BY LORETTA B MANELE
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development ‘s (MALD) Livelihood Sector Committee has been working closely with national authorities and local partners to distribute essential food supplies primarily rice to communities who are greatly in need.
In a statement from MALD yesterday, Sipuru Rove, Chief Field Officer for Western Province and Chairman of the Provincial Disaster Operations Committee (P-DOC) Livelihood Sector Committee, said that several affected areas have already received assistance.
He said so far, they have carried out food distribution in Simbo, South West Ranongga, North Vella, and the Shortlands.
Rove said work is not yet complete as they are prioritising the “red zones”, areas that are severely affected by the recent Tropical Cyclone Maila.
MALD said initial damage assessments (IDA) remain ongoing, with red zones identified in Simbo, parts of Ranongga, northern Vella La Vella, and sections of the Shortlands.
The challenge is reaching all the affected communities due to limited transport options.
“One of our main challenges is the lack of reliable logistics to move food relief supplies.
“We have engaged available vessels, but they have operational limitations, and access to some communities remains difficult,” said Rove.
Another challenge MALD said the committee is facing is gathering timely and accurate data from communities to guide relief efforts.
As some areas are yet to report their situation, MAL said ensuring equitable distribution remains complex.
“I do not always have readily available disaster information, so I rely heavily on contacts within the communities and also our team’s assessments. While many have come forward, not all communities have reported in, and that makes it a challenge to ensure everyone is covered. However, we will still cover all affected areas,” said Rove.
MALD said despite these challenges, it is the feedback from affected communities that highlight the importance of the assistance being delivered.
A woman from Saevuke on Ranggo Island, Susan Liton spoke of how the food relief supplies have helped their communities and families.
“The food relief supplies have helped our communities and families. Our gardens were badly damaged by the cyclone, so this support is helping us feed our families while we begin replanting,” she said.
Meanwhile, Rove assures communities that efforts are ongoing to reach all affected areas.
He said they are doing everything possible to reach the communities and while there are challenges, they ask the communities to be patient as they continue on with assessments and in organising distribution.
MALD said the Livelihood Sector Committee operates as part of the National Disaster Operations Committee framework, and is chaired by the ministry’s committee members which include other relevant government ministries.
Also noted is that at the provincial level, the committee works through the P-DOC to implement national strategies, coordinate food security responses, and support rural livelihoods.
MALD said this integrated approach ensures that relief efforts are aligned, informed by data, and responsive to the needs of communities during times of emergencies.
The ministry’s assessment team is expected to continue with damage assessment and distribution of food relief in the coming weeks.
MALD said it is providing some chainsaws and tools to heavily affected communities to help with clearing of fallen trees and removal of debris caused by the TC Maila.
MALD also thanks communities for the support they have given to its field staff as they work together in recovery efforts.
Photo credit: MALD Press
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