By EDDIE OSIFELO

The Ministry of Forestry and Research is intensifying its efforts to responsibly manage the 22 percent of log-able forests in the country.

This commitment is demonstrated through the strict enforcement of the Forestry and Timber Utilisation Act, eight Forestry Regulations, and the Solomon Islands Code of Logging Practice 2002, governing the operations of over 200 felling licences.

Dr Vaeno Vigulu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Forestry and Research, reiterated this commitment during his appearance before the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament this week.

The PAC was conducting a review of the 2022 Appropriation Bill.

Vigulu disclosed that out of the 22 percent of log-able forests, approximately 18 percent have already been logged and are currently undergoing re-logging.

He clarified that “re-entry” in media reports typically refers to second, third, or even fourth logging cycles.

Only 4 percent of the log-able forests remain in their pristine, untouched state, as they are already under concession and will soon undergo logging.

Looking ahead, Vigulu projected that in the next five to seven years, the entire 22 percent of log-able forests will have been accessed for logging, forming the basis for round log exports.

Regarding the status of round log exports in 2022, Vigulu acknowledged that there had been a reduction in stock.

He addressed concerns about sustainability by pointing out that this issue is primarily associated with the 18 percent that has already been logged.

A significant portion of the forests, around 68 percent, is protected from logging, although some areas are under threat.

The Ministry is actively implementing measures to control harvesting and protect these areas.

Additionally, Vigulu mentioned that new revenue streams, such as carbon and REDD+ initiatives, are being explored to support the national economy.

Vigulu explained that Article 5, the REDD+ initiative, aims to reduce emissions from degraded and deforested land.

It involves activities like agro-forestry, reforestation, and other methods to restore green vegetation and sequester carbon on previously degraded land.

REDD+ consists of three phases: preparation (Phase 1), establishing safeguards (Phase 2), and qualifying for ecosystem payment (Phase 3).

Furthermore, Vigulu highlighted Article 6, specifically 6.2 and 6.4, which pertain to payments for ecosystem services and cover compliance, the carbon market, and the voluntary carbon market.

The Ministry of Forestry and Research’s comprehensive approach to managing the country’s log-able forests underscores the importance of responsible logging practices and environmental conservation.

As the nation looks toward a future with more accessible log-able forests, the Ministry remains committed to sustainable resource management and exploring new revenue opportunities, such as carbon and REDD+ initiatives.

The forestry sector’s role in contributing to the national economy is expected to evolve and expand in the coming years.

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

THE Kokonut Pacific (KPSI) has added its voice to the resounding call for government to repair the roads on Malaita.

In a media statement yesterday, Managing Director of KPSI described the state of roads on Malaita as “shameful” and in urgent need of repair.

“The Malaita roads are in a shameful state and urgently need to be repaired,” says Bob Pollard, managing director of KPSI along with Mr Jimmy Kutu a Malaita South Road businessman.

“We call on the responsible authorities to urgently address the repair of the roads.

“The South Road is now impassable, even for a Land cruiser. These roads are essential for services like health, law and order and education. Businesses and people’s livelihood depend on these roads.

“With the roads in total disrepair, life for thousands of people is very difficult. It is great that the Honiara population can enjoy new roads and sport facilities, but it is unacceptable that rural communities are suffering because their roads are neglected.

“If our leaders’ salaries and benefits stopped when the road is damaged, they might appreciate how important it is to get these roads fixed and do something about it.”

Kokonut Pacific is a business with the goal of improving village livelihoods and with the roads in such bad condition farmers and producers cannot supply and therefore do not have an income.

Businessman Kutu says, “it is impossible to run a business when the roads are in such a bad condition.

“For example, with the upcoming pineapple season it will be very difficult to get pineapples to market.

“Can responsible leaders please attend to this serious situation urgently?” he pleads.

Earlier this year, some repair works were done on some segments of the roads on Malaita. This was after much outcry early this year over the dilapidated states the roads were in.

Bad weather has reportedly contributed much to the deterioration of the makeshift repairs done to the roads, which are mostly just flatted soil and rocks, and not tar-sealed.

In July this year prime minister Manasseh Sogavare announced $10million to the Malaita provincial government during a meeting with Premier Martin Fini.

In October this year, the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) announced successful upgrading and maintenance road works in the North road – 17 kilometers of Malaita’s North Road from Gwanaru’u Junction to Forcim Market.

Also in mid-October, the Trades Transformation Company announced beginning work on the 21km road in East Malaita, part of the first phase of SIRAP.

Despite these publicised road work activities, the call from public in Malaita still remains loud – that the road on Malaita is still not conducive for travellers.

Businesses across the main island of Malaita continue to be affected by this problem.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALAITA province has once again disqualified for the PCDF programme this financial year 2023/2024.

As a consequence the $10 million capital expenditure under its original budget will be reduced to $2million.

This means Malaita’s government (MPG) will not able to implement about 30 of its approved projects for this financial year 2023/2024.

The disqualification is a put-down on rural communities which have been looking forward to projects earmarked for them.

Announcing the disqualification on Monday this week Minister for Finance and Treasury under MPG, Randol Sifoni said, “Malaita provincial government has again disqualified for the second time.”    

He said that the disqualification has “dramatically affected our budget to reduce to $2,106,683 from the original budget of $10,898,087”.

“I would like to highlight that for this year 2023/2024 financial year, I am indeed sad to say that all our planned expenditure could not eventuate due to our PCDF disqualification.

“We have not met three minimum conditions including PAC non-scrutiny of 2020/2021 audit report within 21 days after MPG had received the audit opinion, procurement and non-full payment of outstanding ward funded projects from 2019/2020 to 2022/2023.

“PCDF assessments are usually done on prior year’s operations.

“In terms of procurement, seven provinces have disqualified on this MC due to processing payments of laptops from SIG preferred supplies but use three quotations instead.

“MPG has already rectified this issue for the next assessment,” Sifoni said.

Premier Martin Fini said a critical component of his government is strengthening the governance of the provincial government.

“This includes, the management of PCDF and following the requirements of assessments, improving the procurement and compliance system.

“Reduce auditor issues, managing and respecting financial processes and procedures, responding to timely reporting and improving capability to deliver services in coordinated manner,” he said.

Fini however assured confidence that his government is putting in efforts to strengthen the governance system of the province.

“We are focusing on improving Malaita province PCDF performances to improve on our failures.

“My government is taking actions in ensuring financial management procedures are met, weakness in procurement processes are strengthened and all procedural governance system from planning to implementation are followed and adhered,” he said.

Resolution reached with landowners as mining company resumes operation

By EDDIE OSIFELO

After a three-week hiatus in its alluvial mining operations in Turarana, Central Guadalcanal, Win Win Mining Investment Company Ltd has successfully resumed activities following a dispute with local landowners.

The suspension was prompted by landowners’ roadblocks and their demand for compensation due to noise pollution resulting from the mining operation.

A significant breakthrough was achieved on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, as Win Win Mining and the landowners came to an agreement at the Henderson Police Station.

This resolution represents a positive step towards mending the working relationship between the mining company and the local community.

As a goodwill gesture subsequent to the dispute resolution, Win Win Mining made a substantial payment of $350,000 to the landowners, which they will distribute among their families.

This compensation serves as a recognition of the landowners’ understanding and willingness to resolve the standoff.

Charles Meke, one of the local directors at Win Win, expressed his gratitude to the landowners for their cooperation in finding a mutually beneficial solution.

He underscored the Turarana mining project’s significance, comparing it to major mining operations such as Gold Ridge and others in Isabel Province.

Meke highlighted the project’s crucial role in contributing to the national economy through gold production.

Meke further clarified that the company operates within the noise level limits of 70, as prescribed by Environmental law.

He noted that if the mining operation exceeds this noise threshold, the Ministry of Environment has the authority to halt the operation.

Additionally, Meke expressed his hope that similar disputes would not arise in the future.

He reassured the landowners of Win Win Mining’s commitment to working collaboratively to ensure the smooth operation of the mining project.

Chief Michael Kelly, a traditional chief of the Turarana Cultural Centre in Central Guadalcanal, extended his gratitude to Win Win Mining for the goodwill payment.

He specified that the money would be distributed among the families based on an established list.

With the successful resolution of the dispute, the Criminal Investigation Department has chosen to temporarily suspend the case.

This decision allows for the resumption of mining operations and the cultivation of a more harmonious relationship between the company and the local landowners.

The parties involved are now working towards a more cooperative and productive future for the mining project in Turarana.