[Published on Saturday, Jan 31]
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Kirakira cocoa processing plant in Makira/Ulawa Province is now ready for its second phase following the completion of the first phase, which involved the construction of a building to house the processing facility.
The project is funded by the Solomon Islands government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) and the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC).
In a recent interview, Makira Ulawa Premier Stanley Siapu gave an update of the historic project, confirming steady progress.
“The first phase of the project, which included the construction of the factory building, has already been completed.
“We are now working with the national government to pursue the second phase of the project, which involves the procurement and installation of processing machinery in the building,” he said.
Premier Siapu highlighted the cocoa processing plant as one of the key priorities of his government and said they will continue to work closely with the national government to ensure its completion.
“With the progress we have witnessed so far, my government is grateful to the national government and other stakeholders for the partnership shown in this project,” he said.
Premier Siapu said the realization of the project will have a significant impact on the national economy, with initial plans to produce chocolate locally.
He said it will also boost the cocoa industry in Makira Ulawa Province and the country as a whole by encouraging more farmers to enter the sector.
Premier Siapu assures that his government is committed to support the national government to ensure that the project is fully realized and delivers benefits to Solomon Islanders.
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