By EDDIE OSIFELO

In a significant effort to address the pressing needs of the remote island of Sikaiana in Malaita Outer Islands, MV Ortega, owned by Kii Shipping, completed its twelfth monthly trip yesterday.

The Franchise Shipping scheme, overseen by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), facilitated this vital connection.

The MID’s decision to award a one-year contract to Kii Shipping followed a critical situation in October 2022 when the 200 Polynesia residents of Sikaiana faced eight months without shipping services, leading to severe food shortages.

Lawinter Kii, owner of Kii Shipping, acknowledged the pivotal role of the Franchise Shipping scheme in supporting both the company and the island’s inhabitants, emphasizing the uneconomical nature of the route.

He highlighted that the scheme played a crucial role in offsetting fuel costs, as the number of passengers and cargo for Sikaiana was limited.

“Sometimes, only 20 to 50 people travel on the ship with cargo,” Kii explained, noting that the scheme helped cover the financial gap incurred while servicing the remote island.

“For example, if the cost is $200,000 and I make a profit of $170,000, the scheme will cover the remaining $30,000,” he added.

However, Kii cautioned that if private shipping companies were to service Sikaiana without subsidies, the challenging economics of the route and high fuel costs might discourage continued operations.

He stressed the importance of the Franchise Shipping scheme in ensuring the sustainability of such critical lifelines.

Sikaiana, a vulnerable community in the Solomon Islands already grappling with the impacts of climate change, faced additional hardships due to the lack of consistent shipping services in the past.

Insufficient access to medicines and the closure of schools, as children accompanied their parents in search of food on smaller islets, underscored the profound impact of the shipping challenges on the daily lives of Sikaiana’s residents.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

In a bid to address ongoing concerns of a food shortage crisis in the Malaita Outer Islands, MV Carolina is set to embark on a final journey to Ontong Java later this month.

The move is part of the Franchise shipping scheme arrangement with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.

Isikeli Tuwaii Vave, owner of Henderson Logistics Limited, the company that owns MV Carolina, expressed his sympathy for the residents of the islands who have been grappling with food shortages.

Vave revealed that the decision to withdraw services to Ontong Java was prompted by outstanding payments from some residents and the insufficient government subsidy of $130,000, which falls short of covering fuel costs.

Vave explained that for the company to remain profitable, it has prioritized serving economical routes in the Western Province and collaborating with the Soltuna company.

He lamented the economic challenges faced by the people of Ontong Java, attributing them to the government’s ban on bech de mers, which had previously made the route economical during harvest periods.

The residents of Ontong Java have been compelled to undertake arduous journeys, covering approximately 467 kilometers to Honiara and even to Isabel Provincial township, Buala, in search of food supplies.

The impact of climate change on their root crops has worsened the critical situation.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Alenge Katoravu of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) stated that the lack of ships servicing the islands over the past five months has left residents in dire need, particularly during the Christmas and New Year period.

Katoravu emphasized that the food shortage in Malaita Outer Islands is a longstanding issue aggravated by climate change affecting swamp taro and gardens.

The islands’ vulnerability to saltwater intrusion during high tides has further hindered their ability to replant.

Katoravu clarified that he became aware of the issue through a report in the Island Sun newspaper and highlighted the absence of a formal report from the Malaita Provincial government addressing the situation.

He noted that the food shortage was compounded by the irregular shipping services, preventing residents in Honiara from sending much-needed food supplies to the affected areas.

Despite these challenges, Katoravu acknowledged past efforts by the National Government to support vulnerable communities.

National Disaster Management Office awaits reports on Ontong Java food shortage

By EDDIE OSIFELO

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in Honiara is yet to receive any reports from Malaita Province concerning the food shortage crisis in Ontong Java, Malaita Outer Islands.

Lawrence Makili, Chairman of the Lord Howe community in Honiara, attributes the ongoing food shortage to the Electoral Commission and lack of consistent shipping to the islands.

Islanders have embarked on perilous journeys, covering approximately 467 kilometers to Honiara and even to Isabel Provincial township, Buala, in search of food supplies.

Climate change has ravaged their root crops, exacerbating the critical situation.

The lack of ships servicing the islands over the past five months has left residents in dire need during the Christmas and New Year period.

NDMO’s Alenge Katoravu mentioned that he only became aware of the issue through a report in the Island Sun newspaper yesterday.

Katoravu emphasized that there has been no formal report from the Malaita Provincial government to address the situation.

He highlighted that the food shortage in Malaita Outer Islands is a longstanding issue resulting from climate change affecting their swamp taro and gardens.

The vulnerability of the islands, which experience saltwater intrusion during high tides, has further hampered their ability to replant.

Katoravu noted that the food shortage was compounded by the absence of consistent shipping services to the islands, preventing people in Honiara from sending food to the affected areas.

Despite these challenges, he acknowledged past efforts by the National Government to support the vulnerable communities.

Makili pointed out that franchised ships under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development have failed to serve Ontong Java and Sikaiana adequately.

He stressed the importance of franchises adhering to their commitments, suggesting that regular monthly services to the Atolls are essential.

According to Makili, the route for Sikaiana is serviced by MV Ortega, operating smoothly, while the route for Ontong Java, serviced by MV Carolina, has been problematic for almost five months.

The franchise’s failure to fulfill its commitment has created difficulties for the people of Ontong Java.

Contrary to Makili’s claims, the Permanent Secretary of MID, Stephen Maesiola, expressed unawareness of franchise ships neglecting Ontong Java and Sikaiana.

He asserted that franchise shipping services for Malaita Outer Islands are still operational.