Addressing growing public scrutiny, National Disaster Council (NDC) Chairman David Hiba Hiriasia has defended the government’s SBD$75 million Tropical Cyclone Maila Recovery Fund, assuring affected communities: “Tangible shelter assistance will reach affected communities in Western and Choiseul Provinces within the next two months.”
Responding directly to concerns raised by Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI), Hiriasia emphasized: “This represents the largest shelter recovery program undertaken in the Solomon Islands in over 20 years.”
In a official statement, Hiriasia outlined key recovery updates and timelines:
- Immediate Action: While formal allocations from the National Disaster Council Special Fund await final processing, procurement and material sourcing are already active through existing government arrangements.
- Initial Rollout: Materials for the first 20 houses in Gizo have been successfully secured in coordination with local hardware suppliers.
- Accountability & Validation: The NDC is collaborating closely with the Western Provincial Government to rigorously validate damage assessments and beneficiary lists, ensuring aid reaches genuine victims while preventing duplication and political interference.
- International Support: The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Shelter Recovery Project for Simbo is slated for handover next week.
Alongside housing recovery initiatives, Hiriasia noted that “emergency water assistance is actively rolling out to combat the ongoing El Niño-induced drought.”
Rennell and Bellona Province have already received vital support backed by the Australian Government. Meanwhile, Western Province—specifically Gizo—is set to receive approximately 400,000 liters of water delivered via the ADV Reliant.
He added that he welcomed ongoing public oversight, stating: “We remain steadfastly committed to transparency and timely delivery for all disaster-affected populations.”
Alongside housing recovery initiatives, Hiriasia noted that “emergency water assistance is actively rolling out to combat the ongoing El Niño-induced drought.”
Rennell and Bellona Province have already received vital support backed by the Australian Government. Meanwhile, Western Province—specifically Gizo—is set to receive approximately 400,000 liters of water delivered via the ADV Reliant.
He added that he welcomed ongoing public oversight, stating: “We remain steadfastly committed to transparency and timely delivery for all disaster-affected populations.”
