THE Livelihood Sector Committee (LSC) on Monday received another major food relief assistance from the Australian Government as it works to conclude its free food distribution program in Honiara.
A statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock yesterday said this was the second round of support from the Australian Government since the Prime Minister’s call for support last month as the country try to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The donation included 14,000 bags of rice and 3126 cartons of Solomon Blue tuna.
“This second round of support is in response to the committee’s findings that there are many missing houses but this will be the last for this food relieve to Honiara Emergency Zone,” the statement said.
LSC chairman Michael Ho’ota thanked the Australian Government for the generous support and assured the Australian Government and its people that the additional relief supplies will be distributed to support all household in the emergency zone.
“To date, we have delivered to 80 per cent of Honiara households with the initial donations and government purchased goods.
“Food distribution is continuing and it is the government’s commitment that every household within the Honiara Emergency Zone must receive a share from the relief food assistance,” Mr Ho’ota said.
Australia’s first donation to the LSC includes 22,000 bags of 20kg rice and 7000 cartons of tuna. The country’s second delivery on Monday brings the total support from Australia to the LSC distribution program to 36,000 bags of rice and 10,126 cartons of tuna.
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) permanent secretary Ethel Tebengi thanked the Australian Government on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands and the government for the support.
“Your commitment to ensuring this food relieve is completed is truly appreciated,” PS Frances said as she acknowledged the Australia High Commission during the delivery.
There are two response plans which the Livelihood Sector Committee is undertaking. First is relief response to ships on lockdown, isolated communities and households (isolation households) in isolation after a member or members of their families tested positive to COVID-19. The second is relief response to the general public which is delivered to households through wards/community committees.
Mr Ho’ota on Monday also acknowledged the assistance provided by donor partners, business houses in Honiara, Market Vendor Association and individuals who have stepped in with food assistance and logistic support during these difficult times as the country continue its fight against Covid-19.
The LSC is co-led by MAL, Ministry of Fisheries and Honiara City Council together with other stakeholders and partners. The committee is working closely with Honiara City Council on the food delivery mechanism.
