Opposition calls for urgent Cyclone Maila recovery assistance as affected communities continue to rebuild homes and livelihoods.
The Official Opposition fully supports the call by Western Province Premier, Billy Veo, for the National Government to urgently bring forward recovery assistance to communities affected by Cyclone Maila.
Five months after Prime Minister Mathew Wale’s delegation visited the cyclone-devastated communities in Western and Choiseul Provinces, many families are still struggling to rebuild their homes, restore food gardens and livelihoods, and secure basic necessities.
In its 2026 Supplementary Budget, the Government allocated SBD 75 million for Cyclone Maila recovery and rehabilitation.
This is separate from the Government’s initial SBD 10 million emergency response allocation announced immediately after Cyclone Maila struck.
The Opposition Leader,Manasseh Sogavare, MP, said the longer communities remain without assistance to restore their gardens and livelihoods, the greater the risk of prolonged hardship and food insecurity.
He reminded the GREAT Coalition that one of its core policies is a ‘Social Welfare System’ aimed at uplifting vulnerable groups across the country.
The Leader of the Opposition calls on the National Government to urgently bring forward immediate recovery assistance for Cyclone Maila-affected communities, clearly communicate to affected communities when assistance will arrive and what support will be provided, strengthen coordination between the National Government, Provincial Governments, donor partners, churches, communities, and other stakeholders; and ensure disaster preparedness measures are strengthened in anticipation of further climate- and weather-related emergencies.
Sogavare also welcomes Premier Veo’s willingness to work constructively with the National Government and other stakeholders. The Opposition believes that disaster response should rise above political differences, particularly when the wellbeing and survival of ordinary citizens are at stake.
Hon. Sogavare calls on the National Government to treat the concerns raised by Premier Veo with the urgency they deserve and to engage directly with the Western and Choiseul Provincial Governments and affected communities.
“The Government has a responsibility to act, and the Opposition stands ready to support practical measures that put affected families first.”
SOURCE// OPPOSITION PRESS RELEASE
