BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has successfully implemented four key strategic investments under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) 100-day program.
Minister Nestor Ghiro told the parliament house in his reply to the speech from the throne and the opening of the second meeting on the 12th parliament on Tuesday last week.
He said that the four key strategic investments are; the Bina processing plan project, the expansion of the seaweed industry, the GIFT-Tilapia aquaculture program, and the commercial cultivation of sea cucumber.
Regarding the Bina processing plant, Ghiro said his ministry already registered 172 hectares of land consisting of six parcels of land and the ministry is working to consolidate the parcels into a single parcel.
“A business case has been developed and it’s now going to a consultation with all stakeholders. With the support of international financial cooperation, (IFC) talks ongoing with tuna investors, including preparation of investment practices for potential investors,’’ said Ghiro.
On seaweed farming, he said that the government allocated $3 million to grow the seaweed industry in the supplementary appropriation that was passed recently.
Ghiro said that the support is additional to the 500,000-seaweed allocation under the Ministry’s annual development budget.
“We aim to produce 10,000 metric tons of dry seaweed by December 2026. This will be a three-fold increase from our current annual production of 2,500 metric tons. Security technical support from China and Indonesia to improve the quality of dry seaweed products and address infrastructure needs,’’ he said.
He adds that the Ministry will organise a round table meeting with all licensed exporters and other investors and support the private sector to grow the industry before the end of this month.
“This meeting will provide us the implementation plan of interventions going forward,’’ he said.
He stressed that the third state investment program of the ministry is a hatchery breeding and growing out of GIFTA-Tilapia in the ministry Agua-culture facility in Aruligo.
“The ministry will import the first banks of GIFT-Tilapia stock in the April to May 2025 window. This will be our first intake after bringing in the hazard to be fully functional in the first quarter of 2025.
The fourth investment program of the ministry is the commercial cultivation of sea cucumber.
He said that his ministry has agreed with a local company to establish a commercial facility to culture sea cucumber species of their choice.
He said that with local arrangements, the company has secured a site in Choiseul province to build their hatchery and grow the systems.
According to the Minister, the four investment programs will contribute effectively to economic growth and provide livelihood to the people.
“In the development of these key services investments, my ministry will ensure these are undertaken in an ecologically sustainable manner to safeguard the sustainability of our resources,’’ said Ghiro.
He acknowledges development partners, the New Zealand government, the Czech, Australia, the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation of Japan (OFCF).
. “Our private industry partners, technical partners, Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), PA, SPC, and World Fish. Fisheries, NGOs, and our local communities in Bina and Aruligo for their support in supporting the ministry. I thank you all for your support today and continue as we pursue these strategic investments for the betterment of our people.
“I thank all my staff and I count on them to stand steadfast as we roll out these important strategic investments that will bring social economic benefits to our people and economic growth to our country.
Hi, i would like to comment on the Bina Harbor Tuna Proccessing Plant Project which i’ve heard since am in the Primary school grade 6. Now i am 45 years in age and haven’t seen Bina Harbor Project was implimented, therefore i am curious why this very important project has been prolonged for almost 40 years. Another Tuna Processing Plant in our country would have contributed to the economic development and creation of Job opportunities in our country. My question is: What has prolonged this very important project from happening? Where was the problem lies? Is it the Central Government, The Malaita Provincial Government or the Land Owners.