Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, has paid a courtesy visit to the Choiseul Provincial Government Executive in Taro Sunday, as part of his ongoing solidarity mission to communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Mr Manele was received by the Deputy Premier of Choiseul Province, Hon. Lincoln Galo, who conveyed the Province’s appreciation for the visit and briefed the Prime Minister on the current situation on the ground.
The Deputy Premier highlighted that more than 1,000 people have been affected across South Choiseul and North-West Choiseul, with significant impacts on livelihoods and essential services. He noted that health remains a key concern, with service delivery disrupted as a result of the cyclone. Education and health infrastructure have also been affected, while Provincial Disaster Operations Committee (PDOC) teams continue to respond, with assessment teams deployed to affected areas.
Prime Minister Manele thanked the Acting Premier for the briefing and acknowledged the concerns raised, particularly regarding the impacts on communities and essential services.
The Prime Minister reiterated that his visit to Western and Choiseul Provinces is to demonstrate the National Government’s solidarity with affected communities during this difficult time.
“This visit is to stand in solidarity with the people of Western and Choiseul Provinces as you recover from the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila,” the Prime Minister said.
He shared observations from his earlier visits to Simbo and the Shortland Islands, noting the widespread damage experienced by communities across the Western Province.
Prime Minister Manele also thanked the Choiseul Provincial Government for receiving him and his delegation in Taro ahead of their onward visit to affected communities in South Choiseul, including Sasamunga.
The Prime Minister acknowledged and expressed appreciation for the continued support from the Government of Australia and other development partners in assisting Solomon Islands’ disaster response efforts.
He emphasised that the Government will prioritise rehabilitation and recovery efforts for communities affected by the cyclone, working closely with provincial authorities and partners.
Prime Minister Manele further reiterated the importance of integrating disaster preparedness and climate resilience into future development.
“As we rebuild, we must also consider how we prepare for future disasters. This includes building stronger, more resilient homes and public infrastructure,” he said.
He also encouraged communities and provincial authorities to continue strengthening preparedness measures to safeguard public assets and infrastructure against future weather events.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Member of Parliament for South Choiseul, Hon. Torzen Leokana, Member of Parliament for Shortland Islands, Hon. Isikeli Vave Jnr, Chairman of the National Disaster Council, Mr. David Hiriasia Hiba, the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Jeff Roach, senior government officials from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Speaker of Western Provincial Assembly, Mr Ramrakha Talasasa
The visit forms part of the Prime Minister’s two-day solidarity mission to Western and Choiseul Provinces, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to stand with and support affected communities in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Maila — one of the strongest cyclones ever to hit Solomon Islands, reaching Category 5 intensity.
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