More assistance for Malaita province is in sight following a ‘successful and fruitful’ inaugural meeting between new United Kingdom high commissioner Paul Turner and Premier Elijah Asilaua.
This could include the much talked about Bina Harbour national project, with UK’s unmatched experience in designing Public Private partnerships.
The partnership between Solomon Islands’ most populous province and the UK was reaffirmed to be strong in Tuesday’s meeting.
Malaita is currently benefitting from World Bank projects, and the UK is one of the major donors of the Bank, last year alone giving USD2.5 billion (SBD21 billion).
This is just one example of how the UK has been one of Solomon Islands’ largest helpers, although not as well known due to the veil of multi-lateral partnership.
Speaking to the paper, Mr Turner described the meeting with Premier Asilaua as excellent, adding that Malaita’s challenges and opportunities were shared to him by Asilaua.
Hopes for Malaita’s future was also laid on the table, including jobs for many people, Turner adds.
“I totally agree with Premier Asilaua. Main challenges are jobs for young people, 53 percent under the age of 35. Another challenge is the need for more devolved powers to the provincial government on delivery of services.
“Greater devolution is crucial.
“Only 15 percent of provincial revenue comes from local taxes. The rest are dependant on central government,” Turner said.
Malaita is benefitting from World Bank road and bridge projects worth USD26 million (SBD220 million) starting in 2019, which are part of the larger World Bank projects for Solomon Islands.
On Bina Harbour national project, Turner said he agrees with Asilaua that the project is important for Malaita, especially since it is projected to provide up to 3,000 jobs for Malaitans.
“I said I could try and help the Government attract private capital for Bina,” Turner said.
The cordial meeting concluded with HE Turner telling Premier Asilaua of how stricken he was with Malaita’s beauty, adding that he loved the lush greenery of Malaita’s landscape.
Turner assured Asilaua he would visit Malaita again soon.
Asilaua could not be reached for comments.
