Ariel view of Kili Island. Photo: Marshall Islands Guide
Life has improved for the people living on Kili Island in the Marshall Islands following the declaration of a state of emergency.
'Just having power on that island is a huge step forward' - Marshall Islands correspondent Giff Johnson
Kili was without power and fuel because the previous local government administration bankrupted the Bikini Resettlement Trust Fund.
The new administration, which was sworn in in December, called the state of emergency to free up money.
They have since been sent fuel and food, and the power station is running again.
RNZ Pacific's Marshall Islands correspondent Giff Johnson said there is "absolutely no question" the livelihoods of those on the island have improved.
"There's been no power on the island for quite a number of months, that means no refrigeration, food spoiled; it's been pretty bad for the last few months," he said.
"So just having power on that island is a huge step forward."
But Johnson said while it has taken the edge off the immediate crisis, a lot of work is needed to fix the problem in the long term.
The trust fund which has now been depleted had US$70 million in 2016, he said.
"What they did was each year draw down a small amount to fund the operations of the local government…they could pay workers; fund the power plant on Kili Island; they could pay scholarships for students and other just basic operations."
Johnson said the last administration - which got in eight years ago - took control of the fund and burned through the money in four years.
The latest administration elected in November 2023 called the state of emergency.
"They're working through the kind of disaster of the previous administration in terms of the fact that they have no money."
Johnson said there is a perception that no one has to worry about the Bikinians who live on Kili Island because of US nuclear compensation.
"There's kind of an attitude towards islanders who are nuclear affected, especially the Bikinians, because over time they have qualified for the most compensation from the United States.
"It is like, 'they have their trust funds, and they have money, and they are good'. Well, this has just totally changed dynamic.
"It required the national government to do something very unusual out here, to step in and help them; whereas before, they had been able to take care of themselves using trust funds for decades."