Western Premier Alex Lokopio has said any distribution of food and relief supplies to the victims of the April earthquake and tidal wave must be distributed fairly.

He said this yesterday when welcoming a delegation of the Prime Minister which is touring disaster areas of the two provinces.

Mr Lokopio also said the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure in the Western and Choiseul provinces will be expensive.

"I must re-emphasise that expensive relief assistance during the natural disaster is the rehabilitation of infrastructures, including buildings, roads, airstrips, water, and sanitation within the most affected areas."

Mr Lokopio said he was aware that the emergency phase on the distribution of food, water and tents for shelter is slowly reaching the peoples of Western and Choiseul Provinces.

He said this phase should be completed within the next two weeks.