BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
WESTERN Province Premier Billy Veo has expressed disappointment over the slow pace of recovery efforts following Tropical Cyclone Maila, saying affected communities are in critical need to get their lives back.
He said thousands of people across the province continue to face severe hardship after the Category 5 cyclone struck in April, and can no longer afford to wait for assistance.
Veo calls on the National Government to urgently fast-track the implementation of the National Recovery Plan.
“Our people need tangible support immediately to rebuild their lives and future.
“We call on the National Disaster Management Office and all responsible sectors—Health, Education, Protection, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Water and Sanitation—and relevant partners to quickly act. WPG also requests that all funding arrangements must be clearly and properly channelled to ensure it reaches its intended purpose,” he said.
In a statement released to the media, Western Provincial Government [WPG] said many affected families remain displaced and are still living in temporary tents under difficult conditions while waiting for permanent assistance.
It states that subsistence food gardens, which provide the main source of food and income for many rural households are yet to recover, leaving families increasingly vulnerable and dependent on outside support.
WPG said immediate and coordinated action is now essential to restore normalcy in affected communities.
WPG urges the National Government and development partners to prioritise the restoration of housing, rehabilitation of food production systems, and ensure communities can return to safe, stable and dignified living conditions.
WPG also calls on the GREAT Government to prioritise the rehabilitation of major infrastructure damaged by the cyclone.
According to the statement, critical infrastructure requiring urgent attention includes water supply systems, health and education facilities in rural communities and Gizo Town, as well as the deteriorating Gizo Island road network, which has worsened since the cyclone.
It states Western Provincial Government stands ready to work closely with the National Government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure an effective and timely recovery process that leaves no community behind.
The statement from WPG comes as a reminder of the commitments made by the GREAT Government to accelerate recovery assistance for cyclone-affected communities.
During his recent visit to affected communities in Western and Choiseul provinces, Prime Minister Matthew Wale assured residents that the government will do everything possible to fast-track recovery efforts.
He also reaffirmed that the government will remain connected to the struggles of the people and work towards restoring communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Island Sun understands that Veo and his executive will make a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister and other government ministries next week.
The visit aims to discuss pressing issues affecting Western Province as well as development aspiration of the province.
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