Malaita gov’t to turn to public to decide on Chinese company.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

The provincial government of Malaita (MPG) will likely leave the decision to its public to allow or prohibit a Chinese firm to construct the Fiu bridge.

The Chinese firm is China Harbour Engineering Company, one with links to the Communist party government of PRC.

This paper was reliably informed the matter was brought to the Malaita executive by Solomon Island Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) team on Tuesday this week, but has not been decided on by the Malaita government.

The executive is yet to deliberate on the matter during the current executive meeting; that

It is said the Malaita executive would deliberate on the matter, either today or tomorrow.

It is also reported that deliberations will not be for a decision, rather to look at ways to bring the matter to the Malaitan public – who will make the decision.

Malaita’s government sees this as the right way forward for a government which represents its people and works together with its people.

MPG wants development and is keen to work together with the national government and SIRAP.

However, the Auki Communiqué does not allow Chinese investors or companies in the province, whether or not it is sanctioned by the national government.

A statement issued by Malaita’s political advisory body (PARU) to media on Wednesday alleged that  the permanent secretary to the ministry of Communication and Aviation threatened to pull out the SIRAP project components from Malaita Province.

The PS could not be reached for comments.

It alleged that the PS threatened this in order to force the MPG to accept the Chinese company (CHEC) earmarked to build Fiu Bridge. 

“He will pull out the SIRAP project from Malaita province. He arrogantly said that everything depends on him and he will pull the plug if he wishes,” said the PARU statement.

The statement also said that MPG is monitoring the situation and premier Suidani had written to World Bank for clarifications on its procurement processes that SIG used for the Fiu Bridge.

It said the premier and his executive reserve the right to seek further intervention from the World Bank Inspection Panel should MPG feels that the conduct of implementing the Fiu Bridge has not been satisfactory.

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