BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Australian Government’s continuous support to Solomon Islands stands as a testament to both countries shared friendship and cooperation.
Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Wayne Ghemu said this during the handover of four drones to the Ministry’s Disaster Management Division on Wednesday this week.
He said this partnership is demonstrated across many areas, from major infrastructure initiatives to the technical training of our disaster response personnel.
“Australia’s collaborative efforts with the Solomon Islands have contributed to the proposed new humanitarian and multi-agency warehousing in Honiara, the Auki Humanitarian Warehouse, and the refurbishment of Provincial Emergency Operations Centre in Gizo and Lata, notably the newly constructed Taro Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, delivered through the IDEIM project, funded by the Australian Government,” Ghemu said.
He said these operation centres stand as a significant achievement and soon will be formally handed over to the Government and people of the Solomon Islands.
He also acknowledges Australia’s substantial support in strengthening the capability and capacity of our National Emergency Response Team (NERT).
“As the Solomon Islands Flagship Initiative for Disaster Management, NERT represents our firm commitment to safeguarding our people through a highly trained and rapidly deployable response team.
“Through Australia’s partnership, NERT officers now have access to advanced skills, technology and resources, including the drone capability that is going to be received today, positioning them to respond with greater speed, precision and confidence, both at home and in the future within the wider region,” he said.
He said that Solomon Islands is investing directly in safer and more resilient communities by investing in these tools.
He said that this partnership is grounded not only in support but in mutual respect, shared priorities and a common commitment to safeguard the well-being of our people.
He describes Wednesday’s event as an important milestone in both countries shared commitment to building a safer and more resilient Solomon Islands.
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