BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Chairman of Vorivori Village has expressed disappointment over the recent relief distribution, claiming that several families severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila were left out of the assistance program.
Village Chairman Warren Patteson said a number of households that suffered significant losses did not receive any relief supplies.
He claimed that two families whose homes were completely destroyed were not included in the distribution list despite losing everything during the cyclone.
Patteson also said another two households that lost their kitchens were similarly excluded from receiving assistance.
He said the problem stems from the initial damage assessment carried out in the community following the disaster.
“The issue started with the assessment. Officers who came to conduct the assessment did not properly visit all affected households,” Patteson alleged.
He claimed that assessment officers spent most of their time near the beach and later returned without conducting a thorough survey of the entire village.
Patteson said families living further inland, who also suffered damage and loss of property during the cyclone, were not captured in the assessment report.
He calls on relevant authorities to revisit the village and conduct a fresh assessment to ensure all affected families are properly identified and assisted.
Patteson said relief assistance should be distributed fairly and based on the actual impact experienced by households.
The chairman stressed that many families are still struggling to recover from the effects of the Category 5 cyclone and require support to rebuild their lives.
Authorities responsible for the assessment and relief distribution were unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
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