The National Disaster Council (NDC) has assured communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila that the Government remains committed to supporting their recovery and is fast-tracking the processes needed to roll out assistance.
“I want to assure affected communities and provincial governments that the Council is working diligently to fast-track key processes, including securing Cabinet approval and working closely with all stakeholders to ensure recovery assistance is delivered in a transparent, accountable and inclusive manner,” NDC Chair David Hiba Hiriasia said.
“The Government has not forgotten its commitment and will continue to stand alongside all families and communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila,” he added.
Hiriasia said Solomon Islands is now transitioning from the emergency response phase to long-term recovery, describing recovery as one of the most complex stages of disaster management that requires careful planning, accurate data, coordinated action and sustained support across multiple sectors.
“Recovery is not a quick or simple process, contrary to what some may assume,” he said.
Hiriasia said a key milestone had been reached with the completion of the initial damage assessment, which is now being validated and endorsed by provincial governments.
He said the validation process is essential to ensure the data accurately reflects the impacts experienced by affected families and communities, helping to ensure recovery assistance is targeted appropriately and no one is left behind.
Hiriasia also clarified that financial support for TC Maila recovery has been pledged by several development partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, the People’s Republic of China and other partners.
“All funding announced is specifically for TC Maila recovery,” he said.
“The State of Disaster declared for Western and Choiseul provinces because of the severity and scale of Cyclone Maila’s impacts was the formal trigger that enabled many development partners to mobilise their assistance.”
The NDC further clarified that funds allocated for TC Maila recovery are not deposited into NDC or National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) accounts.
Government-managed funds are channelled through Consolidated Fund and administered by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury in accordance with national financial regulations.
Some development partners are also delivering assistance directly through civil society organisations and other implementing agencies under their own recovery programmes.
Hiriasia noted that the NDC does not have a standing budget capable of responding to every disaster and instead relies on government appropriations and support from development partners to mobilise resources.
He emphasised that any use of TC Maila recovery funds for other disaster events must comply strictly with applicable laws and financial regulations, adding that any new disaster would require separate funding.
Meanwhile, the chairman said the Council is finalising a Cabinet paper seeking additional financial support to respond to the ongoing El Niño conditions affecting the country.
Hiriasia said the proposal is intended to enable the Government to mobilise resources early and reduce the impacts of prolonged dry conditions on vulnerable communities.
He reminded Solomon Islanders that the country will continue to face natural disasters, with climate change expected to increase both their frequency and severity.
“Homes, clinics, schools and public buildings must be built to appropriate standards, and disaster risks must be considered in all development planning,” he said.
“We must be proactive rather than reactive.
“I encourage families, communities, provincial governments and all ministries to prepare for future disasters.
“Community preparedness and risk reduction measures help save lives, reduce damage and lessen the overall cost and complexity of emergency response.
“Building a safer and more resilient nation is a shared responsibility.”
The Council also expressed its appreciation to individuals, churches, communities, businesses and development partners that supported those affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
“Your contributions – whether through food and other relief supplies, logistical assistance or financial support – played a vital role in helping affected families during the emergency response and continue to complement the Government’s recovery efforts,” Hiriasia said.
