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Wale wants an explanation on Mamara payment claim

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Work on the Mamara City project last year.

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale calls on the government to explain the claim by Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd for payment in relation to houses built under the Mamara Township Development Project.

The call was made after reports suggested that Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd has put in a claim for payment of more than $21million from the government for more than 20 houses built to date under the Mamara – Tasivarongo – Mavo Development Agreement.

“This twist now takes the debate on this project to new heights.  For all we know, the agreement was ratified by an Act of the same name passed by Parliament and gazetted around March 1, 1996. 

“This year makes it 27 years after signing and one cannot help but wonder whether the agreement is still valid,” Wale said.

He points out that the current investor is probably the second to take up the project in the last four years and the original agreement was with Metropolis Pacific PTE Ltd, a company registered in Singapore.

“The letter of demand on the other hand was issued for Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd, a locally registered company.  

“Are these the same company or not? If they are, has the time that has passed affected the agreement at all or not?

“If they are not the same company and given the time lapse, have the terms of the agreement ever been repudiated and what steps had been taken to contextualise the terms?”

He said Section 2 (2) of the Act requires any amendment to the agreement to be met by appropriate amendments to the Act also.

“Clause 27 of the agreement further requires any changes made to be placed before Parliament. This is a safety net providing opportunity for Parliament to review matters such as prices, budgetary constraints and changes in laws amongst others. Someone must explain what is going on. Thus, it is very important that answers be provided.

“Looking at the claimed figure and the planned total number of houses, this project is going to cost the government big time and this clearly runs contrary to Government promises to focus our limited resources on protecting our country from Covid 19, and growing our resource sector. This deal signals a major hole which is going to drain our limited finances if anything.

“I therefore call on the Prime Minister to come out clear and explain the situation. The public at large and tax payers whom are going to be affected need to know what is going on,” the Opposition Leader adds.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

Logging picks up in Malaita after decline

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Logging is reportedly picking up in Malaita province.

Last year saw a dramatic decline to logging in Malaita thanks to covid-19.

Following 21 logging operations reported in the province in the beginning of 2020, only seven survived.

However, reports say logging is slowly picking up again, with three operations bound to start this year.

These three are reportedly in their timber rights hearing stage.

Officer in charge of the Provincial Reforestation office in Auki, Mr Ronnie Aiwewe said there are more logging operation applications pending for Malaita.

“More to come,” he says.

In 2019, this paper reported up to 20 logging operations in the province, the highest number of logging operations in any province in the country at that time.

In the beginning of 2020, it climbed to 21 operations before dropping down to seven by the end of the year.

Aiwewe confirmed to this paper yesterday that three new operations are expected in the province soon and applications for new operations pending.

He said the three new operations are now into their timber rights hearing stage.

Aiwewe said one for Wairokai in west Are Are, another for Masupa in east Are Are, and the third one for west Kwaio.

For the current seven active operations, one in East Are Are, three in Small Malaita, and the other three in West Kwaio.

Saying the operations is within the central and southern regions of the province, particularly from west Kwaio to south Malaita and East Are Are.

Aiwewe explained that the main reason for decline of logging in the province last year was covid-19.

He said there are other reasons such as disputes and even MARA government’s firm stand against logging operations in the province.

Aircraft tracker commissioned

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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THE Minister for Civil Aviation and Communications, Peter Shanel

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Automatic Dependent Surveillance –Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment to track aircraft location was officially commissioned yesterday for use.

The official commissioning and issuance of notice to airmen was done by Minister for Communication and Aviation Peter Shanel Agovaka.

Mr Agovaka said the commissioning of the (ADS-B) equipment marks one of the biggest achievements of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).

“The official commissioning of the ADS-B for the users Airlines and Operators that flies into Solomon Islands will be monitored by the ADS-B, both over-flights, arriving and departing both Munda and Honiara marks one of the biggest milestone achievement in my ministry,” he said.

Permanent Secretary to MCA Moses Virivolomo said the ADS-B is an advance surveillance technology for tracking aircraft location that will be implemented as a part of the next generation Air Transportation System.

 Virivolomo said the ADS-B will replace radar as the primary surveillance method of controlling aircraft.

Avatai murder case goes to High Court

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi confirmed in court yesterday the case against the accused Ashley Ghapuika has been committed to the High Court for trial on murder charge.

She said that a committal has been made to the High Court and the accused will be called at the High Court on May 28.

She therefore told the Correctional Officers to bring the accused to the High Court on Friday.

Ashley Ghapuika of Rennell Island, Rennell-Bellona province was charged with the murder of a young man at Avatai village in West Rennell on February 15, 2021.

The allegation said that the deceased and his uncle were in their kitchen at Avatai Village, in west Rennell, trying to light a roll of cigarette.

It was when the deceased was trying to light his smoke, the suspect entered the door with a long bush knife and walked straight to where the deceased was standing and allegedly cut the deceased once on the back of his neck.

It is believed the deceased was not able to defend himself due to the sudden attack. The suspect later went outside from the kitchen and walked away with his bush knife full of blood.

The deceased was rushed to the Tigoa mini-Hospital in West Rennell in a vehicle but was confirmed dead by the nurse in charge.

Murder charge to be reduced for young men in teacher’s death.

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PUBLIC Prosecution has confirmed in court they will reduce the murder charge against three males alleged to have involved in the death of an elderly teacher at the Bahai area in March this year.

Prosecutor Steward Tonowane said they have decided on the reduction of the murder charge to that of manslaughter.

However, they will make a formal application in court to withdrew the current charge on the next appearance as they are working on wording of the charge.

Tonowane also informed the court the investigation is complete and disclosures were served to defence lawyers on May 14, 2021.

Meanwhile a lawyer from the public solicitor’s officer Paul None who appeared with instruction from his colleagues Daniel Kwalai, Allan Tinoni and Ben Alasia, told the court to adjourn the case for a later date.

He said according to Kwalai, he is yet to receive confirmation on whether or not investigations are complete, while Mr Tinoni said that he is yet to visit his client in custody and obtain instruction for plea.

For Mr Alasia, is currently in Auki on a High Court circuit.

Meanwhile Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga said that it seems that the lawyers in carriage of the cases did not read the documents served to them.

He said, “as lawyers you need to think and act quickly on matters as you are serving the people.”

Therefore, he adjourned the case to May 31 for possible plea.

On the night of March 26 this year, the three young men reportedly attacked the victim along the road at Bahai area.

This attack reportedly led to the death of the victim the next day.

Manelusi hold talks with Gizo inmates

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Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi delivered his remarks for GCC inmates witnessed by GCC Commandant supt Joseph Teraka (left) and his Deputy commandant Inspector Harry Ama(right)

COMMISSIONER of the Correctional Service Solomon Islands, Gabriel Manelusi has held talks with inmates at the Gizo Correctional Service during his official visit to the Western Province recently.

The presentation by Commissioner Manelusi relates to updates on the progression and feedbacks on matters raised to his office during previous visits to the Centre.

“I also encourage all of us, brother inmates your mission and my mission for 2021, is how can you and I change the world to better or change our community or family better, so that you and I enjoy the life and our purpose in this earth and to ensure our country and our community are safe, enjoyable and peaceful”, Manelusi told inmates.

“The key message I like to reinforce and encourage each of us is your mission and my mission on conditions to see God. How can you and I see God, we need to seek God, we need to turn from our old ways and we need to live a Holy life, since all our doings are recorded in the kingdom of God”

Gizo inmates putting on their beautiful song after their skit presentation

He adds that their mission and his is to heal the heart and mind before they can change the world.

“We need to change first in our life before we can change others.

He encouraged every Convict and Remand Inmates of GCC to respect the law, respect the Correctional Centres properties, respect Correctional Officers and respect each other as we progress together for the future of this organization, God bless you and God bless our Nation, Solomon Islands.

Inmates’ representative delivered the message on the topic Repentance and Forgiveness during the Commissioners official visit at Gizo correction

Meanwhile GCC inmates displayed encouragement skits on the topic “Repentance and Forgiveness” and also sounding a wonderful song title “Lord lift me up”

Gizo Correctional Centre said it will continue to strive to achieve its obligations despite challenges faced and will continue to improve, strengthen and implement positive changes as we progress the future of our organization, according to GCC Commandant supt Joseph Teraka.

—CSSI

Guale Noni farmers get tools from MAL

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MAL Guadalcanal Agriculture Extension Officers hands over the tools and wheel barrows to Noni farmers at Tamboko Village.

THE Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) through its Guadalcanal Agriculture Extension Division has delivered farming tools to two farmer groups at Tamboko community in Northwest Guadalcanal recently.

The support included distribution of wheel barrows and pruning tools purposely to support farmers with their harvesting and to manage their noni trees to accessible heights for harvesting and at the same time enhancing increased yield per tree.

Chief Field Officer for Guadalcanal Province Mr. Joseph Wotomaru said the delivery included 10 wheel barrows, 10 loppers and 10 secateurs (pruning scissors).

“17 farmers formed the two farmer groups and actually they are the ones (farmers) that will be benefiting directly from the support as they will be using the tools to improve their farming activities,” Mr. Wotomaru explained.

The distribution was part of MAL’s continuous support under its Sustainable Economic Growth and Export Strengthening (SEGES) programme, a Medium Term Development Programme (MTDP) of the ministry which is being implemented from 2020 to 2024 to boost farmer’s agricultural productivity and to improve their revenue earnings.

The main objectives of the SEGES is to;

  • Make sure farmers, associations, producers, buyers and exporters are empowered to increase productivity and to increase revenue earnings.
  • Enhanced copra productivity through rehabilitation and support to CRB activities
  • Enhance Cocoa Productivity through Rehabilitation and Genetic improvements
  • Support Kava developments to increase productivity in all the Provinces

Wotomaru said the recipients (farmers) are really happy and acknowledged MAL for the assistance which will certainly aid them in their farming undertakings. 

He then thanked MAL Extension Department management for the facilitation and procurement of the farming tools and ensuring they are safely delivered to the farmers.

Eight more farmer groups are yet to be supported under this project support for Guadalcanal Province.

Honey bee farmers told to seek help from World Bank

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Honey farmers on Ulawa

HONEY farmers on Ulawa Island in the Makira /Ulawa province were told to seek assistance from the World bank’s Agriculture for Rural Transformation (ART) programme.

Speaking to Ulawa honey farmers during an assessment visit, Moses Suifasia told bee farmers that they need to organise themselves, form a small organisation so they can sought assistance from the World Bank through its new programme, ART.

Mr Suifasia and Matilda Tabura who are from the SIRDP ( Solomon Islands Rural Development Program) component two are doing an assessment survey with farmers on Ulawa, involved in the SIRDP’s partnership programme, Agri-Business Partnership Program through Wings and the Solomon Islands Small Business Enterprise Center (SISBEC).

Suifasia told farmers that the survey is an important assessment as it will draw out a baseline for farmers on Ulawa.

“This assesment we are doing is very important for  farmers on Ulawa as it will form a baseline report in preparation for the World bank’s agriculture programme, Agriculture for Rural Transformation (ART) that is soon to be implemented”, he said.

 “We will also forward this report to relevant authorities so they can have background information about farmers on Ulawa”, he adds.

He also informed farmers that the SIRDP component two (SIRDP C2) programme will soon close and will be taken over by the World bank and will be known as Agriculture for Rural Transformation programme ( ART).

“The Solomon Islands Rural Development Program ( SIRDP) will dissolve soon and the World Bank will carry on with the SIRDP Component two programme under its new program,” he further added.

 He said this will be an advantage for rural farmers, especially honey farmers on Ulawa to apply for funding assistance to boost bee keeping on the island, one of Ulawa’s potential agriculture product along side copra.

He further told farmers that the World Bank’s Agriculture for Rural Transformation programme will only be implemented in three provinces, namely; Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira Ulawa province.

“you are very lucky as the World Bank has identified only three provinces for their Agriculture for Rural Transformation programme unlike the SJRDP’s partnership program, Agri-Business Partnership Program where many provinces are involved”, he said.

“This gives you the opportunity to access funding from this programme so I recommend that you should start preparing for this new Programme and make good use of this opportunity.

– By LIONEL TAORAO in Ulawa

New road upgrade for Honiara settlements

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One of the road worked on under the CAUSE Project

PEOPLE living in Kombivatu, Feraladoa, Ferakusia, and Matariu will no longer face hiccups when travelling to town to access services like markets, schools, and clinics through the completion of their road upgrade by CAUSE Project.

It took Island Kori, the local contractor, 14 months to complete the rehabilitation work.

The total length of the road is 820 meters, of which 294 meters are sealed with concrete, and 526 meters are unsealed.

It is estimated that more than 400plus households will benefit from the road upgrade.

The road upgrade costs $2.238 million. Funding for the road project comes from World Bank. 

A statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development Permanent Secretary Stephen Maesiola said now that the road is completed, beneficiaries need to look after it well for the years to come.

He emphasized the involvement of the woman contractor who undertook this contract and the equivalent SBD 400 thousand dollars labors given to the community.

PS Maesiola also stated that MID is on its plan to implement the same road rehabilitation in urban towns of Western and Malaita provinces.

—CAUSE PROJECT MEDIA

EDITORIAL- Where’s the explanation on Mamara?

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A WEEK on and we are yet to hear a Government explanation over the more than $21 million request it received from Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd.

The request was made in a letter that was leaked on social media last Thursday.

Developer Metropolis Pacific asked the Government to pay $21,945,000 for 30 houses, which it expects to complete by the end of June.

This request indicates a behind-the-scene arrangement between the Government and Metropolis that was never made public.

Early this week, the Government’s Communication Unit said it is working on a clarification that will be issued shortly.

The public is still waiting for that.

Yesterday, Opposition leader Mathew Wale weigh into the debate.

He urged the Government to explain the $21 million claim.

He’s what Wale has to say:

“This twist now takes the debate on this project to new heights,” Wale said in a statement.

“For all we know, the agreement was ratified by an Act of the same name passed by Parliament and gazetted around 1st March 1996.

“This year makes it 27 years after signing and one cannot help but wonder whether the agreement is still valid.

“The current investor is probably the second to take up the project in the last four years and the original agreement was with Metropolis Pacific PTE Ltd, a company registered in Singapore.

“The letter of demand on the other hand was issued for Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd, a locally registered company. 

“Are these the same company or not?

“If they are, has the time that has passed affected the agreement at all or not?

“If they are not the same company and given the time lapse, have the terms of the agreement ever been repudiated and what steps had been taken to contextualise the terms?

“Section 2 (2) of the Act requires any amendment to the agreement to be met by appropriate amendments to the Act also.

“Clause 27 of the agreement further requires any changes made to be placed before Parliament.

“This is a safety net providing opportunity for Parliament to review matters such as prices, budgetary constraints and changes in laws amongst others.

“Someone must explain what is going on. Thus it is very important that answers be provided.

“Looking at the claimed figure and the planned total number of houses, this project is going to cost the government big time and this clearly runs contrary to Government promises to focus our limited resources on protecting our country from Covid 19, and growing our resource sector.

“This deal signals a major hole which is going to drain our limited finances if anything.

“I therefore call on the Prime Minister to come out clear and explain the situation.”

This newspaper too joins Wale to call for an urgent explanation.

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