BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Premier of Rennell Bellona province, Derek Pongi has pleaded the national government to assist the province with needed government services.
He recently expressed that these challenge as well as the petitions of the people and government of Rennell and Bellona need to be addressed to boost public services in the province.
An ongoing challenge he highlighted is the absence of police on the islands of Bellona and East Rennell.
Pongi said this matter is one of the priorities of his government and they will pursue responsible authorities to ensure it is addressed.
“We look forward to dialogue with responsible authorities to deal with this issue,” he said.
The premier also mentioned the plea of the people of West Rennell on the island of Rennell to have their land returned following a recent land registration.
He said in recent consultations, around 97 percent of people demand that land in West Rennell be returned to customary ownership.
“Recent consultations show that 97% of our people wish for West Rennell land to revert to customary ownership.
“I call on the national government to respect this wish and take appropriate action,” Pongi said.
Another challenge, the premier noted is the invasion of harmful species that continue to threaten food security in the province.
Pongi added that while they have a biosecurity plan, eradicating invasive species remains a challenge.
He stressed that the absence of Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) officers in Rennell and Bellona hampers their efforts and this must be addressed urgently.
The Alliance for Reform and Progress Government (ARPG) of Rennell and Bellona province is ready and committed to work together with the national government and partners to seek solutions for these issues.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
