BY BEN BILUA
Buala
THE Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) hearing scheduled to take place in Buala, Isabel Province, has been cancelled at the last minute due to the current political fissure within the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
The team on the ground was informed on Sunday night about the cancellation, forcing them to work throughout the night to relay the message to key witnesses who had been identified to appear before the committee.
According to the proposed programme, the hearing on the Mineral Resources Bill 2023 was supposed to begin today, March 17.
The sudden cancellation came as a surprise to women leaders and community representatives across Isabel Province who had been preparing to present their views on the proposed legislation.
Speaking to Island Sun, Vice President of the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Isabel, Selina Longamei, said the missed opportunity is a major disappointment not only for women but also for future generations who will face the consequences of mining activities.
She said women representatives were looking forward to the meeting to present their concerns, as mining operations have already caused numerous problems in parts of Isabel Province.
“Our sisters in the Bugotu and Hograno areas are now facing the negative impacts of mining operations. Food is becoming hard to get, community water sources are now polluted, and food resources along the shoreline are disappearing, putting pressure on women and girls.
“The land is our mother. It provides us with everything—food, water and air—and it is where we will return when we die,” Mrs Longamei said.
Longamei expressed hope that the hearing will soon return to Isabel Province so people can present their views on the Mineral Resources Bill.
Island Sun understands that the Mineral Resources Bill 2023 is among the key legislative priorities of the GNUT government and was included in its 100-day policy programme.
Other proposed legislations include the Value Added Tax Bill, Special Economic Zone Bill, and the Forestry Bill.
The mining sector in Solomon Islands has repeatedly come under heavy criticism over concerns about poor mining practices that have resulted in adverse impacts on communities and the environment.
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