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By Rolynda Jonathan
The Australian government has increased its assistance to the Marshall Islands as drought affected population’s battle with food supply problems in addition to persisting water issues.
Following a second request for assistance, the Australian government provided $385,000 of funding assistance.
Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite told Radio Australia that funding is for urgent air delivery of emergency food and water supplies including repairs of some of the water making units on the affected islands.
Thistlethwaite disclosed that there are concerns among the affected populations about their ability to remain sustainable.
The Marshall Islands government is planning to conduct another assessment on drought affected islands to determine the damage sustained including concerns shared by the population.
Thistlethwaite said the government would wait for the results of the assessment to assist in ensuring the sustainability of the affected populations.
At the meantime, the Australian government continues to work with international partners in providing emergency.