BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, has raised serious concerns over the lack of consultation on the proposed Mineral and Resource Bill, saying his executive was unaware of any public or provincial engagement on the draft legislation.
In an exclusive interview with Island Sun, Veo revealed that his government only learned about the bill when it reached the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC).
He stressed that the bill has bypassed a crucial process of inclusive consultation, especially at the provincial level.
“I’m not aware of any consultation that was conducted in Western Province. I haven’t sighted the bill myself,” Premier Veo said.
He stressed that the mining industry is a highly sensitive and potentially destructive form of development that requires a cautious and participatory approach.
“Mining is a devastating development and the government has failed in its responsibilities to ensure that people of Solomon Islands have equal participation in the decision-making processes,” he added.
Former Premier for Western Province, Christian Burley Mesepitu, also confirmed there was no consultation on the bill during his time in office.
“I was an MPA for 12 years and never at any time did I come across the bill.
“I think wider consultation is critical because such development will have devastating impacts on the people and the environment,” he said.
Both leaders pointed to the potential social and environmental consequences of mining activities and called for the national government to rethink its approach by ensuring transparency, provincial inclusion and grassroots participation before finalizing the bill.
The Mineral and Resource Bill is currently under review by the Bills and Legislation Committee, with national leaders continuing to face growing scrutiny over the limited engagement with provincial governments and communities who are expected to bear the brunt of extractive operations.
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