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MPG proposes industrial and manufacturing policy as part of its master plan

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Malaita provincial government is looking at an industrial and manufacturing policy to encourage economic growth in Malaita.

The policy is part of Malaita provincial government’s (MPG) master plan encompassing development of every sector to boost economic activities in the province.

MPG believes that the policy intervention will encourage economic development and growth of all or part of the economy in pursuit of some of Malaita province’s socio-economic goals.

Historically, the economy of Malaita and the country focused on raw material trading to overseas countries. 

The policy will also improve competitiveness and capabilities of domestic firms and promoting commercial production commodities transformation. 

While, considering infrastructure development such as transportation, telecommunication and energy are the major enablers of industrial and manufacturing policy.

MPG believes the policy will create interventional measure to fulfil 21st century modern technologies, trade policy, macroeconomic policies and others requiring efficiency and opportunities.

The infrastructure investment industries:

  • Food and water industry,  
  • Textile industry
  • Shipping industry
  • Tourism Industry
  • Other manufactured related commodities and products industry

The policy, on the other hand, will create avenue to support proposed national identified Economic Growth Centre (EGC) in various part of the province.

While, the policy will also consider good governance and infrastructure translation, in order for the EGC to materialize and benefit Malaitans and Solomon Islands.

Sites currently proposed for EGC include Bina Harbor project, Suava Bay EGC, Lewe industrial park, Honoa EGC and others included in the proposed Malaita Master Plan.

FIRST LAND RECORDING OFFICE

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By Loretta B Manele

The first land recording office will be built in Auki in 2025 to keep records of all customary land on Malaita.

Polycarp Paea, the Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey stated this at the recent Sine Die Motion in parliament.

He expressed that cabinet has already endorsed the customary land recording program and it has secured a funding of SBD 5.5 million in the 2025 budget.

Paea said under this project, his ministry will focus on the recording of land around urban centres within constituencies including constituency development centres.

He stated that through the project, the first land recording office will be built in Auki in 2025 to keep records of all customary land on Malaita.

Paea added that Guadalcanal and Western provinces land recording office buildings are next in line for 2026.

He said another achievement this year is the endorsement of the review of the greater Honiara Urban development strategy policy which was approved by cabinet within the 100 days’ timeframe.

Paea stated that in terms of funding, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has already approved funding of technical support and consultations are progressing.

He stressed that GNUT (Government for National Unity and Transformation) recognizes the importance of rolling out similar programs to other provinces and has selected Auki to be the next urban area to benefit from this program.

Paea said the greater Auki development program is progressing well and cabinet is expected to formally endorse this initiative early next year.

“This commitment from GNUT signifies the onset of a new chapter characterized by mutual respect, a shared vision and unified purpose between the Malaita provincial government and the national government”

Paea said the government has allocated 1 million for the greater Honiara and greater Auki program and ADB’s co-funding of technical support for the greater Auki project is valued at USD 500,000.

“I want to thank ADB for co-funding technical support for greater Auki valued at USD 500,000”

He noted that ADB’s engagement in funding technical support and consultations reflect their commitment to help improve urban governance and planning.

No research fieldwork conducted at Dodo Creek

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Minister for MAL, Franklyn Derek Wasi.


BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Franklyn Wasi has emphasized that minimal research fieldwork has been conducted at the Dodo Creek Research Station.

Addressing the contentious discussions about the potential sale of the research station—which has garnered significant attention in Parliament and various media outlets—Wasi clarified the station’s historical use.

He pointed out that the Dodo Creek Research Station primarily served as the site for research headquarters, offices, laboratories, and staff accommodations, with very little fieldwork conducted on its grounds.

“I would like to reiterate that even during the height of operations at the Dodo Creek Research Station, there was scarcely any research fieldwork performed at that location. The majority of research activities were carried out at the Tenaru Field Experiment Station,” Wasi stated.

He further clarified: “The land at Dodo Creek, which has been the subject of public commentary and concern, was not utilized for research purposes. It solely accommodated the laboratories, headquarters, offices, and residences for a considerable number of staff at that time.”

Wasi said that contrary to public perceptions, the Dodo Creek Research Station has primarily functioned as an administrative office for the research department.

The Minister also noted that the Ministry has no plans to further utilize the Dodo Creek land due to challenges associated with land disputes that have affected other field experiment stations and agricultural training centers across the provinces.

He cited examples of such disputes, including the Hauratata Station in Makira Province, the Newi, ATC, and FES centers in Temotu Province, the Liwe Agricultural Training Centre in Small Malaita, the Fote Centre in Malaita Province, and the Haimarau Avu’Avu site in Guadalcanal. Wasi explained that dissatisfied customary landowners had forcibly reclaimed these properties from the Ministry, leaving many of them unoccupied to this day.

MPGIS enhances capacity of provincial officers

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By Loretta B Manele

The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) is taking strides in capacitating its committees and provincial officers.

Wayne Gemu, minister for MPGIS talked about this when he contributed to the Sine Die Motion in parliament.

He highlighted that from January to December 2024, his ministry through World Bank’s (IDA) International Development Association project, released about 2.1 million to provincial governments.

Gemu said the money from this project was geared towards training for members of ward development committees.

He mentioned that of the 1500 members that have been trained this year, 320 of them are females.

Gemu said these trainings were carried out by province-based officers.

The member of parliament for Simbo/Ranongga constituency expressed that the training catered to all provincial levels.

Gemu said the officers were trained in areas namely; climate change, adaptation, risk, disaster risk management, procurement, participatory planning, public finance, development planning and computerized accounting.

Vokia denounces allegations of selling Guadalcanal

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Jamie Vokia. Photo supplied.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Minister of Traditional Governance, Peace, and Ecclesiastical Affairs Jaimie Vokia has strongly condemned allegations that Guadalcanal Province is being sold to China.

During a recent parliamentary session addressing the Sine Die motion, Vokia emphasized that this issue is often misunderstood by his constituents in North West Guadalcanal.

“I wish to clarify a particular point concerning this discussion. It is an issue frequently misconstrued by the people I represent,” Vokia stated.

He continued, “There exists what one might call a conspiracy theory suggesting that this Government has wronged me. As the Deputy Chair of the bipartisan team during the 2019 transition, I can confidently affirm that we are not on a path to transfer the island of Guadalcanal to China.”

The Minister further reiterated his firm rejection of these unfounded claims.

“I want to assure the esteemed members of this chamber that I categorically reject these inaccuracies. My colleagues, along with the peace ministers of Guadalcanal and the Government I serve, will not engage in the sale of Guadalcanal,” Vokia declared.

Purchase of Dodo Creek followed procedures

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By Loretta B Manele

For the information of all members and the public, the sale of Dodo creek land followed proper procedures in the land title act.

Polycarp Paea, minister for the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey made the above statement at the Sine Die Motion in parliament on Thursday 19th.

He explained that regarding Dodo creek, the land board had gone through proper land processes.

Paea said before it went to the tender process, the land board made two formal requests to the Ministry of Agriculture (MAL) and to another ministry.

He expressed that at the time, the ministry of agriculture was not interested in the land because one, it had graves in it and secondly, there were squatters in that area.

Paea mentioned that the other ministry was also not interested in the land so the land board decided to give the land to a company called “Solomon Islands agriculture livestock development” as it was the highest bidder.

“The company subsequently paid 3 million premium and an annual rental of 300,000 for 50 years term.

If you do the math, that actual cost of the land is 15 million”

Paea said the ministry of agriculture is currently developing land at Tenaru as its new research centre with assistance from World Bank.

‘MOCKERY OF CONSTITUTION’: WALE 

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Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

Opposition decries PM Manele’s move to convene Constituent Assembly today

BY NED GAGAHE

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale says the decision by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to convene the Constituent Assembly meeting today is “deeply concerning” and a “mockery of our Constitution”.

Wale’s statement came following the revelation that Prime Minister Manele had decided to convene the meeting on the eve of the constitutional deadline December 31, 2024.

The Opposition Leader said the Constituent Assembly is tasked by law with a serious responsibility. It must debate, amend, and vote on the future of our Draft Federal Constitution.

However, Wale said holding this meeting on the eve of its constitutional deadline, December 31, 2024, is deeply concerning as it leaves no room for meaningful and proper deliberation.

The Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly Sitting) Bill 2024 was recently defeated in Parliament, after it failed to secure the 38 votes required to pass the Bill.

The Bill also sought to amend the Constitution to extend the timeline for the sitting of the Constituent Assembly from December 31, 2024, to December 31, 2026, ensuring adequate time for the necessary preparatory processes leading up to the Assembly’s convening.

It also sought to expand the Assembly’s membership from 80 to 100 representatives from key institutions such as the Bar Association and the National Youth Congress.

“The Prime Minister has the power to call this Assembly. But that power must be exercised responsibly and within limits. The timing of this meeting undermines the Assembly’s ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate. This move threatens both our democratic process and our legislative intent. Ultimately, it makes a mockery of our Constitution.

“Furthermore, the current Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Act 2023 is fraught with deficiencies. These issues arise, you may remember, because the Government rushed the Bill through Parliament last year. For instance, the lack of transitionary provisions means that neither the Speaker nor the Prime Minister currently possess the legal authority to introduce, for the Assembly’s consideration and adoption, the procedural framework necessary to fulfill its statutory mandate.”

Wale said another significant shortfall is the absence of basic guidelines in the Act, as seen in the omission of a quorum requirement. Other problems also exist. Most notably, the failure to conduct a cost analysis of the federal system. This is a step that should precede the Assembly’s meeting.

 He said these issues were entirely avoidable.

He adds that a genuinely committed Government would never have brought such an ill-prepared Bill. Yet now, the Government seems intent on rushing this process again.

“Nonetheless, we can still fix this, together. I urge the Government to take responsibility. The Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Act 2023, riddled with flaws, must be repealed. In its place, the Government must bring a new general Constitutional amendment empowering Parliament to make laws on the matter of the federal Government. Parliament must then enact new legislation to establish the Assembly properly. The Government must give priority to these two legislative matters in early 2025.

“Our decisions today will affect future generations. We must uphold the integrity of our Constitution and democracy. I call on the Government to act with wisdom and care. I also call upon members of the Constituent Assembly to stand on their principles. The future of our Nation is too important to be handled recklessly,” Leader of Opposition Wale said.

The Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly Sitting) Bill 2024 was defeated in Parliament during its second reading on December 19, 2024, after failing short of securing the 38 votes required for the Bill to pass.

Only 31 MPs voted in support, two MPs abstain, three MPs opposed the Bill, and 14 MPs were absent.

The Bill seeks to amend the Constitution to extend the timeline for the sitting of the Constituent Assembly from December 31, 2024, to December 31, 2026, ensuring adequate time for the necessary preparatory processes leading up to the Assembly’s convening.

Additionally, the Bill proposes an expansion of the Constituent Assembly’s membership from 80 to 100, including representatives from key institutions such as the Bar Association and the National Youth Congress.

The Bill also provides for the inclusion of members with relevant expertise and experience. These members may include current and former public officials, individuals with in-depth knowledge of government operations, and former state office holders. Their contributions will enrich the deliberative process by bringing diverse perspectives and valuable insights to the Assembly and its thematic committees

Seven provinces adopt gender equality policies

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

SEVEN Provinces have successfully complied their gender equality policy this year, says Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) Freda Rotutafi Rangirei

The minister announced this in parliament recently, stating that three remaining provinces will be working on their respective policies next year.

Additionally, the ministry has suggested the inclusion of gender responsive budgeting in government ministries’ recurring budget. 

 “……. in coming years, we hope five or six ministries should include gender budgeting in their recurring budget so that women’s groups can also access funding from these ministries,” she said.

Furthermore, the ministry has successfully assisted in reviving the National Council of Women (NCW), which had been in hiatus.

 “……. and it is now functioning very well and connecting to women’s groups as well as the nine provincial women’s councils.” Minister Rangirei added.

Recently, the NCW announced that since its revival, the council has witnessed a spike in registered members.

Running gov’t is a serious responsibility

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By Loretta B Manele

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale said running a government is a very serious responsibility and after all, it is the people’s government.

He made the statement at the Sine Die Motion in parliament last Thursday.

Wale said those animating and exercising government are trustees above all else.

He expressed that if leaders lose sight of the trusteeship, then what follows is bad governance, bad decision making and poor choices.

“The consequences are on all who call this beautiful Solomon Islands home and so no one should be conducting themselves as if they own the government alone and use their position in government for their own personal benefits”

He said we know that human nature tends to pull against what is right and good for everyone because the human heart above all else is deceitful.

Wale mentioned that it is precisely because of the human condition that they, as leaders all have the responsibility to hold each other to account not only for the benefit of the country but also to help each other as individuals.

“To not fall into the traps of self-interest and greed and thereby bring the public offices we occupy into disrepute and erode the people’s trust in their government”

Wale emphasized that it is very important that people trust their government to do the best for them because when poor decisions or poor choices are made, rightly or wrongly, the people lose trust.

“We must be jealous about protecting the trust of the people in their government”

Asilaua-led MECTG acknowledges development initiatives by MPAs

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Asilaua-led Malaita Economic Cooperation and Transformative Government (MECTG) has expressed its appreciation for ward development initiatives proposed by individual Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs).

As a responsible government, the MECTG recognizes and values these ward-level projects, which are integral to its bottom-up ward development policy. This policy encourages all MPAs—whether from the executive or non-executive branches—across the 33 wards of Malaita Province to actively pursue development projects for their communities.

Acknowledging the limitations of the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) program, the MECTG emphasizes that not all wards will receive PCDF-supported projects, even within a four-year term. Therefore, MPAs, through their Ward Development Committees (WDCs), are urged to proactively seek alternative projects and funding opportunities to address their communities’ needs.

In addition, the MECTG highlights the importance of community projects that align with the national government’s GNUT rural development policy or the priorities of national line ministries. Key areas of need include school development, water supply, and sanitation projects, which are critical for many of Malaita’s wards.

Other initiatives, such as fisheries and agriculture projects, are also encouraged, provided they meet the specific needs of the communities and contribute to sustainable development in the province.

The executive government remains ready to endorse project proposals from MPAs, ensuring that viable initiatives brought forward through their WDCs can help drive development across Malaita Province.

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