Environment Minister Ghemu meets Premier Veo on TC Maila recovery plans

Gizo, Western Province, 28 July 2026: The Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Hon. Wayne Ghemu, has met with Western Province Premier Hon. Billy Veo in Gizo to strengthen coordination on recovery efforts following Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Minister Ghemu travelled to Gizo after attending the Regional Seascapes Technical Exchange (REX) and Seascapes Technical Working Group Meeting in Munda.

The meeting updated Premier Veo on the Government’s planned recovery support and reaffirmed the need for close collaboration between national and provincial authorities to deliver assistance to affected communities.

Minister Ghemu was joined by MECDM Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the National Disaster Council, and the Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).

A key focus of the discussions was shelter support for families whose homes were destroyed by TC Maila.

“Restoring shelter is essential to bringing families back to normalcy and stability,” Minister Ghemu said.

“Under the GREAT Coalition, shelter reconstruction for destroyed homes is a priority. We will pursue this with the combined support of Government and our development partners.”

The Minister and his delegation also met with the Provincial Disaster Operations Committee (PDOC) and development partners working in Western Province.

Minister Ghemu heard first-hand updates on ongoing response and recovery activities and stressed the importance of coordination to avoid duplication.

“Effective recovery requires clear communication, shared planning, and alignment of resources,” he said. “Duplication wastes resources and delays help to families who need it most. By working together, Government, provinces and partners can ensure support is efficient and reaches the right households.”

Minister Ghemu thanked the PDOC and partners for their work during the immediate response and for driving recovery initiatives across the province.

MECDM reiterated its commitment to working with provincial governments and partners to ensure no affected household is left behind.

The engagements in Gizo reflect the Government’s determination to maintain transparency, strengthen coordination, and deliver recovery support in a fair and accountable manner.