BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has blamed the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) Bradley Tovosia for not doing his job during his term as the Minster of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE).
Wale condemned the member of parliament for East Guadalcanal during the asking & answering of question on the issue of Rennel Bauxite Mine in parliament this week.
Wale’s disapproval came in light of the ongoing unaddressed environmental issues from mining and logging operations that is impacting communities across the country.
While thanking the New Minister of MMERE Derick Manuari for his leadership to reform the mining sector, Wale said the former Mines minister had done nothing while holding the post as a minister.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Minister for Mines. Regrettably, the concerns raised here suggest that little has been accomplished since he is new to the position; however, the individual failing to fulfill his responsibilities is the one absent from this discussion.
“As for the Minister of Fisheries, I am uncertain how many times he has served as Minister of Mines. Honestly, he is quite ineffective. While we may find funniness in this situation, it is not appropriate.
“I refer to the unfortunate Rennellese, who have been impacted by the oil spill, receiving no royalties or payments, and the 33 shipments that have left significant damage to their homes due to the mining company. Mr Speaker, this situation is detrimental to our people,” Wale said.
He pointed out that similar issues can happen anywhere in this country.
“They even shout to deaf ears as well, and to say that this neglect is something we overlook. It is not. we have had years and years of experience with Gold Ridge Mining and the environmental issues there, so really there is no excuse for this neglect.
“So, I am really happy that finally the Minister and Ministry are addressing these issues.
“It is imperative that we consider these issues, and clearly, regarding the oil spill liability, we must include it into our domestic laws to ensure that liability is assigned to the responsible parties and enforced promptly,” Wale said.
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