-Call to investigate Xiao’s Henderson hotel building
-Shops operating in ground floor while three-storeys above under construction
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
People in East Guadalcanal are calling on the Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) to investigate and stop businesses operating at Xiao’s Henderson Hotel Ltd, located at Henderson.
This is the same hotel that came under spotlight earlier this year in the issue of tax exemption by former finance minister, Manasseh Sogavare.
A total of five Chinese retailers opened their shops on the ground floor of the three-story building, early this month and are operating business as usual while the building is still under construction.
Island Sun also witnessed ongoing work on the upper three floors yesterday.
Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, David Bigha, a teacher by profession, said that responsible authorities must step in and take action to stop such unacceptable actions.
“Who permitted them to open the shops while the building is still under construction. Authorities, especially the GPG, must take action. This is not safe for the general public,” said Mr Bigha.
“They need to come forward, inspect this building, and close down the shops while construction is still ongoing,” he added.
A construction worker who spoke to Island Sun yesterday under condition of anonymity, said the shops started operating as of July 1, 2025.
“The owner decided to open the down floor to business so he could pay back his loan. Rental for shops is $25,000 per month. One of the shops is $50,000 since it is a double room,” the worker said.
The worker said that the building is expected to be fully completed by October this year since construction started in December 2024.
He said the three-story building contains around 200 rooms in the upper floors.
A Chinese shop owner who operates one of the ground-floor shops said he is willing to accept any decision taken regarding the issue.
“I’m operating because my business licence to operate here was accepted.
“However, I am willing to close down my shop if I am advised to.
“So far, we haven’t received any notice from the authorities,” he told Island Sun.
One GPG officer spoken to at the site yesterday said they were surprised to see businesses operating while construction is still ongoing.
“This issue brings more attention, and it needs to be addressed,” the GPG officer said.
The owner of the building could not be reached for comments before this paper went to print last night.
For feedback,contact:[email protected]
