BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is closely monitoring reports of water shortages emerging from parts of Malaita Province as El Niño conditions were declared for the country.
Director of National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and Chairman of the National Disaster Operation Committee (N-DOC), Mr Jonathan Tafiariki said this during a press conference on Thursday this week.
He said that reports circulating on social media and through provincial emergency have highlighted concerns over dwindling water supplies in some communities, particularly in North Malaita.
He said that the Water Resources Management Division within the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) and other mandated agencies have been informed of the reports and discussions are underway to determine the next course of action.
He said NDMO is currently coordinating with relevant agencies and technical experts to assess the information received and identify appropriate measures to support communities that may be affected by the ongoing dry conditions.
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service recently declared El Niño conditions for the country, a climate phenomenon associated with below-average rainfall and an increased risk of drought and water shortages.
Mr Tafiariki said that low-lying and water-stressed communities are particularly vulnerable as the country enters a period of reduced rainfall.
“Drawing on lessons from previous El Niño events in 1997-1998 and 2015-2016, in past experiences will help inform preparedness and response efforts should conditions worsen,” he said.
He said that apart from Malaita, reports have also emerged from the western part of Guadalcanal, where water-related challenges have been reported at Selwyn College.
“The school is among locations experiencing difficulties accessing water, prompting former students to provide assistance through relief efforts and water supplies,” Mr Tafiariki said.
He said that no other provinces have formally reported significant water shortages at this stage.
“The immediate focus remains on gathering information and verifying reports received through the media and provincial emergency operation centres, particularly those concerning communities that are reportedly facing water supply challenges,” he said.
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