Government Responds to Potential Crisis in Pukapuka
Government today averted a potential crisis in Pukapuka by responding to calls for urgent assistance from the people of Pukapuka and Nassau for urgent supplies of fuel, dry goods and a water pump to pump water from a water well due to water shortages.
“The long dry seasons and lack of shipping and air transportation has resulted in limited supplies of goods for our people and we cannot ignore their plight,” said Acting Minister of MOIP Hon Teina Bishop who summoned officials to his office yesterday to consider how best to deal with this situation.
Cabinet recognized this was an emergency situation and we have a responsibility to respond and assist where appropriate. Consideration was given to despatching the Kukupa however this was considered a very costly exercise and its overall cargo carrying capacity was quite limited.
Minister Bishop confirmed that Taio Shipping left for Pukapuka 2 days ago with diesel fuel that would at least cover them in the short term until bulk fuel supplies can be arranged.
CITC has 15 pallets of dry goods ready for despatch and a water pump has been secured to assist with pumping water for emergency supplies. A local fishing boat heading up north next week has been commissioned by government to assist with the transporting of dry goods and the pump and efforts are underway to seek discretionary provisions to amend its licensing provisions.
“I am grateful for the positive response from all concerned including, Cabinet Minister’s, Police Commissioner and his maritime staff, Ministry of Transport, MOIP, CITC,MFEM, the MP for Pukapuka Lazaro Tekii and the fishing boat who have gladly offered to assist in this emergency.
Officials will today determine the quantity of goods to be taken and finalizing arrangements on behalf of Government. The office of Acting Minister of MOIP Teina Bishop will assist co-ordinating the collection and despatch of goods and where these can be dropped off. The boat is expected to leave for Pukapuka on Monday.
The spirit of togetherness and partnership in times of need is very encouraging and we are happy with today’s outcome. Officials from MOIP will be asked to work closely with officials from the Pukapuka Island Government to scope out their future requirements in order to minimize any further crisis affecting our people in Pukapuka and Nassau.

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