Finance Minister Brenson Wase said the ministry is currently allocating money to Covid-affected islands as part of a $6 million grant from the Asian Development Bank. He made his remarks as Nitijela returned to session August 31.
He said $1.5 million of the $6 million would be used for Covid-affected islands based on the latest census statistics, adding Majuro’s population of more than 20,000 would receive $230,000 while Kwajalein would receive $140,000 for its 9,000 population.
A portion of the money will cover fuel cost for Marshall Islands Shipping Corporation.
Two million of the six million dollars will be allocated to the healthcare system to supplement ongoing Covid operations.
A more detailed breakdown of the $6 million allocation will be available to each member of parliament and the public later this week, Minister Wase added.
The Finance Minister also reported the government’s recent purchase of a vessel from PII to assist with Covid-related deliveries to neighboring islands. Wase said that PII has agreed to release the vessel upon receipt of the Cabinet Minute while the ministry finalizes the purchase agreement.
In other developments, Education Minister Wilbur Heine said public schools are to resume September 12. Heine added his ministry will shoulder the cost to transport students back to Northern Island High School in Wotje and Jaluit High School.
Just recently, the government directed students from JHS to return home in the wake of the Covid outbreak.
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