BY ALEX DADAMU
THE COVID-19 Oversight Committee had cleared cargo ships to recommence their cargo runs to all provinces.
However, according to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare this afternoon, as of yesterday, several crews of each cargo vessel had tested positive for COVID-19 which means the full crew of each vessel are exposed to COVID-19.
He said the oversight committee is working closely with Health teams to agree to the best strategy to deliver goods to each province.
“The greatest challenge is that of transmitting COVID 19 to provinces if we have COVID-19 infected crew on the vessel, health is considering options to mitigate transmission if we must allow a symptomatic COVID-19 Positive crews to remain on the vessels that take cargoes to provinces,” PM Sogavare said.
He revealed that on his instructions, the Oversight Committee has discussed with Solomon Airlines, and also Heli Support Solomon Islands on the option of airlifting cargo for Provincial shops while the committee is addressing the COVID-19 issue on the cargo vessels.
“I wish to put on record the positive response from the Australian Government that has agreed to fund Solomon Airlines and Heli Support Solomon Islands to airlift cargo delivery to provinces starting as soon as possible.
“Australia is also exploring the possible deployment of an appropriate fixed wing aircraft to assist with airlift of cargoes to provinces until our shipping services are back in action, as well as a possible support vessel, which will also cover when one of our patrol boats go in for maintenance.”
Prime Minister Sogavare confirmed that the oversight committee will now work with provinces through their PEDOC to prioritize cargo deliveries to provinces to start as early as from tomorrow, Monday 7th February 2022.
People from different provinces has spoken up in the past weeks revealing acute shortage of basic necessities and food in stores being prompt by the lockdown in Honiara which have prohibited ships travelling to the provinces.
The news will be a great relief for provincial businesses and customers alike.
