BY NED GAGAHE
New environment minister Polycarp Paea says his ministry is acting to stop encroachment into the Mataniko river.
Member of Parliament for South New Georgia Rendova and Tetepare, David Gina, raised concerns over developer encroachments along the Mataniko River.
Speaking during Monday’s Parliament sitting, he questioned what actions the government is taking to address the issue.
Responding to the question, Minister for Environment Polycarp Paea confirmed that his ministry is actively enforcing the Environment Act 1998.
“All prescribed developments, including retention walls, must submit a Public Environment Report and an Environment Management Plan,” Paea said.
He said the ministry will continue monitoring developments along the Mataniko River to ensure compliance.
“Section 17 of the Environment Act sets out the Environmental Impact Assessment process to manage the impact of encroachment,” he added.
Paea said some businesses are building retention walls to protect properties from erosion and floods.
He stressed the importance of working closely with the Ministry of Lands, Honiara City Council, and the Ministry of Mines to ensure developers follow the law.
Minister Paea said the Honiara Local Planning Scheme 2025 provides land use and development rules that apply to all of Honiara, including sensitive areas like the Mataniko River.
“Effective enforcement by the Honiara Town and Planning Board is crucial,” he added.
Paea confirmed that these regulations also apply to other rivers, such as the Lungga.
In a supplementary question Opposition Leader Matthew Wale asked whether all current developments along the Mataniko River meet environmental standards.
Minister Paea responded that in the past 12 months, authorities had demolished several illegal structures built along the river.
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