BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE newly launched Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Building and Data Centre at Noro are set to greatly enhance the management of Solomon Islands’ fisheries resources.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele described both facilities as significant national assets, highlighting their vital roles in promoting good governance, sustainable development, and national resilience.
He said the MCS Building will enable Solomon Islands to strengthen national control and oversight over the exploitation, trade, and management of its fisheries resources.
“It strengthens our capacity to enforce laws, deter illegal activities, and uphold Solomon Islands’ sovereign rights within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” Manele said.
The Prime Minister revealed that the new facility also houses an electronic fish accounting system for the port of Noro — a locally developed innovation by the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Finance’s ICT team.
“This system exemplifies innovation by Solomon Islanders for Solomon Islanders — a home-grown solution to enhance transparency and traceability in the fisheries sector,” he said.
Manele further stated that the Noro Data Centre supports the implementation of the country’s Digital Transformation Roadmap (2026–2030), which aims to strengthen e-Government services across sectors such as health, education, commerce, and public finance.
“The facility will improve our digital resilience, enable more efficient service delivery, and strengthen our ability to protect and manage government data.
“Ultimately, it positions Solomon Islands as a regional model for resilient digital infrastructure in the Pacific — a demonstration that small island states can lead in innovation and resilience when given the right partnerships and support,” he said.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the support and confidence of development partners that made the achievement possible. He expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its partnership and trust in the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
He said the World Bank’s investment of SBD17 million to construct and equip the Noro MCS Building reflects a shared commitment to protecting Solomon Islands’ sovereign rights over its fisheries resources.
“This facility stands as a testament to what can be achieved when international partnership meets national determination,” Manele said.
He also noted the World Bank’s continued commitment to the country through the construction of the Auki Fisheries Office Building in Malaita Province, valued at SBD31 million.
The Prime Minister further acknowledged the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) for providing training on the administration of the MCS system.
“Equally, I extend my government’s warm appreciation to the Government and people of Australia for their enduring partnership and friendship,” he said.
Manele said Australia’s AUD1.3 million investment in the Noro Data Centre demonstrates confidence in Solomon Islands’ Digital Transformation Program and in the professionalism of the ICT Services Division within the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
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