GOVERNOR STEVENSON A. JOSEPH ASSESSES DROUGHT CONDITIONS AND LEADS RELIEF EFFORTS ON PINGELAP ATOLL

Pingelap Atoll: February 17, 2024 – Governor Stevenson A. Joseph, accompanied by a delegation of key officials, undertook a visit to Pingelap Atoll to assess the severe drought conditions affecting the region. The Governor, during his visit, consulted with Pingelap Mayor Smithy Clark and local leadership to gain insights into the challenges posed by the water shortage and discussed collaborative efforts to mitigate the impact on the community.

Amidst the critical situation, relief supplies reached Pingelap from generous donors in Pohnpei via the National Fisheries Corporation vessel (NFC) North Star. The arrival of supplies was coordinated by the Department of Public Safety, led by Director Mr. Patrick Carl, along with Local Government Liaison Suannrita Ladore and Chief of Fire and Rescue Division Mr. Ainstain Joseph.

The relief supplies included a significant addition – a solar-powered reverse-osmosis unit capable of producing 360 gallons of fresh water per day. This crucial equipment, set up and operated by Mr. Dudley Lorin from IOM-Micronesia, aims to address the immediate water needs on the island. Similar reverse-osmosis units donated by IOM-Micronesia are being distributed across the outer islands as part of the broader relief effort.

During the visit, Governor Joseph, along with Mayor Clark, inspected water wells throughout the island, gaining firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by the community. The Governor emphasized the importance of swift and coordinated action to alleviate the impact of the drought and pledged continued support from the government.

Accompanying Governor Joseph were First Lady Dr. Aina Garstang, Mr. Daniel Isaac, nominee for the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Mr. Jayson Walter, nominee for the Department of Resources and Development. Their presence highlights the government’s commitment to addressing the urgent needs of the affected communities.

A comprehensive damage assessment team along with relief supplies is set to follow Governor Joseph’s visit, covering Pingelap, Mwoakilloa, Nukuoro, Sapwauafik, and Kapingamarangi aboard the M.V. Voyager this week. The government remains dedicated to providing swift and effective assistance to the atolls affected by the drought conditions.