MALAITA Provincial Premier Elijah Asilaua has clarified concerns surrounding the $3 million grant allocated for the Malaita Provincial Youth and Children Resource Centre, assuring the Provincial Assembly that funds have been properly managed and remain accountable.
Addressing the Assembly during its recent sitting in Auki, the Premier said, the full $3 million was deposited into the Malaita Province Youth Council Account in line with its intended purpose.
He explained that 90 per cent of the funds are reserved for the construction of the centre, while 10 per cent is set aside for investment servicing and project management.
The Premier acknowledged that the project has faced delays over the past three years due to difficulties in securing suitable land.
He said the province missed an opportunity to purchase the Hilltop property because of delays in the remittance of funds, and the property was later sold to another buyer.
He added that negotiations for alternative sites proved challenging, with asking prices exceeding the allocated budget.
However, the Province was able to successfully negotiate the purchase of a property at a reduced price of $980,000, down from its market value of $1.5 million.
According to the Premier, the purchase has now secured land and a building that can be upgraded to support the establishment of the Youth and Children Resource Centre.
He said preparations are underway to call for tenders in January for necessary upgrades, following a technical assessment by the provincial engineer, while the transfer of the Fixed Term Estate is also in progress.
The Premier said the remaining balance of more than $2 million will be used for construction and development works to fully equip the centre and support the future needs of Malaita’s youth and children.
He called on Assembly members and stakeholders, including traditional leaders, churches, youth and women groups, the private sector, and development partners, to work together to advance the province’s development goals in line with the Malaita Economic Cooperation and Transformative Policy.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
Photo caption: Malaita Province Youth Council President Philip Subu in front of the old residential building purchased for the Malaita Youth Centre.
