By JOE GURINA
KAIRUKU district in Central Province is experiencing humanitarian and livelihood distress from the prolonged El Nino drought.
A recent ground survey conducted by the district’s community development officer Paul Aluofo, indicates an escalating emergency affecting food security, water access and public health.
According to Mr Aluofo’s disaster report, the three LLGs of Mekeo, Kairuku and Kuni are bearing severe impacts on water scarcity, food security and household suffiecence.
According to the reports, natural creeks, shallow wells and traditional water sources have all dried, forcing villagers to rely on unsafe water sources, increasing health risks.
” Staple garden food have withered under intense heat, threatening immediate food security and household sustenance,” he said.
He said waterborne illnesses are placing more strain on local health facilities in the area.
He said to prevent further deterioration of living conditions and human distress, a report has been compiled by his office requesting the Central Province administration and the disaster office to intervene.
” The situation in the three LLGs of Kairuku requires urgent coordinated multi sectoral intervention, whilst, the Community Development Division remain committed to assist on-ground logistics and community mobilisation for relief efforts,” he said.
He further urged the local MP Peter Isoaimo and the Kairuku District Development Authority to intervene and address the distressing issue faced by the local communities in the district.