BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Member of Parliament for West Kwaio Constituency, Claudius Tei’ifi and Chairman of the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Project, has praised GNUT’s support towards the Bina Harbour project.
Speaking during the Sine Die Motion yesterday, Tei’ifi said the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Project is the collective aspiration of the people of West Kwaio, Malaita and Solomon Islands.
“As Chairman of the Bina Habour Development Project’s Government Sub-Committee, I commend the Government for pursuing Bina Habour as a flagship national priority initiative. This vision is timely and strategic,” Tei’ifi said.
He said the project represents hope for employment opportunities, improved livelihood, enhanced public infrastructure, better health and education services, and meaningful participation of its people in the national economy.
“The appropriation of 30 million in the 2024 Supplementary Budget, and 103 million in the 2026 Budget, clearly demonstrated the Government’s commitment,” he said.
He calls upon the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to refinance the 30 million appropriated this year, either through balance targeting or by establishing a special fund account.
Tei’ifi said that securing this fund by 2026 is essential to prevent disruption to next year’s budget allocation and project timelines.
He adds that the project’s two key components, the Tuna Processing Plant and the International Seaport Project, led by both local and international consultants, are progressing well.
He said a total of 172 hectares of land has been registered with the title held by trustees, and agreements are expected to be finalised by January 2026.
“The progress of this arrangement is advancing well,” he said.
Tei’ifi also spoke about the use of social media in relation to land issues regarding the Bina Harbour project.
“I respectfully call upon those individuals who continue to use social media to promote misinformation and negative commentary regarding land matters at Bina Harbour to cease from subsisting. Social media cannot resolve land issues. Lawful constructive engagement with trustees and government institutions does,” he said.
He strongly believes that inclusiveness is the cornerstone of unity amongst land and resource owners and the right focus of the greater Bina Habour project.
“I urge all responsible agencies to ensure that implementation arrangements promote unity, inclusivity and shareholder ship of this national project,” he said.
Photo: NPSI
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