The National Disaster Council (NDC) has clarified that Simbo island remains a priority under the Government’s shelter recovery programme following Tropical Cyclone Maila.
And it stressed that building materials secured in Gizo for an initial 20 houses are not reserved exclusively for the provincial township.
“Our previous announcement only confirmed that materials for the initial 20 houses had been secured and assembled in Gizo as part of preparations for the Government’s wider shelter recovery programme,” NDC said in a statement.
“We did not indicate that house construction or distribution would begin in Gizo,” the statement added.
The clarification follows concerns raised by the Member of the Provincial Assembly for Simbo, Gideon Tuke, in the Solomon Star newspaper.
“NDC acknowledged Tuke’s concerns and appreciated his support for families affected by the cyclone, particularly those in Simbo.
“But we wish to emphasise that Simbo is among the priority areas for the Government’s shelter recovery programme because of the significant damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
“Procurement and preparation of building materials for the wider programme are progressing, with the Government working towards rolling out shelter assistance across affected communities.”
The NDC statement also clarified that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is implementing a separate shelter recovery programme in Simbo.
“While IOM’s programme is separate from the Government’s initiative, the two are complementary.
“IOM’s assistance focuses on affected communities in Simbo and does not include the initial 20 houses for which the Government has secured building materials in Gizo.
“The Government’s shelter recovery programme, meanwhile, covers affected communities across the cyclone-hit areas.”
NDC said it welcomed public interest in the recovery programme and reaffirmed its commitment to keeping affected communities informed about its implementation.
“To avoid confusion and ensure accurate information reaches affected communities, NDC encouraged provincial leaders and other stakeholders to seek clarification directly from the Council on matters relating to the programme.”
It said the Government remained committed to providing assistance fairly, transparently and according to need, ensuring affected families receive the support they require.
