National government assures Malaita province of continued support
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
THE national government has assured Malaita province of continued support in her development ambitions.
Minister for Public Service, who is the supervising minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Frederick Kologeto made the assurance in his keynote address during Malaita province’s 36th birthday celebration in Auki yesterday.
Commenting on the theme of the Second Appointed Day celebration, “Malaita returns to self-reliance and community resilience”, Kologeto said the theme calls for greater work in the province.
“I fully concurred with the sentiment raised in addressing the challenges facing this province, particularly in areas of governance, accountability, community development, economic growth and poverty alleviation.
“Malaita as a province requires growth and sustainable development. It requires support from all sectors in order to be economically vibrant.
“Malaita is endowed with an abundance of natural and human resources. Once such resource are mobilised and utilised to its full potential, the province will be less dependent on others for service delivery,” the minister said.
He said this is what self-reliance is all about. Self-reliance speaks well of our ability to provide good education for our children.
Kologeto said it speaks well of better provision of health services, better transport and communication and better socio-economic development for the welfare of our communities.
“It also can highlight our ability to have self-confidence and willingness to address the needs of our people.
“Again the support and understanding from all sectors is vital in terms of reliance and resilience,” he said.
Kologeto said the national government will continue to work with Malaita province on the direction they wish to take to bring the province in achieving greater reliance and resilience in its development.
“In terms of formulation and implementation of Malaita provincial policy statement and reforms programme, the government will provide support where necessary.
“And ensure we’ll work collaboratively with Malaita provincial government in driving our national policy agendas and those of the provincial government,” he said.
On that note, he reminds Malaita provincial government of the great natural and human resources they have.
Kologeto said having these, Malaita holds a unique position that carries greater potential for economic development and prosperity.
“I therefore urge your government and people to utilise what it has in terms of resource for the common good of the province and Solomon Islands as whole.
“Greater investments in your resources and the willingness to drive forward will help your people attain their economic goals and prosperity.
“I therefore ask all stakeholders who are part of the development of this province to work closely together and support each other for the betterment of this province,” the minister said.
