BY SAMIE WAKORI
The people and government of Rennell Bellona province are hopeful, the new Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) will seek justice for the 33 unpaid shipments of bauxite from Rennell Bellona province.
Minister Derrick Manuari, was part of the Opposition Group that had been vocal about the issue. The people and government of Renbel are confident he still has the same fighting spirit to pursue the issue as responsible Minister for MMERE.
In a statement from Premier of Rennell Bellona province Derek Pongi he welcomed the appointment of Mr Manuari, as the new Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE).
“I congratulate the new Minister on his new role and confidence he is capable of addressing the outstanding issues in MMERE,” he said.
While congratulating him, Premier Pongi also called on the Minister and GNUT to address the issue of 33 unpaid shipments as soon as possible.
He said the issue was raised with the former Minister for MMERE, Bradley Smoky Tovusia and assurances were given that it would be addressed.
However, the issue remained unaddressed until now.
Brief detail of revenues for the 33 unpaid shipmen as follows; The unpaid shipments occurred between 28th November 2017 to 22nd January 2019.
Total Dry Metric Tone (DMT): 2,465,237
total Value: $288,168,205.30
total Royalties Due: $8,645,586.16
The breakdown of the royalty shares is as follows;
Solomon Islands Government (SIG): $4,322,793.08
Landowner (LO): $3,458,234.46
Rennell Belloa provincial government: $864,558.62
He Premer urged the new Minister and GNIT to assist the West Rennell LOs in recovering their $3,458,234.46 in royalties and the Community Development Agreement (CDA) amount of $10,086,51.186.
He also highlighted he $864,558.62 owed to the Rennell Bellona Provincial Government.
Premier Pongi stated “I seek fairness and justice for my people who have been victims of gross negligence on the part of the MMERE and the National Government, and the uncaring attitude of APID and Bintan Mining Solomon Islands (BMSI).
Meanwhile, he also called on GNUT to set-up commission of inquiry into the unpaid 33 shipment and West Rennel Mining project.
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