MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
More than 1,000 Solomon Islanders will be helped by up to $100,000 in
emergency assistance from Australia, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign
Affairs Mrs Chris Gallus said today.
'The recent activities of Harold Keke and his followers on the
Weathercoast region of Guadalcanal have left an estimated 1250 people
displaced.
'Food, shelter, cooking utensils and clothing are being provided
following a needs assessment by the Australian High Commission in Honiara and
the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office,' Mrs Gallus
said.
The majority of those displaced are now living in Titinge village on the
outskirts of Honiara. Others are being cared for in the villages of Aruliho,
Marovovo, Boneghe and Malango.
'While local people are doing what they can to assist those displaced,
Australian assistance will greatly help alleviate the burden,' Mrs Gallus
said.
School children at Titinge will also benefit from Australian funding to
build a school, which will now be expanded to accommodate displaced
children.
Trauma counselling is also being provided by Australia through the Solomon
Islands National Council of Women,' Mrs Gallus said.
Australia will continue to work with the Solomon Islands Red Cross and the
National Disaster Management Office to improve the ability of both to respond
to emergencies and natural disasters.
Contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Office of Mrs Gallus) 02 6277 4840 or 0408 680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489