PEOPLE living in Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) is one of the Malaita Province’s priorities to resettle them in Auki due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.
Premier Elijah Asilaua confirmed this during his 2025/2026 budget speech in the Assembly Meeting in Auki on Monday.
He said, a potential relocation plan is being discussed for these communities to move to the Auki locality, as outlined in a proposal from the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Survey.
“This move is part of the larger effort to develop the greater Auki region,” Premier Asilaua explained.
“By providing necessary infrastructure and creating sustainable social and economic conditions, we aim to ensure the long-term resilience of these communities in the face of climate change.”
In addition to resettlement efforts, Mr Asilaua said his government has also partnered with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, along with the governments of Australia and New Zealand.
The collaboration is focused on supporting vulnerable communities through the Solomon Islands Knowledge-Action-Sustainability for Resilient Villages (SOLKAS) initiative.
Funded by the Global Green Fund, this project aims to help communities adapt to climate change by enhancing livelihoods in agriculture, fisheries, and nutrition, thus building greater resilience.
Through this initiative, communities will have the support needed to develop sustainable adaptation plans and protect their way of life.
The Solomon Islands government is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind in the fight against climate change, and is actively seeking solutions to secure the future of its citizens as environmental challenges continue to rise.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
