Sogavare urges continued food assistance for communities still facing shortages after Tropical Cyclone Maila disrupted food production.
Honiara, Solomon Islands – Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare MP has called on the GREAT Government to continue supporting communities facing food shortages following Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Sogavare said news reports from Mondo and Lale communities on Ranongga Island show that some families are still struggling to produce enough food more than four months after the cyclone.
Community leaders have reported that replanted food gardens are not yet producing enough to sustain families. Continuing bad weather and pest infestations have further hampered recovery, leaving some people dependent on previously distributed rice and wild taro, locally known as kakake.
“These reports are deeply concerning. The communities are working to restore their gardens, but conditions beyond their control are making recovery difficult,” Hon. Sogavare said.
“They are not asking for indefinite assistance. They are asking for continued food support until their gardens can once again sustain their families.”
The Government has explained that recovery assistance will take time because funding announced from different sources must go through their respective processes.
Sogavare said affected communities should be kept informed about the recovery process, but calls for patience must also be accompanied by practical assistance for families facing immediate hardship.
“People understand that recovery takes time, but hunger cannot be placed on hold while funding processes are completed,” he said.
“Where families are still unable to produce enough food, targeted distributions should continue to help them through this difficult recovery period.”
Sogavare said the significant support announced by the Government and its development partners had understandably raised expectations among affected communities.
“The people of Western and Choiseul provinces have demonstrated tremendous strength and resilience. The Government must stand with them until they can restore their food security and livelihoods,” he said.
“The Government has asked affected communities to be patient. But patience does not put food on the table. Families need clear information, continued assistance and visible progress in their communities.”
Leader of the Official Opposition Press Release
