BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Prime Minister Matthew Wale calls on members of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the wider business community to actively challenge poor decisions and practices that contribute to the country’s high cost of living and doing business.
Speaking at a SICCI event recently, Mr Wale urged business leaders to ‘agitate’ against inefficiencies and shortcomings, including those within their own sectors and government institutions.
“We accept too much rubbish in this country. We think it’s okay, but it’s not okay.
“Get up and agitate. Even when your members are part of the problem, because some of your members are part of the problem. Government too is part of the problem,” PM Wale said.
The Prime Minister was also particularly critical of the Tina River Hydropower Project, describing it as excessively expensive and questioning its value for money.
Mr Wale claimed the 15-megawatt hydro project would cost close to US$700 million by completion, making it one of the most expensive projects of its kind globally.
He compared the project with large-scale solar developments, which he said could deliver significantly higher power generation at a fraction of the cost.
“We will be left with high-cost electricity for 30 years while paying for Tina. It is not an acceptable situation,” he said.
Mr Wale said the government is exploring options to reduce electricity tariffs associated with the project, although he acknowledged that sovereign assurances previously provided could complicate efforts to renegotiate arrangements.
He argued that costly projects and poor policy decisions have negatively affected businesses, consumers and government finances, attributing the situation to what he described as poor leadership decisions made in the past.
He said addressing these issues is critical to improve the country’s economic competitiveness and reduce the burden on ordinary citizens, businesses and households.
Photo credit: SICCI
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