Transportation and shipping limitations continue to disrupt essential services for many outer islands, affecting power restoration and copra collection.
This issue has swirled in debates at Nitijela since the resumption of the session late last month.
Numerous Nitijela Members have called out the government for the lack of critically needed shipping services to remote islands.
Jaluit Nitijela Members Sonny Milne and Daisy Alik-Momotaro both raised the prolonged power outage situation in Jaluit.
Sonny noted that although the Jaluit power plant had received its engine, the tools and technical support needed for installation were not available.
Daisy urged Cabinet to prioritize Jaluit, citing repeated transportation delays involving parts and mechanics. In one instance, flooding at the airport prevented a mechanic from traveling until local residents cleared the runway for the plane to land.
The power outages are particularly difficult for the over 200 students and teachers at Jaluit High School.
During the October 6 session, it was confirmed that power had finally been restored in Jaluit, bringing an end to the outage after repeated delays in getting the necessary equipment and technical assistance to the atoll.
Public Works Minister Thomas Heine, who chairs the MEC board, acknowledged that transportation remains a major obstacle for MEC, affecting not only Jaluit but also Kili, particularly where tools and equipment required for repairs cannot be transported by air.
Shipping shortages are also affecting copra collection.
Responding to questions about Aelonlaplap, Transportation Minister Hilton Kendall reported that only one of four normally operating vessels is currently available. One vessel needs to be decommissioned and two require dry-docking. Plans are underway to bring in two additional vessels.
Minister Tony Muller confirmed that the fourth round of copra collection has not been completed due to transportation constraints.
Meanwhile, the much acclaimed Juren Ae sailing vessel has spent a lot of 2026 anchored in the lagoon this year due to various technical issues, though it provided a special extended charter for the Ministry of Health and Human Services earlier this year.
Marshall Islands Shipping Corporation General Manager Danny Wase told the Journal Wednesday: “Juren Ae was experiencing mechanical and electrical issues. Mechanically, the generator that was down has been restored and now fully operational. Electrically, the water maker has been down and works to restore full operation are currently being undertaken. Once these are fixed, the vessel will resume her expected services and join the rest of the fleet providing and contributing to more improved and efficient transport services that had been limited during her absence.”