BY MAVIS NISIMURA PODOKOLO
THE deputy provincial secretary of Makira Ulawa province Wilson Billy Rafiau has called on the people of the province to utilise various opportunities which will soon be at the door step of the provincial government.
The opportunities have shown greenlights to the provincial capital following the signing of the Memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination (MDPAC) with the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government (MUPG) and a private business entity Pinihimae and Associated Groups (PAG) from the province.
Rafiau said these opportunities are vital and it’s time people from Makira Ulawa province utilise them to carry the province to new heights in terms of development.
He adds that this new chapters will also pave the way forward to boost the production of cocoa in the province as well.
“Once this turns into realisation then the setting up of Cocoa Lavado factory in the province should offer more opportunities for the province’s local farmers,” he said.
In relation to cocoa factory Rafiua said that it is a down-stream processing factory that can process raw cocoa beans into various high quality finished products for the local and international markets .
“If this is operational, the act of selling and buying of wet and dry cocoa beans will soar especially through the increase of price for the current cocoa industry,” he said.
Deputy Secretary Diafu said therefore if the MOU through national project turns into reality, local people must start to be serious in collaborating with the national government as this is the way forward for the Solomon Islands.
He said the MOU as validated by parties recently in Kira Kira and now awaits on all parties to act upon.
