By EDDIE OSIFELO
MINISTRY of Forest and Research is still looking forward to implementing the two Redirection Policy Area Objectives of DCGA for 2022.
They are:
- Downstream Processing Programme
- Sustainable Logging Development Programme
Speaking Parliament yesterday on the 2023 Appropriation Bill 2022, Minister for MFR, Dickson Mua Panakitasi said that will continue into 2023.
He said this should contribute to the national economy and revenue generation to support the SIG Budget and that should continue to address the rural livelihoods and health of our people.
Mua said Under the Downstream Processing Programme, the Ministry is to establishing a Timber Yard at Noro to support resource owners, who want to export sawn timber from Western and Choiseul Provinces.
He said currently the architectural drawings have been completed.
“BOQ completed and paid.
“Contractor determined,” he said.
Mua said just waiting for Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) approval of the Proposal of the Timber yard and release of a site at Noro Port area at Noro.
“To meet an Auditor who would be auditing the SITPEA members annually on their operations in search for FSC Group Certificate so that sawn timber can be purchased at higher prices.
“To support freight subsidy by VATA members to transport sawn timber to Honiara Henderson Timber Yard for drying, packaging and then export,” he said.
“We have completed the improvement work at the Henderson Timber Yard and the Fencing of the Botanical Garden,” he added.
Furthermore, under the Sustainable Logging Development Programme, Mua said his Ministry is going to implement the: – completion of the review of the Forest Resources and Timber Utilization Act.
“To date, we have received parts of the Forestry Bill and already had exchanges with AG Chambers on queries.
“I believe the Forestry Bill will be brought before the Parliament in Year 2023 as 2022 is coming to its end shortly. This is a one-off activity,” he added.
Further to that, Mua said monitoring of round log shipments support the partnership project with the IFMP (Integrated Forest Management Project) in 5 different Sites in 5 different Provinces across the country on establishing protected areas and establishment of nurseries.
“Procurement of boats for monitoring, – Relocation/transfer of 25,000 plus plant specimen from Fiji to Honiara national Herbarium around mid-2023.
“Supporting national reforestation programme – establishing REDD+ Policy and REDD+ Regulation
“Construction of plant drying shed attached to the National Herbarium,” he said.
