INEFFICIENT GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE TINAKULA ERUPTION

 

INEFFICIENT GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE TINAKULA ERUPTION

1st May 2022 | Ioane Taom

As of yesterday, April 30th, our inept government has finally passed the long-delayed Tinakula Eruption Bill. Though it was a bill meant to address the immediate concerns of the people after the recent sudden disasters, it took the government nearly a month and more to pass with a bare minimum majority. Not only has it come late, it is also riddled with later amendments, leading to mass confusion and delay of relief operations. Further, despite the cumbersome amendments, the bill still fails to address key issues like cleaning up the volcanic ashes in the end. 

During our incompetent MP’s political gridlock, local councils and community elders have taken charge in relief efforts. Grassroots groups have transported urgent drinking and foods to areas that have suffered and provided basic medical care for those affected by the ashes. Further, local groups have also started reconstruction of submerged buildings. Ehukai Baoro, a leader of one of these groups in the Gilbert Islands have written to us, asking “Why is the government taking so long to respond to pressing issues? They have left us alone by ourselves and thank God the Kiribati people are a hardy and sturdy people who are capable by ourselves. What is the use of such a government?” 

Further, as predicted, rainfall has washed away much of the ashes on land and in nearby ocean areas. However, some of the ashes have contaminated the lagoons, contaminating various freshwater sources including numerous wells throughout our nation. The presence of causeways and seawalls has made it such that it is hard for the ocean to wash the lagoons away. Currently, there is still enough rainfall for sustenance, but the contaminated wells mean that a drought would be a life-threatening situation.

Our various ministries have also failed to respond to this crisis, with ministers caring more about their position as an MP than to fulfill the responsibilities that fall within their jurisdiction and, therefore, the welfare of their constituency rather than the nation’s benefits at large. The copious amount of time spent debating about where to set the center for transport efforts shows the members’ greedy vie for power. They have tried to benefit themselves in a national crisis — and last night was a shameful, ludicrous display of this fact.

President Maamau’s government’s negligent behavior —- exemplified by the complete lack of any sort of meeting of his cabinet —- is disgusting and a spit on the face of the hard efforts of the Kiribati people suffering from their incompetence. Where are the cabinet directives that display executive action, which arecrucial in a crisis? What are the party leaders doing letting their members fight with each other instead of cooperating to solve this common issue? Further, though President Maamau's government has emphasized the fostering of diplomatic relationships with China, they have failed to, at this crucial juncture, utilize this very relationship that they have spent so long to cultivate. They have removed diplomatic ties with Taiwan and restored ties with China because, they claim, China can offer much more resources and funds for our development efforts. Yet, none of these promises have been fulfilled. 

This past month has been a dark splotch in our nation’s history and we must fix our mistakes to place our next foot forward into the future.

Bill to Revoke PIPA

REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI

7TH MEETING OF THE 12TH MANAEBA NI MAUNGATABU

ORDER PAPER

Monday 20 April 2022

10.00 AM

1. PRAYERS

Tamara are i karawa, a na tabuaki aram. E na roko ueam: E na tauaki am taeka i aon te aba n ai aron tauana i karawa. Ko na añanira karara ae ti a tau iai n te boñ aei. Ao ko na kabara ara buakaka mairoura n ai arora ñkai ti kabara te buakaka mairouia akana ioawa nako ira. Ao tai kairira nakon to kaririaki, ma ko na kamaiuira man to buakaka; ba ambai te uea, ao te maka, ae to neboaki, n aki toki. Amene.

2. ORAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(Not included in this document) 

3. ANNOUNCEMENT BY HON. SPEAKER

(Not included in this document) 

4. BILLS 

Phoenix Islands Rising Act 2022

(Appended at the end of this document) 

5. MOTIONS

1. His Excellency Taneti Maamau, Te Berentitenti will move;

Motion No. 1

Motion to move into the first reading for the Government Bill titled ‘Phoenix Islands Rising Act 2022’

Dear members of our great Manaeba Ni Maungatabu. I welcome you back to our parliament, as we are able to officially begin proceedings in light of the recent tragedy that has struck the Solomon Islands, as well as our people. 

Let us have a moment of silence for the tragedy that has occured. 

[moment of silence]

Anyhow, our first order of business today is to open up the PIPA to commercial developments. As you may know, the decision to proceed to close off PIPA as a no-take zone was made on the assurances that a ‘reversed fishing license’ regime through the PIPA trust will compensate revenue forgone. However, the PIPA has failed to deliver on the ‘reverse fishing license’, and as a result, we have been missing out on a vital source of revenue for our people and their livelihoods. 

Furthermore, the independent advisory panel on the PIPA, has found that since the creation of PIPA in 2015, demand for our fishing permits has declined 8 percent, costing the country millions in revenue. Clearly, we need to woo foreign fishing vessels with better fishing grounds, otherwise they will leave us for bluer waters elsewhere.

Therefore, I implore all of you, especially my friends on the TKB bench to support my bill to bring great wealth to our people. This will take us further on the path to graduating from LDC status, so that we may join the other nations of the world in pursuing economic development. 

REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI

PHOENIX ISLANDS RISING ACT 2022

PREAMBLE

With reference to the Phoenix Islands Protected Area Regulations 2008,

An Act to make provision for the opening of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) – a 408,250-square-kilometer marine protected area, to commercial fishing and economic development in Kiribati. 

Dated this 20th day of April, 2022.

OPERATIVES

Title

1. These regulations are called the Phoenix Islands Rising Act 2022.

Objective

2. The objective of this act is to reduce the size of the protected area for the terrestrial and marine resources of the Phoenix Islands, and to reverse the conditions stipulated in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area Regulations 2008.

Commencement

3. These regulations come into operation on the day they are published at the Office of Te Berentitenti.

Opening Of The Protected Areas

4. Reduces the size of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, hereafter referred to as PIPA;

1. The size of the area shall be reduced to 3 miles off the coast of the islands of the region;

2. Areas that have as a result been removed from PIPA are to be opened to commercial fishing.

5. Urges commercial fishing to be undertaken by fishermen in need of more fishing grounds:

1. Countries immediately allowed into these fishing ground will include:

1. Kiribati

2. Japan

3. People’s Republic of China

2. Fishing licences will be sold through preexisting means

3. Additional countries may be added to this list on the permission of the President; the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD); and the Minister for Lines and Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID).

6. The immediate abolishment of the PIPA Management Committee;

1. They are no longer required to submit management plans for the PIPA;

2. They are also no longer required to monitor the management of the PIPA.

Canton Cooperation Council

7. The formation of a ‘Canton Cooperation Council’;

1. A council created to allow the strengthening of economic ties between Kiribati and the People’s Republic of China;

2. This council will be filled with members decided by the Minister of Foreign Affairs;

8. For the Canton Cooperation Council to immediately consider preferential access for fishing vessels belonging to the People’s Republic of China to purchase licences for the period of the next 10 years.

[[SUBMITTERS]]

H.E. TANETI MAAMAU

Te Berentitenti

Published by exhibition at the Office of Te Beretitenti this 20th day of April, 2022.

DR. NAOMI BIRIBO

Secretary to Cabinet

 

Stalling of Council Directive

 

INEFFICIENT GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE TINAKULA ERUPTION

10 April 2022 | Ioane Taom

Our government is stalling on a potential bill that is being developed to help mitigate the issues caused by recent tsunamis that have hit the Gilbert Islands. It supposedly includes both a focus on local authorities to handle the immediate situation, and pleas to the international community, specifically Australia and New Zealand, to provide aid. Is this a moment of political polarisation, or even worse, is our government simply failing to address our urgent issues?

Even if it were not to stall in parliament, the bill concerningly does not address the problem of the volcanic ash that has been floating in and causing problems. Where are the provisions to clear this ash? It is a pressing concern and one that is urgent for the people of the Gilbert Islands. While this is a frightening series of events, the people of Kiribati are relying on their government to help them and keep them safe.

Another large elephant in the room is China, who has put out an official statement announcing that they also would be open to sending aid to Kiribati if they are allowed to upgrade an airstrip on remote Kanton, built by the US during World War II. “We sympathize with the people of Kiribati and wish to lend our support, which would only be possible with the improvement of transport links.” says Chinese Ambassador to Kiribati, Shen Zhiwei​​. The project would improve accessibility and facilitate the movement of urgent supplies. The relationship between Kiribati and China has been put under fire from outside actors in recent years, but due to the current unique circumstances, there is certainly a need to reconsider.

The governments of Australia and New Zealand have published statements urging government officials from Kiribati to reach out for aid, as they are unable to act without communication from the Kiribati side. “What is going on? How can we help them if we do not know what they need?” said New Zealand's minister of foreign affairs, Nanaia Mahuta.

Tsunami Exposes Vulnerability of Kiribati

 

Tsunami exposes Vulnerability of Kiribati to Ocean-Related risks

28th March 2022

Betero Kautum

As our citizens are, unfortunately, keenly aware of, the recent tsunami which struck Kiribati serves as a stark reminder of the ocean threats we face, and highlights the apparent lack of government foresight. This is exemplified in the lack of a universal evacuation protocol or infrastructure such as an inventory of food and water supplies to hold out during our time in the shelter.

Importantly, the Minister for Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development (MELAD) and MP Ruateki Tekaiara has been criticised for his lack of support for farmers nationally despite the flood ruining their fields and livelihoods. In contrast to such lack of care, his extremely fast response to his constituents - resulting in very little direct threat - has been seen as an example of ignoring national concerns while focusing on his own local constituency. Farmers have pressed the government heavily for support following the tsunami’s damage to their fields and cropland, as they expect to face poverty and possibly starvation and the loss of their livelihoods in the following months.

Furthermore, questions have been raised over the government's long-term plan for dealing with natural disasters and the ever-present issue of rising sea levels. It is understood that natural disasters and extreme weather events are only likely to get worse for Kiribati in the future. Concerns have been raised that the current ruling party in the government, the TKB, is not properly acknowledging the threats Kiribati faces. This is particularly worrying since the party’s stance of refusing to engage in ‘migration with dignity’ was based on their proclaimed desire and ability to develop Kiribati’s infrastructure so it could deal with crises like this.

Many have pointed to the actions of MP Terieta Mwemwenikeaki, secretary of the BKM, who has heavily developed the disaster mitigation facilities within his constituency. However, this is merely a short term solution,a nd in the long term, it is the position of the BKM that we must find a new home if we cannot convincingly find a way to stay on our own islands sustainably. We must act now, because we want to migrate with dignity by choice - not be forced out of our home as climate refugees. 

Our nation is at the forefront of climate change, predicted to be the first nation to be completely submerged by rising sea levels. The clear lack of efforts by President Maamau shows that he doesn’t have the benefit of the people at heart. Instead, he and his party has been sitting on their laurels since the last election. The people should make their voice heard and send their grievances to the government.

Aftermaths of Tsunamis

 

Aftermath of the Kiribati Tsunamis

16:32 PM on 27th March 2022

Aelvin Kanthony, RNZ Pacific regional correspondent 

Aelvin.Kanthony@rnz.co.nz

After the shocking series of tsunamis that have hit several Kiribati islands, we can assess the current situation. 

Fortunately, due to the height of the waves, there has not been a devastating amount of damage. While there has been low-level flooding, it is predicted that the waters will recede eventually.

However, the situation is looking troubling for those living in the areas affected, particularly those in the South Gilbert Islands and Banaba which were hit first. We traveled to one of these islands to assess the situation on the ground and we were shocked. As we reached Arorae and Tamana, the foul smell of dead fish and wet ash greeted us. When we arrived in Arorae, the women were already in tears. The look in their eyes as they saw us coming in the boat was heartbreaking. They didn’t think that help was coming, since communications were down. Stories of what they experienced filled the beach – some were crying, some couldn’t complete their stories as they were too emotional to continue.

“It was a Saturday like any other. But after the blast, the tide went out and came back in again and again. Each time the tide went out, the beach was left drier and drier, and the sea level rose higher. That’s when I yelled ‘Run away fronm the beach!’ ” said Pauline Tamana, a resident on Aroarae.

It is clear that it will be difficult for life to go back to normal for these people, as their livelihoods have been affected by the damage that has been wrought on the agricultural sector by flooding fields and plantation, ruining their harvests. Chances are most farmers will require support from the government or else face poverty and starvation in the coming months. Additionally, as we have personally experienced, there is a lack of available transport, so there have been frightening food and water shortages, given that the majority of food in Kiribati is imported, with current supplies looking to last only around five days.  

The airways will remain closed for at least another week, subject to weather changes. Further, seawater has made it such that the groundwater is salty. This will recover in a month after rainfall but for now, people need bottled water. The people living in the affected areas are unsure when new supplies and aid will arrive and are looking towards their local councils for support and updates.

Despite the tragedy at the personal level, however, as the tsunamis were quite small-scale, the damages incurred on a national scale were not too severe. Local councils and local manaebas are working together with their communities to clean up the affected areas, to repair damaged homes and roads, but more needs to be done to recover from this unexpected disaster.

However, what it has shown is the lack of proper government protocols and efforts in preventing these disasters; a worrying sign considering Kiribati’s status as a victim of climate change and rising sea levels.

Volcanic Ashes Fall on Kiribati

 

Volcanic Ashes Fall on Kiribati

10:21 AM on 26th March 2022

Aelvin Kanthony, RNZ Pacific regional correspondent 

Aelvin.Kanthony@rnz.co.nz

Following the tsunamis reaching the Gilbert Islands Chain of Kiribati, further development of the situation has occurred where ashes from the volcano have reached the outskirts of Kiribati and soon to reach everywhere else in the nation.

These ashes carry with it high levels of sulphur which are toxic at such concentrations. This is particularly impactful as it contaminates both drinking water and fishing areas, resources that are crucial to the region’s people, especially those in the less developed areas of the nation. These polluted drinking and food sources may increase the risks of diseases such as cholera and diarrhea. 

Further, fine ashes from the volcano may be inhaled by people, which would cause numerous respiratory issues including asthma and other related long-term cardiovascular illnesses. Volcanic ashes on the water may also raise sea temperature in the short term, causing even greater harm to food sources.

Experts have said that fishing vessels should halt fishing efforts in the next week to avoid acquiring contaminated fish. Further, as planes are unable to fly safely in such an environment, ships should be used for any and all transportation. People should also remain indoors to lower the chances of breathing in the noxious air. 

This is following warnings brought up by Member of Parliament Pinto Katia from Makin who had brought focus on the issue of contamination via volcanic ash to the Parliament of Kiribati. However, no action was taken at that point. 

As of right now, this is an issue that is hotly debated in Parliament. Member of Parliament Tekeeua Tarati of Tamani has stated that “they should take important documents, as well as any freshwater or food, at least for one week. It is hard to determine when aid can actually drive. The people of the islands need to be self-sufficient until then, that’s the realistic situation on the ground.” 

While the member of parliament from Makin, Pinto Katia, has sought help from the international community, saying, “condolences to those who are affected by the tsunami. Proposes to form a crisis committee to cooperate with international NGOs to help in evacuation and humanitarian aid efforts to those affected.” 

Tsunami hits Islands in Kiribati

 

Tsunami hits Islands in Kiribati

14:04 PM on 25 March 2022

Aelvin Kanthony, RNZ Pacific regional correspondent 

Aelvin.Kanthony@rnz.co.nz

As of this reporting at around 2 PM, the tsunamis resulting from the eruption of Tinakula have reached the Gilbert Islands from the south, arriving at the islands of Arorae and Tamana first. These tsunamis are especially harmful to the lower-lying islands which are more vulnerable to ocean and weather events. This is following the devastation in Banaba where it first reached the nation of Kiribati. 

Worthy of note, however, is the rapid responses in Marakei by Minister Tekaiara and in North Tarawa by Minister Mwemwenikeaki. Both have quickly evacuated their citizens despite the lack of existing infrastructure while the latter’s tactic of building walls with sandbags has proved useful in preventing further wreckage.

Further, following guidance from the Kiribati Meteorology Service, Minister Katia from Makin has advised the constituency of South Tarawa to avoid fishing activities in the ocean, arguing the necessity to, “Advise the South Tarawa constituency to cooperate with the Kiribati Meteorology Service, and to avoid fishing activities in the ocean to avoid being contaminated by sulphuric volcanic ash.” As of now, both local and foreign fisher vessels have steered clear of the region though official government response from the central government of Kiribati has yet to be decided.

Finally, due to the concerning and escalating nature of this event, the governments of Australia and New Zealand have expressed deep sympathy for the people of Kiribati and are prepared to lend support in the forms of relief packages and funds. However, this can only be done if it is formally requested by the Parliament of Kiribati as per usual to international order.