Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

ADB confirms continuing support for Solomons’ tsunami recovery plans

Posted at 22:16 on 03 September, 2007 UTC

The Asian Development Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to support recovery and rehabilitation in response to the 2007 earthquake and tsunami in Solomon Islands.

It has also confirmed the continuation of support in the areas of transport infrastructure and services and private sector development.

The April 2007 tsunami killed 52 people and devastated parts of Western and Choiseul provinces.

Islands in both provinces suffered widespread damage to infrastructure, housing, schools, and medical facilities.

The ADB has already given substantial support to the island nation and its country team leader for the Solomons, Winfried Wicklein, says the bank’s continued support will help build rural economies, foster private sector development, and facilitate the delivery of basic social services such as health and education to remote and rural areas.