PM Manele greeted by the female MPA on arrival at Sasamunga on Monday
PM Manele highlights long term recovery options with Western and Choiseul leaders
GIZO, Western Provinces – Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has highlighted long term post cyclone recovery options with Western and Choiseul leaders during his recent solidarity visit over the weekend.
These options include applying school fee exemptions to affected schools, early withdrawal of NPF savings for people in affected provinces and prioritising people from the affected areas into the labour mobility schemes in Australia and New Zealand.
Manele said the Government will consider these options to help families recover and rebuild their lives after the devastation caused by cyclone Maila.
“The Government will meet to discuss and finalise these options as soon as possible so that decisions can be made and implemented,” Manele said.
The Prime Minister travelled to Western and Choiseul Provinces at the weekend, to reinforce the National Government’s solidarity with the affected people and communities after cyclone Maila.
TC Maila started to develop on 4 April 2026 and intensified to a Category 5 cyclone by 8 April 2026. On 10 April, the government declared a State of Disaster for Western and Choiseul provinces. The system gradually weakened to a tropical low by 11 April 2026.
The most severe impacts have been reported in Western Province, with significant damage also recorded in Choiseul and Isabel Provinces.
About 21 health facilities have been impacted. The WASH situation on some Islands is considered critical, due to groundwater contamination and damaged water systems.
About 31,945 individuals require emergency shelter and essential household items. 59 schools have been damaged affecting 2000 children in Western and Choiseul provinces.
Ends///