BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and Chair of the National Disaster Council (NDC), David Hiba Hiriasia, says recommendations gathered from communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila will be submitted to Cabinet.
Hiriasia made the statement during a press conference on Friday, where he briefed local media on Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s recent visit to Western and Choiseul provinces.
The two provinces were declared disaster areas on 10 April by MECDM Minister Trevor Manemahaga following the impact of Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Hiriasia said the Prime Minister’s visit was organised by the NDC with support from the Australian Government.
“It was a humanitarian trip, where the NDC organised for the Prime Minister to visit some of the most affected communities,” he said.
The visit included Legana Village in Simbo, Gaomai in the Shortlands, as well as Nila, Taro and Sasamunga in Choiseul Province.
Hiriasia said the visit provided an important opportunity for affected communities to directly share their experiences and needs with the Prime Minister.
“We also heard from communities. Some of the stories shared with the Prime Minister may not be fully captured in formal assessments.
“I see this visit as very successful, as people were able to directly express how they feel and what they need,” he said.
He said the Prime Minister has taken the community feedback seriously, and the NDC will document the recommendations and submit them to Cabinet for consideration.
“In addition, some of these recommendations will be included in the national response plan, which will also be submitted to Cabinet and shared with development partners,” he said.
Hiriasia added that the visit also included courtesy meetings with provincial leaders, including the Premier of Western Province and the Acting Premier of Choiseul Province.
“The Premier of Western Province and some Members of the Provincial Assembly were also part of the Prime Minister’s delegation to Simbo,” he said.
Photo credit: Loretta B Manele
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