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WPG urged to keep surplus

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Provincial Member for Nusa Roviana and ward 16, Ramrakha Talasasa

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Chair of Provincial Public Accounts Committee has urged Western Provincial Government to establish a mechanism that would see excess revenues appropriated in the next financial year.

Provincial Member for Ward 16, Ramraka Talasa said Western Province has experienced excess revenue collection over the years but unpractical spending chewed the funds before end of financial year.

He said there is a need to improve control of divisional expenditures and proper planning so that divisional balance and overall balance of the appropriation is practical.

Talasasa said directives to reserve provincial funds must come from the executive as budget surplus should be identified rather than being absorbed by the daily operation of the government administration and appears as a mere figure.

“Excess revenue should be deposited in the reserve account rather than spent before appropriation.

“Section 17 of the Financial Management Ordinance requires a warrant from the Premier to move funds within division. There has been no copy of any warrant presented to the PPAC in the past where virements are carried out.

“Future Virements must be procedural and initiated by divisions rather than used as a mechanism to lessen budget over runs,” he said.

Talasasa said Provincial Public Account Committee identifies and recommends that unnecessary supplementary must be stopped, and better budgetary control and political will to comply with the applicable regulations with all divisions must be prioritised.

He said work relationship between the executive and the respective divisions required in the financial instructions and store instructions need to be reinforced.

Quite a way to go for $4b budget passage

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Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands National Parliament

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PARLIAMENT is still to pass the $4 billion budget after the start of the committee of supply on Wednesday.

It had completed scrutiny of only nine stakeholders’ recurrent budget into the $4 billion budget since the start of the Committee of Supply.

They are;

  1. Solomon Islands Electoral Commission;
  2. Office of the Ombudsman;
  3. Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock;
  4. Office of the Auditor General;
  5. Ministry of Education and Human Resources;
  6. Ministry of Finance and Treasury;
  7. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade;
  8. Office of the Governor General and
  9. Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

There are 21 ministries left for Parliament to complete the scrutiny of their recurrent budgets.

After, Parliament will continue the scrutiny of their development budgets before the passage of the budget.

Both Government and Opposition spent most of their time on scrutinised the recurrent budgets of Ministry of Education and Human Resources and Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

Ministry of Education has a recurrent budget of $1.1 billion while Ministry of Health has a recurrent budget of $427.6 million.

A total of $2.7 billion is allocated under the recurrent budget to meet the expenses and charges of all the ministries and constitutional offices in the government.

About $938 million is allocated under the Development Budget.

While $258.5 million is allocated under Budget Support Expenditures.

It is still not sure how long it will take Parliament to pass the budget.

Parliament continues with the sitting at 9.30am today.

SICCI condemns brutal attack on business owner

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The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) strongly condemns the brutal attack on a member of the business community this week in Honiara.

The attack resulted in the death of the 44-year-old business owner, a female Chinese national, and member of the Chinese community in Solomon Islands.

In a press statement yesterday, SICCI condemned the alleged killing and called on individuals to respect the rule of law, including assisting the Police in their investigation to serve justice to family and relatives.

“It is truly sad that we are seeing tragic events like this happening in our society,” says Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms Natalina Hong.

“I strongly condemn such a heinous act. Criminality in every form, but especially those that a brazen enough to attack ordinary hard-working people without consideration of their family and lives must be condemned by all of us. Each of us are responsible for the safety of our community and must stand with each other in these uncertain times.  People must respect the law, properties and more importantly each other,” she added.

The Chamber described the attack as uncalled for, unnecessary, and must be prevented at all cost anywhere else in the country.

“Businesses play a crucial role in providing services and supporting the local communities, as such, we should all work together to ensure that businesses continue to operate, and provide services to our people, and this includes ensuring safety of businesses at all times,” Hong said.

As the peak body representing businesses in the country, SICCI is calling on the relevant authorities to ensure that the alleged perpetrator or perpetrators are identified, arrested and face the full force of the law.

In the meantime, SICCI affirms its support to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and other stakeholders in maintaining law and order and in carrying out their investigation.

The Chamber has confidence in the RSIPF to undertake a thorough investigation and apprehend those responsible.

SICCI encourages the general public to assist police in their investigation and calls on the public to respect the law and for unity in the society.

On behalf of the Board, Secretariat and our members of the private sector, we conveyed our sincere condolences to the immediate family of the deceased and to the wider Chinese business community in Solomon Islands.

–SICCI MEDIA

White Angel killing: Police remind public not to feed speculations

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Royal Solomon Islands Police Force recovering the body of the Chinese shopowner found dead in her shop last year. PHOTO CHARLES KADAMANA

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE Commissioner Mostyn Mangau has called on public to refrain from feeding rumours regarding the Chinese woman’s death.

He pleads with public to let police investigate and ascertain the truth.

In his weekly media conference yesterday, Mangau said truth of the incident will be revealed when investigation completes.

He said police have attended the scene and several people who were present at the scene between 8am and 9am on Tuesday have been interviewed.

He said a post mortem was conducted and police are waiting on the Doctor’s report.

With regards to the CCTV footage, police are yet to view the footage as Government ICT experts are working to extract the footage from the retrieved hard drive.

Mangau said that police are working very hard on their investigation, “at this stage there is no clear information on any suspected individuals but investigation still ongoing”.

Mangau also said public need to be aware that speculation of false rumour creates fear in the community.

He also refutes rumours regarding a mafia group, there is no such mafia group set-up, and the incident occurred on Tuesday was just like any crime occurred, let alone police investigate and let the out-come of the investigation determine whether it is an organized group or not.

“We cannot just speculate on something that we do not have proof”, Mangau added.

Gold Ridge tailings dam rise to dangerous levels

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Gold ridge tailings Dam

THE Environment and Conservation Division with the support from the National Disaster Management Office is continuing to monitor the Gold Ridge tailings Dam after water level rose to dangerous levels following heavy rainfall in recent weeks.

Latest data collected on site showed that on the 1st April 2021 the level of water at the spillway was recorded at 58.0cm (freeboard) below the highest point of the current spillway and on the 6th of April, the level of water rose by 2cm and reduced the freeboard to 56cm as a result of rainfall.

 What is clear is such low freeboard poses an overall elevated risk for the dam, although the spillway is designed to ease water pressure on the main dam wall.

 The generally high rainfall for the month of April is worrying because water level at the dam is very sensitive to rainfall and therefore poses a threat to the main dam wall, and elevates the risk of uncontrolled spillage through the spillway.

Goldridge Mining Limited (GRML) has been in possession of license to discharge water from the dam after treatment.

 However, they have not been able to do that because the treatment plant needs repair.

GRML has also been consulting with downstream communities and their respective associations on their plans for the safety of the dam.

The ministry will continue to monitor the dam, and liaise with GRML to remedy the risk posed by the high level of water in the dam underpinned by environmental safety, and the safety of our downstream communities and stakeholders.

–MECCDMM

WPG overspends $2.6M: Report

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Hon Ramrakha Talasasa.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Provincial Public Account Committee of Western Province found that the province has overspent a total of 2,678,651 as part of its 2020/2021 recurrent expenditure.

According to Chair of PPAC, Ramraka Talasasa, the overspending is due to one reason and that is the mismatch of budget allocations to respective divisional heads.

He said Divisions that were identified for overspending their budget allocations are; Administration – $842,054, Forestry – $742,750, Office of the Premier – $628,036, Works and Transport – $327,534, Development Planning – $138,277.

Talasasa said PPAC found that the huge over spending compared to revised amount, is the Administration division with an excess amount of $ 842,054. (Revised 2020/2021 is 3,629,870 less actual 2020/2021 4,471,924).

“Of the total actual of 4,471,924 an excess of 904,946 was committed on disaster expenditure bringing the total disaster expenditure to 2,046,532. Additional revenue of 730,305 was received from SIG Budget support and is used to supplement this over spending,” he said.

Talasasa further explained that the amount of 2,678,651 is the total amount overspent that needs to be appropriated.

He said PPAC has received a supplementary appropriation of 2,813,324 leaving a difference of 134,673.

On the other hand, Talasasa said PPAC has also found that there are divisions who are under spending their division budget as per revised budget.

He said the divisions that are underspending their budget allocation includes; Lands – $359,479, Finance – $254,642, Assembly Office – $180,542, Education – $158,399, Health – $142,173, Fisheries – $132,520, Agriculture – $117,653, Local Council – $72,469, Tourism – $51,749, Youth – $51, 471, Commerce – $42,293, Environment – $36,790, Women Development – $31,015 and Sports – $25,283.

Talasasa reminds WPG that projections should be as realistic as possible for revenue and expenditures rather than affording token amounts and funding unplanned activities not captured in the budget.

Health praises Premier Gina

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Premier of Western province, David Gina

THE Ministry of Health has applauded the Premier of Western Province David Gina for making the pledge to be the first person to receive the covid vaccine when it is rolled out in the Shortlands.

Gina made the pledge at an extra ordinary Provincial Assembly Meeting this week in Gizo, with the presence of National Health Staff deployed to the Western Province to conduct vaccination training for provincial health staff.

Heexplained that when we feel sick, we run to health for advice and treatment and this should not be any different when it comes to prevention against sickness and diseases, in this case COVID-19.

“As such, to demonstrate my trust in our health authorities I have decided to be the first to receive the vaccine before my good people can follow suit,” stated the Premier.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Pauline McNeil thanked the Premier for demonstrating courage and true spirit of leadership.

“There remains quite significant amount of fear and anxiety amongst the public for the uptake of the vaccine and our leaders need to come out publicly and support the vaccination campaign as this is one of the most effective ways in which we can prevent being sick, hospitalized and die from the COVID-19 pandemic,” McNeil said.

“It does not take us to see beyond our region the impact of COVID-19, it is just a mile or two beyond our western border thus, health is working very hard to make all necessary preparations and will swiftly move to vaccinate all persons 18 years and above along our western border communities,” she added.

McNeil said that the major concern is with these eligible people not coming forward to receive the vaccine once it is rolled out.

“So, we are trying our very best with our teams already down at the border conducting vaccine awareness and mobilizing support from chiefs, community elders, church leaders, women and youth groups.

“In this endeavour, we deeply appreciate every single encouragement and support of our leaders towards the uptake and roll out of the vaccines. “

–MHMS

WPG urged to be strategic with its expenditure

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Provincial Government has been urged to be cautious with its expenditures when implementing the 2021/2022 budget.

Chair of Provincial Public Accounts Committee, Ramrakha Talasasa made the statement during WPG’s recent extra-ordinary meeting.

Talasasa said the issue of financial overruns and value underspent in respective heads is a concern that must be addressed.

He adds that the practice of spending more than budget allocations must also be addressed as such practice affects other subheads’ ability to implement their programs.

Talasasa said unnecessary virements should be cautioned as it is difficult to balance the budget though virements are the only means to support government services throughout the financial year.

He said raising of virement must follow due processes as stipulated by provincial regulations so that balancing of spending can be practical.  

“We must not confine ourselves to revenues and expenses for progress but consider a wider scope whereby we can influence growth either through the reduction of certain rates, empower of the workforce and building investors’ confidence by having a reputable investment arm,” Talasasa said.

He said the government needs to have in place a fiscal policy to administer deficits, surplus and balance budget.

Talasasa stressed that such intervention can direct the province towards other aspects of its economy such as liquidity, unemployment rates and inflation rates to fuel economic growth that would trigger improvement in revenue collection.

“Revenue projection in 2019/2020 fell short by 5 million. For the year 2020/2021 revenue collection improved but was cancelled by huge overrun that could have been easily avoided should there be in place, serious consideration for compliance with relevant instructions,” he said.

Talasasa adds that the global health scar of COVID-19 is a high risk to public health and is bound to affect the country’s financial strength therefore Western Provincial government must be mindful and strategic of its expenditures.

“COVID-19 knows no devolved or non-devolved function as a barrier but the Western Provincial assembly has an obligation towards the health and safety of the people, he said.

Ziata tribe against water closure

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Noro Port.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

A LANDOWNING group has responded to Rex Biku’s threat to close the Ziata water source near the Noro township.

The response was made by a representative of one of the three landholding groups that have signed the lease agreement with the Solomon Islands government over the water source.

 Appointed Lessor for the Zinihite party, Shirley S Zinihite said the Acquisition determination on the Ziata Water Source has identified three landholding groups to sign the lease agreement with the SIG.

Mrs Zinihite said Rex Biku is one of those persons identified as a lessor for the Biku, Gumi, Gemu and Veo groups. 

She explained that in 2008, the three parties signed with the SIG a Memorandum of Agreement, [MOA] to allow continuous access for the sourcing of water to supply the Noro township whilst the process to conclude the acquisition towards a vesting order is underway.

“In signing this Agreement, Rex Biku has his hands tied and he cannot now threaten closure of the water supply.”

“In exchange for signing the MOA, the three parties were paid SBD$1M.

“Rex Biku or the GUMI, GEMU and VEO ASSOCIATION or anyone else seeking monetary benefits have no right to issue 14 days’ notice to shut down the Ziata Water Source.”

Mrs Zinihite adds that the move by Rex Biku is a breach of the 2008 MOA and should not be entertained by the government.

She said the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force should be alerted to make arrest of persons who attempt to disturb the water source and the supply of water.

“One party cannot act alone to close the water supply. The move by Rex Biku is strongly opposed by the principal landowning groups,” she said.

Mrs Zinihite said the landowners were recently given an audience by the Commissioner of Lands and his staff to address the Ziata water source issue.

She said Rex Biku and his Kava Bar nephew boycotted the meeting.

“They left the conference room and missed out on the chance to address their grievances to the Commissioner of Lands and to hear  the position of the government. They have lost that golden opportunity.”

Mrs Zinihite said the SIG should be reserved not to deal with the $400,000 claim by Rex Biku.

“There is a legal case on this by a member of their own tribe.

“He should follow the law and sort matters out with his own tribe instead of threatening closure of the water because of his own inadequacies and failures to look after his own tribal members.

Minister wants Education infrastructure prioritised

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Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

EDUCATION Minister wants education infrastructures in the country given top priority due to the increasing population growth it is facing.

Minister of Education and Human Resources, Lannelle Tanangada told Parliament this week that the development budget for the education infrastructure has declined over the years and with the compounded population growth of 2.3%, it is becoming an important matter to be considered as a high priority. 

She said population growth has become an overarching factor  that all sectors of the government needs to address. 

“The allocation of only $4,750,000 for the education infrastructure is not adequate to support the required additional infrastructure development of schools in order to accommodate the country’s population growth. 

“The MEHRD senior management team has discussed this with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and Ministry of National Planning and Development officials and a general consensus has been reached, to gradually increase the development budget provided to MEHRD,” she said.

Minister Tanangada said to accommodate the additional places especially at the senior secondary school level, her ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, and the Ministry of National Planning and Coordination is working on a senior secondary education expansion project proposal, to seek financial support from an international financial institution for Government considerations. 

“Subject to the interest and approval of government to invest in the education sector, a new project called Senior Secondary School Improvement Program will be designed and developed through support from the financial institution identified and to be completed around June/July this year,” she said.

In the meantime, the Ministry’s Development Budget (472) has increased from $24 million in 2020 to $34,750,000 this year. 

This is an increase of 21.9% from $28,500,000 in 2020. 

However, only $4,750,000 has been allocated for the education infrastructure (school infrastructure projects), while $30,000,000 is allocated to the Solomon Islands National University. 

Due to budget cuts, the Ministry will implement school infrastructure projects with the budget made available.

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