BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Maka police officers in Small Malaita, Malaita Province stopped a number of men who attempted to remove the fisheries generator at the Afio sub-station, in Small Malaita yesterday evening.
Auki Police confirmed that two outboard motor operators from Langalanga Lagoon came to Afio Substation yesterday evening and attempted to remove the generator.
Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea confirmed that the incident involved 10 men.
He said Maka police officers were alerted by Afio residents and they stopped the men from removing the generator and are investigating the incident.
Superintendent Ramosaea said the illegal movement has sparked concern among the people of the Afio substation and has raised questions as to why different individuals are targeting the removal of a government asset that was given to benefit and support the people of Small Malaita.
A concerned Afio community member, Chris Araitewa said Afio residents are not clear about any information regarding who instructed them to remove the generator, which belongs to the Afio Fisheries substation.
“We really don’t know any information about who sent those people to come and remove the generator,” he said.
He reported that they heard from those who wanted to remove the generator that they were authorised by fisheries officers from Honiara and Auki.
He added that those men also questioned the Afio residents about why they were unaware of the arrangement.
“From what we heard from those who come and wanted to remove the generator, they were authorised by the Honiara and Auki offices.
“They also questioned us why we haven’t known about the arrangement to remove the generator,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Auki Fisheries office has responded saying that they do not know of any arrangement and were only alerted about the incident when they saw the article by Solomon Star.
Maka police officers are now investigating the matter and will provide more information later.
Photo credit: Chris Araitewa
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