BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Residents of Afio, a provincial substation in the southern region of Malaita province, are calling on the Malaita provincial government to provide a timeline for the execution of the SBD1.302 million sea retaining wall project for the Afio seafront.
The Afio sea wall project is included in Malaita province’s original budget for 2024/2025 and will be co-funded by the UNCDF Local – Environment, Conservation, and Climate Change and the PCDF.
During a recent visit to Afio, residents expressed the urgent need for the project, emphasizing that Afio serves as the government center for the southern region and hosts several vital services, including education and health centers, as well as various government offices and business centers.
Residents noted that the development of Afio station is hindered by multiple factors, with climate change being a significant concern. They pointed out that the area intended as the commercial center is being severely impacted by sea erosion, necessitating immediate action.
“The seafront of Afio continues to wash away, and if there are no plans to address this natural occurrence, it will jeopardize the future development of the station,” one resident stated. “This is why we need the retaining wall project to commence urgently, and we are awaiting information from the Malaita provincial government on when it will begin.”
Mr. David Mane, Senior Administration Officer for the southern region, echoed the residents’ concerns, acknowledging the importance of the sea wall project. He confirmed that his office is aware of the project’s significance and that he, along with relevant MPs, will engage with the Malaita provincial government to expedite its implementation.
