Premier Richard Irosaea issued the warning.
Speaking at the 27th Second Appointed Day of the Province at Afio, South Malaita last Thursday, Mr Irosaea highlighted some of his province's unfinished business with the national government.
He said the new Government needs to see Malaita as a development issue.
"We want development needs of Malaita to be addressed effectively and genuinely and not politicised," Mr Irosaea said.
"Our reason for this call is because Malaita has an effect on law and order in this country," he said.
Mr Irosaea said Malaita Province prioritises the following development projects:
- Connect Hauhui to Afio by road. This road will open 2/3 of the province for development.
- Improve regional towns; Malu’u, Afio, Atori and an Administration Centre in Ontong Java.
- SIG to fast tract development of Auluta Oil Palm Development, Waisisi Oil Palm, Suafa Fisheries and revive Bina Project.
"That is Malaita will not be part of any Federal Government and that if any decision taken to adopt this system is taken Malaita Province will opt for a separate Independent State," he said.
Malaita has 14 Members of Parliament.
Meanwhile, Mr Irosaea highlighted some of the projects that are still in the pipe line.
"The Malaita Provincial Government has requested from JICA a study on a rural development programme which aims to improve livelihood earnings of families in rural Malaita.
"This study is now completed and is waiting approval or otherwise from the Japanese Government," he said.
He added the province is working closely with AusAid, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and farmers through the Cocoa Livelihood Improvement Programme (CLIP) to increase production and improve quality of cocoa produces in the province.
"Indeed Malaita Province sets a target of 10,000,000 tonnes to be achieved in 10 years by cocoa farmers in Malaita Province," he said.
Mr Irosaea said assistance has been secured from the State of Israel to finance some sectors of development within the province.
"The Malaita Provincial Government believes the solution to our economic problems lies in the improvement of family incomes in rural areas," he said.
He said other developments in infrastructure are being addressed through the Provincial Government Strengthening Programme (PGSP) and the Rural Development Project which addresses infrastructural development through communities.
"This programme is taking on Provincial Wards 19-27 of the Southern Region of Malaita Province," he added.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
