BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The handover of advance drones to the National Disaster Management office marks a significant step forward to strengthen the country’s national disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
Minister for Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Wayne Ghemu said this at the handover of the equipment which took place at the Aola Patrol Base in Honiara on Wednesday this week.
Ghemu received four-parrot drones from Richard Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia.
He said the provision of these drones reflects Australia’s unwavering commitment to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ sovereign humanitarian response capacity.
“On behalf of the Solomon Islands Government, I wish to sincerely convey our heartfelt appreciation to the Government and people of Australia for their steadfast and generous support,” he said.
He said the drones will significantly elevate the operational strength of the National Disaster Management Office.
“I also wish to commend the officers who have completed comprehensive drone pilot training under the inviolable guidance of the Australian Defence Force. Their professionalism and technical expertise will ensure that this new capability is used safely, responsibly and to its fullest potential,” he said.
He said their advanced aerial assessment abilities will allow them to quickly evaluate disaster impacts, support search and rescue operations and enable faster, better-informed decision making.
“These contributions substantially enhance our national capacity to respond effectively to disasters, particularly within the critical first 48 hours of emergency.
“This ensures that relief reaches affected communities more efficiently and more effectively. Beyond immediate response, these drones will strengthen our ongoing risk reduction efforts, supporting community-based disaster management programs through continuous monitoring, mapping of vulnerable areas and enhanced preparedness planning,” Minister Ghemu said.
He said the donation forms an integral component of Solomon Islands and Australia’s broader humanitarian partnership, anchored in a shared vision for long-term capacity building and resilience.
“Collaborative initiatives continue to strengthen the skills, coordination and readiness of our emergency responders. While the Australian Humanitarian Partnership supports disaster-ready initiatives across 46 communities and envisages 38 locally-led risk reduction and climate adaptation plans, as the Solomon Islands confronts growing climate-related risks, these joint efforts are essential in reinforcing resilience at the national, provincial and community levels,” Ghemu said.
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