two readings from the policy of the GREAT government,” he said.
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) is seeking nearly $18.6 million in supplementary funding, including a $17.47 million grant tranche to all nine provinces.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry into the 2025 Supplementary Bill yesterday afternoon, Permanent Secretary Derek Futaiasi said the proposed allocation totals $18,585,410.67.
The full amount, authorised via advance warrant, breaks down into four components: $17,467,954.63 in subventions and grants, about $1 million for climate change officer salaries, $35,000 for ICT equipment, and $9,128 for miscellaneous office costs.
The subventions and grants line represents the additional 2025–2026 tranche for provinces under the Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience Project (IEDCR).
“This is basically for additional grant for the IEDCR project, due for release in 2025–2026 for the qualifying provinces,” Futaiasi told the Committee.
However, Futaiasi also flagged a discrepancy in the bill itself, noting that the Chart of Accounts breakdown printed in the bill does not match what the ministry submitted, though the bottom-line total remains unchanged.
The Committee ordered the ministry to correct the figures before the bill reaches its committee stage in Parliament.
The IEDCR project is jointly supported by the UNDP’s Government for Resilience Project (Gov4RES) and the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). Its climate resilience component runs through UNCDF’s Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL). Every province now has a draft climate strategy under that facility, said Momodou Lamin Sawaneh, programme manager for the IEDCR project. The salary allocation covers seven officers recruited under LoCAL.
Sawaneh confirmed that the $17.4 million grant was disbursed to all nine provinces under the program’s standard allocation formula, while the $1,073,000 covered salaries for the seven LoCAL-recruited officers.
During questioning, Manasseh Sogavare, MP for East Choiseul and leader of Opposition, asked whether procurement follows Solomon Islands Government process or donor procedures.
Futaiasi confirmed government process applies throughout, explaining that the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF)—the performance-based grant mechanism used to move the funds—now operates entirely within state systems.
Jeremiah Manele, MP for Hograno/Kia/Havulei, pressed for specifics on which provinces currently qualify for funding.
PAC Chairman, Dr Paul Bosawai then asked whether the funds were SIG money or a World Bank concessional loan, and what would happen to a province’s allocation if it fails to qualify in a future year.
Sawaneh clarified that LoCAL funding is 100 percent grant, and that US$6 million of the wider IEDCR pool is a concessional IDA loan, on top of a separate $30 million the SIG contributes annually to the PCDF.
He added that while all nine provinces qualified for PCDF funding in the last assessment, only eight of nine have qualified so far this year. The question of what happens to a disqualified province’s money went unanswered as time ran out and the Chair moved on.
Citing time pressure, the Chair closed the hearing and said outstanding technical and compliance questions would be sent to the ministry in writing for its report.
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) has questioned the Office of the Governor-General over its $1,027,245.70 supplementary budget request for the 2026 financial year, with particular scrutiny directed at the procurement of a new standby generator and travel arrangements for the Governor-General.
Appearing before the committee yesterday, Private Secretary to the Governor-General, Mr Rawcliff Zeza, accompanied by Deputy Private Secretary Maxwell Banyo and Principal Accountant Samson Konari, defended the supplementary allocation which brings the office’s total budget to over $13.3 million for 2026.
The bulk of the supplementary request falls under “Maintain and Non-Residential Buildings” at $377,425.70, primarily for a new standby generator. Mr Zeza told the committee that the current generator, installed during the time of former Governor-General Sir Nathaniel Waena, is more than 15 years old and is experiencing frequent mechanical issues.
However, PAC members raised concerns about both the cost and the procurement process. PAC Chairman Dr Paul Bosawai questioned whether proper load assessment had been conducted for the 88 kVA Cummins generator, emphasising that the Governor-General’s residence and office have significant power demands.
Committee member MP Peter Shanel Agovaka also questioned why only a single quotation had been obtained, contrary to the Public Finance Management Act’s requirement for three quotes. Mr Zeza acknowledged that they had secured only one quotation, estimating the generator’s cost at approximately $380,000, but indicated willingness to seek additional quotes.
Agovaka suggested that solar energy could be a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative, noting that the amount requested could potentially power the entire establishment.
The supplementary budget also includes $100,000 for public servants’ local fares and $519,820 for local other costs, covering airfares and sea fares for officials accompanying the Governor-General on provincial visits.
Mr Zeza explained that three tours were originally planned: a visit to Malaita for the consecration and ordination of Reverend Maelanga, the opening of a police station at Shortland, and the Governor-General’s annual leave travel to his home village.
When questioned about the use of domestic vessels for gubernatorial travel, Mr Zeza clarified that the patrol boat remains the preferred mode of transport, but contingency arrangements are necessary when the patrol boat is unavailable, such as during overseas maintenance.
PAC Chairman Dr Bosawai raised broader concerns about the government’s financial classification system, noting that the generator procurement was posted under “Maintain and Non-Residential Buildings” rather than a dedicated capital expenditure category. He recommended that the Office of the Governor-General create new chart of accounts for specific activities to improve transparency and facilitate auditing.
Principal Accountant Samson Konari acknowledged the concern, stating the office will take steps to address the issue and ensure proper classification in future budget submissions.
The PAC hearing forms part of the committee’s examination of the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025, with the committee continuing to scrutinise budget allocations presented by government ministries and agencies.
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BY LORETTA B MANELE
Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has requested a supplementary of $1.869 million to support annual rental costs for 150 constituency offices and a additional $50m for each of the 50 constituencies.
MRD Permanent Secretary John Noroa Misite’e made the request when he and his team recently appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to have their budget scrutinised under the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026.
Before speaking to the committee, PAC Chairman, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai said the committee notes that MRD’s bill is SBD$51,869,000 in additional supplementary funding split between the recurrent operations and development grant.
Presenting the ministry’s request, MRD PS, Misite’e said they have 150 constituency offices who have a contract with the public service and there are other benefits come under that contract that they also need to look after.
He said they have also negotiated with the Ministry of Public Service (MPS) to have some conditions improved within the contract to which they have done.
Misite’e said currently, the ministry has 4.9 million in original budget to cover mostly rental.
However, he mentioned that the initial drafting of the contract did not cater for rental support for constituency offices hence, their request for a supplementary of $1.869 million to cover annual costs.
“All the contracts are aligned and catered for rental support for every constituency offices so we dealing with 150 constituency offices.
“So, we are requesting a total of $1.869 million to cover for that sub-head,” he said.
Misite’e then moved on to the development budget head and requested a additional $50m for all 50 constituencies.
“On the development budget head, we ask for an additional 50 million and that is in distribution for constituencies which will have 1 million each increase for budget this year,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary gave two reasons for the request.
He said the first basic explanation for this request is because the country was economically hit hard this year and this affected local implementation at national level and in terms of constituency delivery.
“If we look at the delivery of the constituency development program, it is a very costly exercise to cover 50 constituencies.
“So, this year based on the downturn global economic situation, we have seen fuel prices very high. If we talk about delivery to eastern Solomons, additional 1m will cover the shipping cost.
“The logistics of this program is quite expensive as well. So that is the reason why we request an additional 1 million for each constituency,” he said.
Misite’e said the second reason is this is the ministry’s support towards the Maila recovery.
“We were hit hard by the recent cyclone and almost half of SI has been affected from the Western block down to Isabel and South and eastern Guadalcanal were also affected,” he said.
Misite’e emphasised that this is part of the government’s contribution to recovery as well which can be allocated through different sectors.
He said the support can be allocated through sectors whether productive, essential, social and cross sectors to support specifically those constituencies or specific areas in terms of infrastructure or other necessary inputs in the recovery phase of Cyclone Maila.
The PAC hearing is being held to consider and scrutinise ministries budget under the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 before it is brought forth to Parliament for debate and approval.
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BY NED GAGAHE
The Ministry of Health says the $800,000 allocated for recovery works at Helena Goldie Hospital following Tropical Cyclone Maila will mainly be used to construct a seawall and repair damaged staff houses.
The issue was raised during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing on the Ministry of Health’s 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.
MP for Hograno/Kia/Havulei and former Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele questioned whether the $800,000 allocation will be sufficient to restore full medical services at Helena Goldie Hospital and asked about the current status of recovery efforts.
Manele also raised concerns over damage sustained at Sasamunga Hospital following the cyclone and sought an update on recovery plans there.
Responding to that, the Acting Permanent Secretary Dr. Gregory Jilini explained that the recovery programme for cyclone-affected provinces involved a whole-of-government approach, including the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
For Helena Goldie Hospital, Dr. Jilini said the cyclone caused damage to staff houses and created concerns about the sea encroaching towards the main hospital area.
The $800,000 allocation will therefore be used to construct a seawall to protect the hospital and repair some of the damaged staff houses.
On Sasamunga Hospital and other affected health facilities, Dr. Jilini said the ministry is working closely with NDMO as part of the broader government recovery programme.
He said the ministry is also considering whether some of the damage could be repaired using its own budget.
However, recovery planning for Sasamunga and other affected facilities remains a work in progress, with further consultations continuing between the Ministry and NDMO.
The Ministry further revealed that it would need to reprioritise its 2026 development budget so that part of the funding could be directed towards recovery efforts in the affected areas.
The PAC hearing was held to scrutinise the Ministry of Health’s proposed $7.896 million supplementary appropriation, which includes funding for cyclone recovery and support for probationary nurses.
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Wayne Ghemu, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to support communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Ghemu made the assurance in response to the Speech from the Throne last week, saying the Government remains committed to fully supporting the recovery effort following the devastating cyclone.
He said the Government has recognised the scale of the damage caused by Maila and is moving towards a major recovery program, including the reconstruction of homes destroyed by the cyclone.
In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Maila, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to recovery, announcing an ambitious shelter reconstruction program for families whose homes were destroyed.
He said recovery should not only be viewed as an immediate response to disaster, but as an investment in the people and communities affected.
Ghemu also acknowledged the support being provided by international development partners as the Government works to respond to the needs created by the cyclone.
He said assistance has been flowing in from Australia, New Zealand, China, the United States, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Ghemu’s reaffirmation comes as cyclone-affected communities continue to wait for tangible recovery assistance, particularly shelter reconstruction and support to restore livelihoods damaged by Maila.
For many affected families, the recovery effort remains critical as they continue to rebuild homes, food gardens and other sources of income lost during the cyclone.
Ghemu said the Government will continue to work with its partners to ensure recovery efforts reach affected communities and contribute to helping people rebuild their lives following the disaster.
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