People of Simbo question TC Maila recovery efforts for Western province
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
COMMUNITIES in Simbo are questioning when the government will kick off recovery efforts following Cyclone Maila as many families continue to struggle months after the devastating disaster.
Provincial Member for Simbo, Gideon Tuke, said he received numerous phone calls from concerned residents seeking answers about the promised recovery assistance.
He said many households that lost their livelihoods during the cyclone are still waiting for food supplies and other support to rebuild their lives.
“My people are asking when the next supply of food items will arrive, and we are also in a state of confusion about the recovery plan. Is there going to be any assistance from the government at all?” Tuke said.
He also questioned the purpose of the post-cyclone damage assessments, saying communities expected the information collected to lead to immediate recovery assistance.
“We question what the assessment was for. Was it done only to provide information to the government, or was it intended to serve as a baseline to help communities rebuild damaged infrastructure? How long will it take? People are confused,” Tuke said.
Tuke said communities welcomed the assessment teams that visited affected areas after the cyclone, but they are now disappointed because the government is yet to begin visible recovery activities.
He said families continue to face challenges in restoring their gardens, repairing homes, and rebuilding community infrastructure damaged by the powerful Category 5 cyclone.
Tuke calls on the government and relevant authorities to provide clear information on the recovery timeline and ensure that affected communities receive the assistance they were promised.
He said regular communication with affected communities is important to reduce uncertainty and restore public confidence in the recovery process.
Cyclone Maila caused widespread destruction across Western Province earlier this year, damaging homes, food gardens, public infrastructure and livelihoods in several island communities, including Simbo.
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