BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
RELIEF efforts to assist victims of Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila in Western Province have been delayed due to a lack of funding, leaving affected communities increasingly vulnerable as food shortages loom.
Deputy Provincial Secretary of Western Province and Acting Chairperson of the Western Province Disaster Committee, Collin Potakana, confirmed that while a response plan has already been finalised, implementation has been put on hold due to financial constraints.
“We are just waiting for funds into our account. Hopefully by next week,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Potakana explained that the disaster response team is waiting for support before rolling out relief operations to affected areas across the province.
As authorities wait for funding, communities devastated by the cyclone are raising urgent concerns over their worsening situation, particularly the growing threat of food insecurity.
In Malole on Ranogga Island, a teacher identified only as Mary warned that families could face hunger within days as their food gardens were destroyed by the powerful storm.
“People will go hungry in the next four to five days.
“We are currently surviving on the few gardens that were spared,” she said.
Similar concerns have been echoed in Valapata village on Vella La Vella.
Resident, Ian Lelokana said the destruction of food gardens has left families with very limited food supplies.
“We hope help will come soon,” he said.
In Iriqila, the situation is no different.
Member of Provincial Assembly for Ward 10, Freedom Tozaka, described the impact of the cyclone on his constituents as severe, with many losing both homes and livelihoods.
“Some of my people lost their entire gardens and others lost their houses. This is a serious situation and I hope help will reach my people soon,” Tozaka said.
With communities across Western Province facing mounting hardship, calls are intensifying for immediate assistance as officials work to secure the necessary funds to launch the long-awaited relief effort.
Photo: Supplied
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