The Australian government will provide SBD$6 million to support the long-term rehabilitation in Solomon Islands, Makira Province in response to the damage caused by an earthquake last year.
The province was struck by a magnitude 7.8 quake that damaged about 35 houses including the police barracks and hospital.
At the time Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop assured the government of Solomon Islands that Australia is ready to provide any support once requested.
Last night Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells confirmed the Australian government’s support.
Senator Fierravanti-Wells said that the support will fund structural reinforcement of Kirakira Hospital, as well as the repair and reconstruction of school classrooms and dormitories across the Makira Province.
“Responses to security issues, including disaster relief, are most effective when they form part of a regional effort. It is imperative that we work together as regional partners to promote our common security interests,” she said.
Fierravanti-Wells said when the Makira earthquake struck Solomon Islands in December last year Australia assisted the Solomon Islands Government by quickly arranging aerial and sea damage assessments.
“We purchased humanitarian supplies, which the assessment teams distributed and deployed a structural engineer to assess damage to hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure. We recognise that disaster relief is not just a short-term response but an ongoing, long-term endeavour as well,” he said.
Fierravanti-Wells is in Solomon Islands to attend the 75th Anniversary Celebrations of the Battle of Guadalcanal.
Photo: Edith Hanuagi. Caption: One of the buildings in Makira Province that was damaged by earthquake last year.