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Galo joins Gov’t

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South Choiseul Member of Parliament, Sammy Qalo

THE Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) has welcomed its new member.

He is the newly elected Member of Parliament for South Choiseul Constituency Sammy Galo.

Galo’s decision to join the DCGA makes him the 39 member of the ruling government.

He attended his first Caucus meeting this week when he was greeted with congratulatory messages from members of the Caucus.

Deputy Chairman of Caucus Jackson Fiulaua told Galo that he used his wisdom in making the right decision to join the government.

“I join thousands of people in the country on behalf of the DCGA Caucus to congratulate you as the new MP for South Choiseul constituency,” Fiulaua stated.

He also encouraged the new MP to contribute to matters deliberated on during meetings, adding that the Caucus looks forward for the important contributions he will make during the course of Caucus meetings.

The Deputy Chairman of Caucus further encouraged Galo to seek advice and guidance from his colleague MPs, and make the assurance that Caucus stands ready to support him in any way.

Fiulaua reiterated that “togetherness as a government work towards the betterment of our people and our beloved country”.

Meanwhile, Galo said the motivating factor behind his decision to join the government is that at these uncertain times brought about by the COVID 19 pandemic, a stable government is important to navigate the nation through.

“I have full trust and confidence in the Prime Minister and DCGA – its policies and programs – and I look forward to participate in any of the government’s plans all in the best interest of our nation and people,” Galo stated.

Galo also acknowledged South Choiseul leaders- traditional and church leaders- for their support towards his successful election in the recent by- election.

He further pledged to work with Provincial Ward members in South Choiseul constituency to elevate the constituency to newer heights.

Galo was the son of former South Choiseul MP Robertson Galo, who lost the seat in an election petition case early last year.

At that time, Galo senior was the leader of the Independent Group in parliament.

Isabel 37 years old but without needed infrastructure: Kikolo

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Jennifer Kusapa
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Isabel Premier Leslie Kikolo.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Isabel province, despite being 37 years old, is still with the “least infrastructural development”.

It is the longest island in the country, but with the shortest road.

Isabel premier Leslie Kikolo revealed this in his Second Appointed Day remarks yesterday.

He said it is a generational challenge to the people of Isabel.

Mother Union members part of the parade yesterday

He said many lives have been lost due to poor road conditions as people have to cross rivers and travel by boat to reach their destinations, and this has made the provincial government to prioritise constructing of road access as it will be the only solution to these problems.

Addressing prime minister Manasseh Sogavare, the guest of honour, Mr Kikolo said: “Honourable PM, we are in dire desperation for the National Government to boost our efforts in building the network around the Island.

“This would alleviate many of the challenges stoppings our people from progressing well into the era of technology.

“Moreover, it is saddening to know having access to submarine cable that delivers super speed internet connection and Buala town is still on 2G communication technology.

“We call on the four IXP providers in the country and the government to seek solutions for the province.

“I believe in this age and time, solution to connect the last mileage are numerous and we just need to find the right, we should also encourage small innovative technology companies to participate in seeking for the solution, rather than look always on big traditional companies and expensive technologies,” Kikolo said.

Schools participating in the parade at the opening of the Isabel day celebration

Another concern by the province is the upgrade of the Buala wharf. There have been assurances given to the province for maintenance and upgrade by donor partners, and various visits and assessments have already been made by technical officers from the Ministry of Infrastructural Development and other donor partners.

“Honourable Prime Minister, it is sad to learn that nothing has been done up to now, this is still our priority and we need your current national government to take note and quickly address this our concern.

“Therefore, competing with other eight provinces for financial resources and support from the national government and donor partners will always remain a challenge for Isabel province,” Kikolo added.

Sogavare calls for all to believe in ‘one, united SI’

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Isabel Leaders presenting gifts to the Prime Minister Sogavare

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has called on provincial governments to believe in one united Solomon Islands.

He made the comment in Buala yesterday during Isabel province’s 37th anniversary celebration.

Mr Sogavare said Solomon Islands cannot afford to break itself up into small pieces.

He thanked the Premier and the people of Isabel province for believing in a ‘one united country’.

“Isabel like any other provinces was established under the Provincial Government Act and it is important that we understand the relationship between the National Government and the Provincial governments.

Members of the community carrying gifts for invited guests

“Our Unity and our future as a nation hinges on we understand that very important fact, provinces must work with the national Government,” Sogavare said.

“We need to spread the message to other provinces and nation that we need to sustain the important links, these times are changing and I want to congratulate you Mr Premier as Isabel province is on-board on this we are facing trying circumstances and we need to re-think on a lot of things,” Sogavare said.

Sogavare also highlighted that Isabel is one of the provinces that has remained a loyal agent of the national government and for believing in one united Solomon Islands

He acknowledged the issues raised by Isabel’s Premier in his speech that Isabel province is in dire need of infrastructure development.

SDA pathfinders part of the parade during the celebration yesterday

“A country that does not invest in infrastructure development is a country invest in nothing and I want to thank you and our collective efforts as provinces and government for us to sit down together and chat our way forward, this pandemic has given us a wonderful opportunity to sit back and shake our heads and say think again.

“Thank you Mr Premier for outlining our successes, challenges and failures as those issues raised will help us in the next fiscal year to re-look back in the setting of the redirection strategy what we have been in this country,” Sogavare said.

He said redirection is the issue right now and there has to be more input from people on the ground, as you are the people who see the implementation of the national government programmes.

Prime Minister Sogavare was the guest of honour at the Isabel 37th anniversary celebration yesterday.

Isabel second appointed day celebrated in Buala

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare inspects the guard of honour during the 37th Second Appointed of Isabel province in Buala yesterday. Premier of Isabel Province Leslie Kikolo highlighted that Isabel province is the longest Island in the Solomon Islands but with the least infrastructural development and shortest road Photo: Jennifer Kusapa.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

‘Strengthening links in the changing circumstances for a vibrant Isabel’ is the theme for Isabel’s 37th anniversary.

Premier of Isabel Province Leslie Kikolo in his address said every year June 2 Isabel people unite together to celebrate their second appointed day.

“I must say that in the last 37 years, governing a province, not to mention the country, is no easy task. I must acknowledge every single individual from the past and present our national government, government agencies, and other stakeholder who have made unimaginable sacrifice to serve our people and province,” Kikolo said.

Children dancing away with the sound of panpipes

He said it’s a time of celebration and at the same time spend time to reflect on the achievements and to also acknowledge the failures, challenges and successes.

Kikolo said for the last 37 years Isabel traversed its development under various leadership through many generic and unique challenges, but at the same time took opportunities to strategically expedite the progress.

He said that like any other province throughout the country Isabel must acknowledge its partnership with the national government through the Ministry of Provincial Government.

PM Sogavare along with Isabel Premier cutting Isabel traditional taro pudding to mark the 37 Isabel 2nd appointed day

Kikolo also acknowledged the Prime Minister for attending the 37th anniversary celebrations as the guest of honour.

“With budget stress due to the covid-19 pandemic and your tight schedules, making it to those event, not only displays your personality as a humble chief with respect for his citizens, but a reflection of a great leader who can lead a nation out of poverty, misery and misfortunes,” Kikolo said.

The celebration was a specular celebration with the main highlight of the day being the performances of the RSIPF police band.

VIEWPOINT- Mamara Estate Development

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Work on the Mamara City project last year.

PETER FORAU

Honiara

I have been drawn to the public discourse on the Mamara Estate Development out of shame and my desire to diffuse some of squally allegations that have been made against the project where some have even dared to allege, it is a fraud.  

I guess this is freedom of speech so I have no authority to attempt to shut anyone off. 

All I can say is, it’s quite dangerous to be making spurious allegations without evidence.  

Anyway, that said, may I also say that it’s important to share information on the funding for a major project to avoid speculation which often times can lead to fake news and dangerous inferences.  

Before going on, I’m beholden to the public to declare that I’m not an agent for the Government, neither a representative of the investors (Metroplis,) who recently have claimed monies from the state for the assembly of 30 kit homes at the Mamara development site west of Honiara (not myself seen the development so far, so using information shared in the media).

I’m publishing this article for purposes of sharing information on the funding of the housing component to ally speculation that is now surrounding funding for the project.

For public information, I was the consultant that did the financing model for the housing development component of the investment.    

This assignment was sanctioned by the Cabinet to assess the financial implications of the housing project so Cabinet can be assured that whatever funding arrangement is used will not incur excessive financial outlay to the Government. 

A terms of reference was developed and based on it, I conducted the study using information sourced through the interim secretariat based at the MCILI. 

I was told the information was originally provided by the MPS and the ML&HS.   

May I also say that currently the SIG is spending millions (over $100 million ) on renting private houses to accommodate public servants as part of the terms and conditions for working in the Public service.

In fact the Government spends around just over $150 million (2019 figure) in rentals to accommodate just 3,600 public servants. 

This represents just about 20 percent of public servants as there are around 17,000 public servants.  

If the Government accommodates all public servants through its rental scheme, the figure will consume the entire Government budget.  So it’s important to keep that scenario in perspective.

The Mamara housing development is intended to allow public servants to own homes therefore assist Government to gradually reduce its rental bill over the long term. 

And that is the fundamental rationale of the housing component of the project.   

Ok that is fine, no one will dispute that but I think many people are speculating in the media because the information has not been shared about how ownership of the houses will be funded.  

I’m sure the Government, when everything has been finalized, will eventually come out to publicly explain what is happening.

Ahead of that occurring, perhaps I can foreshadow, that the funding model that I had proposed is sound and practical.

In the model I had offered a number of options including pooling of the Government’s rental scheme, Public-Private partnership (PPP) and vendor finance.  

All of these options will not require Government to allocate extra funds in the budget to assist public servants pay for ownership of the houses. 

How is this possible, one may ask?  Well, as I said before right now Government allocates just over $150 million in its rental scheme to accommodate public servants (some of them) in private homes. 

So when there is no allocation in the budget, it means that there is no need to because the funding will come from the rental scheme budget which is already budgeted for under the budget of the Ministry of Lands and Housing services.

So that is where the money will come from. As it’s been legally appropriated there should not be any issues on that front.  

However, I understand there is a question on whether it’s legal for the Government to reallocate a budget intended for something else.

I’m no authority on this so I’ll leave to the right authorities to explain this.  

On the PPP option, again there is no need for a budget allocation by the Government as the investor is supposed to provide the funding under contract and the mechanism for this arrangement I have already covered in an earlier article I had written on PPP that was published in the Island Sun newspaper previously.

On the vendor finance option, this is a normal mortgage arrangement that uses funds, sourced not from the banks, but from the investor, which public servants who are allocated homes for ownership at Mamara can service using the rental scheme entitlement which, I understand will be paid directly to the eligible public servants under a new housing policy that Government should have formulated last year- not sure though if this is already in place.

However, the important thing to consider is that there is no additional budgetary allocation by Government to implement this or the other two options.

This option was proposed basically because it is common knowledge that most public servants, with the salaries they are being paid, will not be able to qualify for commercial bank mortgages.

I say this with utmost respect for public officers.   

And now, to the proverbial letter by the investor, to claim monies from the Government, which the media had highlighted in the public domain. 

My I venture to say that there is really nothing sinister about the letter of request by the investor to the Government requesting a payment of $22 million. 

If they had completed 20 or 30 houses then they should be paid.

The money should come from pooling of the rental entitlements of the 30 public servants that are supposed to be selected to move into the 30 completed homes.

There is supposed to be a process for this which my terms of reference did not cover, but anyway, it was supposed to be established.

May I also say that I had cautioned Government to sign an agreement with the investor to ensure the respective obligations between the parties were addressed in a legal document.

This is to avoid unnecessary demands by the investor and to protect the rights of the Government over the assets of the development.

Finally, my I say I was not required to look at the background of the investor nor the design of the homes.  

I was just required to do the financing model which I had done.  

As to whether there is money in the budget to pay for the homes, yes there is money under the budget for the rental scheme which Parliament as required by law has duly appropriated. 

The rental scheme was supposed to be reviewed last year but as PS of Commerce has confirmed this is being reviewed as we speak. 

As to the allegations that those behind the project are fraudsters, I reserve any comments on this as I don’t have any evidence to share an opinion.

However, I would say that the project is an investment, and if 30 houses have been assembled and are completed ready for occupation, then it’s a normal business requirement that whoever had ordered for the properties to be built, has to pay. 

It’s really no rocket scientist matter. 

Taking all this into account, the claim for the $22 million would seem to be in order because by simple deduction, the average price for a house would be around $600ks – $700ks and not the ridiculous figure quoted by some as $4 million per house. 

I would be surprised if the project is a fraud because there is a Council and Secretariat leading the development. 

These institutional bodies are headed by eminent Government ministers and senior officials. 

I’m sure they would have required the due diligence checks to be completed before getting the Government involved.

And as an economist, I believe the project can be transformational in providing jobs, generating income, generating multiple linked business activities, and improving the standard of living of our hardworking public officers. 

I think the onset of negativities have been provoked by lack of complete and accurate information sharing. 

Also lack of quality control seems to be depriving proper checks on whether the designs of the houses are suitable for our context. 

These are issues that can be corrected by inviting the right experts to be part of the Council so that, going forward the project is properly guided and governed. 

In conclusion may I urge the investor, to ensure it plays by the rule of law as a lot of energy and time have been invested in getting the project off the ground. 

You will get your money back if you follow the law. 

Maybe reconsider the design of the houses to suit the local tropical climate. 

I suggest have your options open so that if the Government reneges there is a huge private market in which you can sell your properties in provided you have the right designs. 

I still believe the Mamara project will succeed if it is properly guided and governed!

LOGGING ON A DOT

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Logging site

Gizo to witness operations, Premier Gina a company director

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO residents are expected to see a logging operation on 6-Mile.

This is after Commissioner of Lands, Alan McNeil endorsed a Grant of Profit to the Western Province Investment Corporation (WPIC) over parcel number 097-019-105 land in Gizo, Western province on March 1 this year.

WPIC has appointed a contractor, Renown Surf & Cargo Ltd to carry out logging operation on 6 Mile for the next five years.

This was based on legal documents sighted by Island Sun newspaper yesterday.

Under the Technology and Marketing Agreement, all royalties are to be paid to the licensee within 21 days of negotiation of the Letter of Credit.

Royalties for each sale of logs from any plot in the Concession Area shall be at the rate of 15 percent of the net invoice price (FOB port of shipment) of that sale.

Renown shall withhold 10 percent of royalties specified in Clause 9.2 and of the License’s fee specified in Clause 8.2 and remit the same as withholding tax to the relevant Government Agency in accordance with the applicable law.

Renown Surf & Cargo Ltd shall pay the relevant Governmental Agency the export/exercise duty of 25 percent of the net invoice price (FOB port of shipment) of each sale of logs from any plot in the Concession Area.

The Directors of WPIC are Douglas Alex, current Western Province Premier David Gina, Isaac Vula Tatapu and hide former directors are Alex Lokopio and John Wesley Zama.

The shareholders are David Gina intrust for Western Investment Corporation and Alex Lokopio in trust for Executive of Western Province.

However, residents in Gizo have criticised the proposed logging operation on 6 Mile as it will destroy water streams that they depend on for swimming and drinking.

They call on the premier to discourage any proposed operation at Mile 6, because it is the last habitat for Gizo White-eye with no forest compared to other Islands.

They are also concerned the logging operation will make extinct unique species like White eye bird.

Island Sun understand Gizo township is always facing water shortage due to no proper water source.

Mr Gina could not be reached for comments before this paper went to print last night.

Sifoni: MARA remains solid

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Deputy Premier, Sifoni

MALAITA’S deputy premier Randol Sifoni has outrightly dismissed Alfred Sasak’s Solomon Star’s front-page story that asserts “Premier Suidani’s trip to Taiwan could bring his own downfall”.

The article claimed the Executive is looking at replacing Premier Suidani.

“This is a false story and has no truth in it,” Sifoni said.

“This is nothing but a headline story to please someone else’s agenda,” he added.

“As for the MARA Malaita Provincial Government, we are behind our premier from day one.

“And in this matter, the Executive has given him all the support the premier needed at a time that is challenging for him, his family, and Malaita Province.”

Sifoni also stated the MARA Executive is unmoved by “any rhetoric from anyone more so from the author of the story”.

“It is plain and clear that what Sasako is alleging is totally false, shameful, and has not got even an ounce of truth in it.”

The deputy premier further stated that what is publicly known about Sasako is that he is a desparate man and has lost touch with reality, especially the realities of Malaita Province.

“Sasako should stop politicizing our premier’s medical trip.

“Anybody who does not appreciate others that have given support during times of sickness and hardship can only be described as someone belonging to the demonic world.

“That would be an appropriate description befitting such ignorant and arrogant behavior.

“How could a trip for someone’s life that is supported on humanitarian grounds make any backfires to a political government?

“Anyone who has that thought in his brain showed an inhuman approach to the premier’s health and medical wellbeing.

“Let it be known to Sasako that the premier didn’t choose to be sick, he has a duty to the people he represents to try to stay healthy.

“In any case, his trip has not cost the province or the government anything. Thank you, Taiwan for her help towards our premier.

“All that has been written in the story are liars and that nothing is true about it.”

Sifoni warns Sasako to refrain from “making baseless stories like this”.

“Sasako’s uneducated knowledge about provincial government and assembly matters clearly showed he is far from reality.

“He should know that the failed motion last year against Premier Suidani that he was said to have involved in means there could not be any further motions of no confidence for the next 12 months.

“The motion of no confidence on Premier was in October last year and counting from October last year any new motion has to be after October this year 2021.

“There is no way a motion of no confidence could be staged anytime from now as alleged by Sasako.

“This is a requirement of the Provincial Government Act and no executive and assembly would do anything about it until after October 2021.”

Wale calls for full disclosure of Mamara

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Work on the Mamara City project last year.

OPPOSITION leader Matthew Wale calls on the Government to make full disclosures on all its dealings relating to the Mamara Township Development Project to date.

The call follows the statements by the PS responsible for Commerce and William Ling of Metropolis Pacific PTE Ltd published earlier.  

Wale points out that while the PS says that a decision is yet to be reached on the deal in respect of the proposed public services housing scheme, the developer is saying, their letter follows understandings already reached.

“This raises serious questions on the prices tag and the nature of any surrounding discussions,” Wale said in a statement yesterday.

“If the Mamara Development Act is to be fully complied with in light of the time that has lapsed, price amongst many others are matters of importance that should have been negotiated and addressed well before any commitments were made under the original agreement for public servants,” he added.

“This is more so now in light of the revelation that public servants are going to be paying for the houses through their own savings and or loans.  

“What guarantee do they have that they are not going to lose out in the end?”

Wale went on to add that with recent changes in the laws dealing with land, the recent Government policy redirection and budget constraints forced on us by the impact of Covid 19 and the impact of climate change, surely the government must have had concerns over the currency of the agreement hence considered taking steps to safeguard the interest of public servants and other investors.

“Clearly the prices seem too excessive for the type and quality of houses thus raising questions on affordability. Someone must explain.

“I therefore call on the Government to own up and to disclose all dealings leading up to the start of the project, and to inform public servants on the pros and cons of investing in the project. 

“Our people will live with the project for many years to come and so the PM must do the right thing.

“The PM must leave no stones unturned as he likes to say and come out clean,” the Opposition Leader further adds.

Plea to return stolen phone

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The Suspect.

A SENIOR public servant is requesting the return of his mobile phone after video footage from a shop in Kukum identified the likely culprit.

Director of Immigration, Mason Fugui calls on the girl (shown in the picture) to return his mobile phone to HF shop or call 7584778.

Fugui made the call after he identified the suspect in the CCTV obtained from HF shop, in front of the Cowboys Grill, Kukum.

In the CCTV, the suspect allegedly stole Fugui’s mobile phone on the counter when he left the shop around 4.30pm.

“I returned to the shop today (yesterday) and identified the suspect in the CCTV.

“I call on the suspect to return the phone because I have the evidence to give to police,” he said.

Fugui said he needs his phone because it contains his work, study documents and important contacts.

Second dose roll out starts

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First Member of Parliament to receive complete doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Congratulations Hon. Lanelle Olandrea Tanangada.

THE roll out of AstraZeneca vaccine second dose for those who received their first dose in March, April and May at the Central Field Hospital in Honiara commenced yesterday.

Leading the line to receive the second dose was Attorney-General John Muria followed by Chairman of Caucus Namson Tran, Minister of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) Lanelle Olandrea Tanangada, Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau and members of the RSIPF including staff of Solomon Airlines, Customs etc.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Health Minister Dr Culwick Togamana and other government ministers and officials who also received vaccination on day one of COVID-19 vaccine roll out will receive theirs this Sunday after returning from the Isabel Province 2nd Appointed Day.

“On this note, the Ministry of Health would like to inform that for all those who will be receiving their 2nd AstraZeneca vaccine dose, you can receive your 2nd vaccine jab either on the exact day as stated in your vaccination card or within 14 days following the date on your cards,” a ministry statement said.

Attorney-General Mr. John Muria the first Solomon Islander to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“The second dose is important to further boost the body immune system to fight against COVID-19,” it added.

 At the Central Field Hospital, there are two tents set up in front of the hospital, one for those to receive their first dose of Sinopharm vaccine and the other for AstraZeneca second dose.

Please carry your vaccination card when you come to receive your second dose.

Inside the hospital, the 54 cubicles are separated into two groups, one for administration of Sinopharm vaccine and the other for AstraZeneca vaccine.

Sinopharm vaccine is open for all persons 18 years and above in Honiara and Guadalcanal province who have ease of access to the hospital whilst AstraZeneca is only for those coming to receive their second dose.

Health is calling on all eligible people (18 years and above) to come forward for the Sinopharm vaccine. Let us take proactive measures to protect ourselves and our country against COVID-19. It is critical that we are all aware that in the event of a community transmission; we will scramble for the vaccines but it will already be too late as our bodies will require time to build these antibodies or soldiers to be able to wrestle with the virus.

We plan to roll out the COVID vaccine to eastern and Western parts of Guadalcanal Province and will inform you about the details of the roll out in future press briefs.

–MHMS

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