BY NED GAGAHE
Premier of Central Islands Province, Hon. Kenneth Sagupari, has assured the people of Central Province that his government remains committed to ensuring fair and equitable distribution of development across the province.
Premier Sagupari made the assurance following public criticism that Savo Island has been overlooked in recent provincial development plans.
“To all our good people of Central Province, especially those on Savo Island, I would like to make it clear that under my leadership, Savo Island remains a top priority for the Central Islands Provincial Government,” Premier Sagupari said.
He clarified that Savo has not been excluded from development plans, particularly in terms of coordination with national government ministries.
“Our government is very concerned about development on the island,” he said.
Premier Sagupari also pointed out safety concerns raised during 2022–2023 by the Ministry of Disaster Management under the leadership of former Premier, Polycarp Galaigu.
The ministry had presented risks related to ongoing volcanic activity on Savo, which affected planning for major infrastructure development.
“Because of these risks, our government will push for the national government to consider a resettlement scheme for the people of Savo,” he said.
However, Premier Sagupari assured that in the meantime, his administration will continue to deliver essential services and small-scale development projects for the island.
Former Premier of Central Province, Michael Salini, has welcomed Premier Sagupari’s assurance that the people of Savo are included in the government’s development agenda.
“It’s good that the Premier and his executive assure the people of Savo that they are prioritised in current development plans,” Salini said.
He confirmed that in the current 2025/2026 budget, funds have been allocated for several projects on Savo under the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF).
“I would like to urge the Premier and Executive to continue implementing those projects — especially the two classrooms that were not completed. We will be following up on this assurance and keeping the government accountable for its promises,” he added.
On the proposed resettlement scheme, Mr. Salini welcomed the initiative but also called for further progress on the geothermal energy project on Savo.
He said the Ministry of Mines had informed them in a previous meeting that it is working on a national geothermal policy to guide future development in the area.
“Once the policy is in place, then further discussions can proceed. Yes, the resettlement programme is an important one that must be pursued,” he said.
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