The Government of Italy through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) today handed over at least $400,000, to the Ministry of Regional Development, for Cyclone Ami relief and rehabilitation work in the Northern Division.
UNOCHA's Regional Disaster Response Adviser for the Pacific, Charlie Higgins says the sum would be divided between ongoing food supplies for at least 650 badly affected families and the provision of water supply materials to support longer-term recovery.
"Over 100, 5000 liter tanks will be supplied to 36 districts in the Northern and Eastern Divisions to improve the water supply situation for the many villages, settlements and schools and also help reduce the impact of drought during prolonged dry spells in the future," Mr Higgins said.
In receiving the assistance, the Deputy Secretary for Regional Development, Savenaca Kaunisela said the assistance from Italy adds to the significant aid provided by Australia, China, France, New Zealand, the United States of America, the Pacific Islands Forum, the European Union and the UN.
"Such donations acknowledge the difficulty that poorer rural communities face in recovering form major disasters and when funds are disbursed through government departments, this demonstrates the donor's confidence in their ability to mount and manage an appropriate response," said Mr Kaunisela.