It is now one year on, after the deadly tsunami devastated some parts of Santa Cruz Island in 6 February 2013, thousands of homes destroyed and some people died.
But some people still live under temporary shelters because they are still waiting for the much trumpeted promise of rehabilitation of homes.
So far the assistance was donated by aid donors, development partners, national government, national disaster management office, local churches, non- government organisations.
Big hope for the people of Santa Cruz some may think of, especially to those who are affected. Knowing that the funds on millions.
As a matter of fact the message is clear that, those funding is meant to assisting the tsunami victims for rehabilitation of their homes.
In fact the organisations such as World Vision and volunteers from Red Cross were mobilised and have utilised some funds to meet the relief supplies for the victims such as water, food, and cooking utensils.
I was flabbergasted, that the Temotu disaster committee which the Temotu provincial government tasked to coordinate and administer how the funds were disbursed to various affected homes did nothing.
The way this committee coordinate and administer these funds is highly suspicious, fishy and it raises more questions than answers.
Tough question we might ask now is the way the relief funds from aid donors, the national and international non – government organisations are being channelled.
It is ridiculous and blatant in its form to learn that this committee are questioning why the funds have to go through the government agencies such as the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
The committee believed that funds are meant for the tsunami victims and must go through this committee.
History might repeat itself, that in 2007 the western province millions has not reached the victims hence even today some still live in tents.
Such experience must not be repeated in this time round what matters is honesty, transparency and accountability that we must help our people who are in need.
Concern over disaster funds mounting that sometimes government agencies politically influence.
If the committee is genuine all funds towards the relief and recovery effort towards the disaster should be channelled through their account.
The committee must be accountable particularly proper records is important to ensure transparency is upheld.
According to my research these are funding meant for the rehabilitation of homes for the tsunami victims last year.
$250,000 TO THE SOLOMON ISLANDS RED CROSS
• Australia’s initial aid contribution comprises of $250,000 to the Solomon Islands Red Cross;
SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVERNMENT FUNDS AND FUNDS RECEIPTED BY SIG
• SIG THE National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has approved $1 million to be used for relief supplies to assist the tsunami victims in Temotu
• New Zealand has made US$200,000 available for humanitarian supplies and support to the Solomon Islands Government assessment teams
• Australian Government US$50,000 to the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office for aircraft fuel and logistical support;
• Aerial reconnaissance by a Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules, which departed Australia on February 7 to assist in directing relief efforts
FUNDS & GOODS RECEIVED BY MP
• Korean Government Honorary consul Kim Durk Kee presented more than $11,000 to the MP for Temotu Pele, Martin Maga.
St Barbara Gold Mining
St Barbara Gold Mining Ltd offers support for the tsunami victims at the Santa Cruz Islands, Temotu Province.
The support of one hundred and forty five thousand dollars (145,000.00) was handed to the Director of NDMO Mr. Loti Yates for the people of Santa Cruz who were directly affected by the recent Tsunami at the Temotu Province.
NZ Government
New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully committed SB$1.2 million (NZ$200,000) to Solomon Islands shortly after the 6 February tsunami.
ANZ provides SBD100, 000 donations for disaster relief in Temotu Province, Solomon Islands.
ANZ announced that it will donate SBD100,000 (AUD13,100) to World Vision to support people affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Santa Cruz, Solomon Islands last week.
ANZ CEO Solomon Islands, Barry Sowman said: “The earthquake and tsunami had a devastating impact on the people of Santa Cruz, with some tragically losing their lives and many others injured or now without a home.
“This donation to World Vision will be used to create around 300 shelter kits, containing the essentials needed to rebuild a home such as tools and equipment, as well as to send in fresh water supplies, given the majority of the main water storages were contaminated following the tsunami.
“We’re pleased to be able to provide some real assistance to the people of Santa Cruz and we hope this donation provides them with some relief so they can begin rebuilding their lives again,” Mr Sowman said.
Taiwan Government
The Republic of China (Taiwan) has announced to provide emergency aid and donate US$200,000.00 (equivalent to about SBD$1.46 million) to Solomon Islands in support of its disaster relief efforts.
The ROC Taiwan’s humanitarian support and donation comprises:
US$150,000.00 (equivalent to about SBD$1.1 million) to Solomon Islands government agencies responsible for disaster relief operation including the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Division (RWSSD) of the Ministry of Health & Medical Services to assist the two agencies to purchase needed food and provide shelter and clean water to the families and people affected by the earthquake and tsunami.
US$25,000.00 (equivalent to about SBD$182,500.00 ) each to the Solomon Islands Red Cross and World Vision to fund their disaster relief activities in Temotu Province and assist the two NGOs to purchase and replenish needed relief items such as clothing, shelter kits, hygiene kits, kitchen kits etc.
The ROC (Taiwan) Embassy would like to reassure the government and people of Solomon Islands that, the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will always stand by you in time of need, and will do what we can to render possible assistance to help the people of Solomon Islands to overcome hardship caused by this devastating disaster.
Japanese ambassador
Akira Iwanade said his country will donate 32,160 water purification sachets, which can provide for 3,500 people for a daily water consumption of 3 liters per day for 30 days as part of its initial aid assistance.
15/02/2013 – Forest Association donates $93,512.00 worth of goods towards the victims of Temotu Earth Quake Tsunami.
An eight year old student Lily Chan raised more than $2,000 in her effort to help the tsunami victims in Temotu province.
Solomon Tobacco
The Solomon Islands Red Cross received one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) donation from the Solomon Islands Tobacco Limited towards its Temotu Tsunami relief operation.
Point Cruz Yacht Club raises $14,581.00 cash for Tsunami victims and $2,000.00 worth of clothes and was handed over to the World Vision.
US Government
United States donated USD$50,000.00 to Solomon Islands Red Cross on 22nd February 2013 towards the Tsunami victims in Santa Cruz.
Japanese Government
The Japanese Government handed over emergency relief to the government and people of Solomon Island in Temotu Province that were affected by earthquake and tsunami.
Emergency relief supplies are 160 Water Purification Sachets, 3,500 blankets and 100 Jerry Cans that are safely receiving by the National Disaster Management Office.
Summitomo Company
Mr. Yoritoshi Ochi (Managing Director – SMM Solomon) presenting the cheque of SBD365, 000 to Hon. Bradley Tovusia (Minister – MECDM)
South Pacific Oil
SOUTH Pacific Oil Ltd (SPOL) has supported the disaster relief effort work in Temotu province with items worth $200, 000.00
Westpac Bank
West Pac Bank donate $10,000.00 to Temotu victims, Provincial Disaster Officer Frank Menoia received the donation.
Central Bank of Solomon Islands
CBSI donated $10,000.00 and goods valued at $17,000.00
Solomon Islands National Provident Fund
Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) donated $25,000 to World Vision, providing much needed support for the Temotu tsunami relief response.
Chinese Association
Chinese Association of Solomon Islands gives Red Cross US$30,000 to the Solomon Islands Red Cross to assist the victims of February 6th 2013 quake and tsunami in Temotu Province.
JICA
Japanese International Cooperation Agency Volunteers has handed over a sum of $134,000 to director of NDMO Loti Yates at the NDMO headquarter.
SINU donates to tsunami efforts
THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has donated $10,000 towards Temotu Tsunami Rehabilitation efforts.
The Cheque was handover to Premier Brown Beu by the SINU Pro-Chancellor, who is also the Chair of Council, Sir Nathaniel Waena.
Kitano assists tsunami victims
KITANO Construction Corp of Japan donated $30,000 worth of goods to the tsunami relief efforts on Santa Cruz, Temotu.
In conclusion I wish to ask responsible authorities where art thou to ensure these funds meet its intended purpose.
By Elliot Dawea
In Madang
Divine Word University
