Western Province has secured $2.5 million (US$310,931) from the $10 million (US$1.24 million) allocated by the National Government to support emergency response efforts following the impact of Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Chairman of the Provincial Disaster Committee (PDC), Collin Potakana, confirmed to Solomon Star in an exclusive interview on Sunday that the Government has committed an initial $10 million(US$1.24 million) to assist both Western and Choiseul provinces.
Potakana said Western Province will receive $2.5 million (US$310,931) from the total allocation to support relief operations across the province.
He said the funds will be directed towards assisting affected communities, particularly through the distribution of essential food supplies and non-food items (NFIs).
“We are now moving into the distribution phase of food supplies,” Potakana said.
“As we speak, two ships are travelling to Western Province carrying 30 containers of rice, food supplies and non-food items.”
He said the vessels are expected to arrive either Monday or Tuesday, with distribution to begin immediately upon arrival.
According to Potakana, the two ships will cover the most affected regions.
“One ship will serve the Central and Western region, including Simbo, Ranongga and South Vella. The other will travel to North Vella, the Shortland Islands, Fauro and Mono,” he said.
He added that alternative options, including the use of helicopters, are being considered to deliver supplies to hard-to-reach communities.
“As soon as it is confirmed, we will proceed with air delivery as well,” he said.
Potakana further revealed that a Hercules aircraft is also expected to arrive in Munda with additional relief supplies.
He stressed that the immediate priority is to ensure timely distribution of assistance to affected communities across the province.
Following the declaration of a State of Emergency in Western Province, evacuation centres have been established in Gizo, accommodating families displaced by the disaster.
Meanwhile, Potakana clarified that the $2.5 million (US$310,931) allocation has yet to be received at the provincial level, as the funds are currently with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
He said the province expects the funds to be transferred by Monday.
The Prime Minister has confirmed that the Government has activated national disaster response arrangements under the National Disaster Management Plan 2018 to ensure a coordinated and timely response.
Other Provinces including Central, Isabel and Guadalcanal Province was included in the $10 million (US$1.24 million) relief assistance.
