Weekend flooding expected in Tuvalu

FUNAFUTI, Tuvalu—High tides resulting from global warming and an associated increase in sea levels are projected to threaten residents throughout the country this weekend.

Hilia Vavae of the Tuvalu Meteorological Office said tides are forecast to be higher than most of the islands on which the residents live. Threatened are homes, offices and the nation’s only international airport.

Vavae said the impact of the tides could be made even more severe if winds or heavy seas accompany them.

Kiribati facing a food shortage

TARAWA, Kiribati—Capital residents are facing a shortage of rice, flour and sugar.

The next food cargo shipment is not scheduled to arrive from Australia and Fiji until February 28.

The situation has prompted the government to convene an emergency meeting of the country’s major food importers in an effort to make other arrangements, including special air flights, to resolve the problem.

Niue criticized for public sector growth

ALOFI, Niue—A New Zealand report on the use of its foreign aid has criticized successive Niue governments for failing to restrict the growth of the public sector.

The New Zealand Overseas Development Assistance review also is critical of the tiny nation’s failure to stimulate private business and introduce effective government financial management systems.

Meantime, the Niue Economic Review has reported that the main constraint to development is a declining population.

Niueans are eligible to freely migrate to New Zealand.

MP says Air Niugini sale proceeds should subsidize rural airlines

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea—A portion of the proceeds from the planned sale of the government airline, Air Niugini, should be used maintain rural and regional air services, said MP and former Prime Minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu.

He said that vital air services throughout the country had been cut back in recent years and the New Guinea Islands region, in particular, had been severely affected as a result.
Some sale proceeds should be put aside as a subsidy, he said, to cover passenger and fright costs in remote areas. “The subsidy could form part of a ‘community service obligation’ requirement as part of the privatization process,” he said.

Japan donates to improve Tonga’s water

NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga—Japan has announced a grant of one million dollars to the government for use in making improvements to the capital’s water supply system.

Ambassador Hisato Murayama said the planned improvements include replacement of deteriorated distribution pipes and improving water pressure throughout the capital region. (Pacific Islands Report)