The Western Provincial Government (WPG) has revealed plans to erect fence around the old premiers’ residence to avoid the public accessing the vicinity.
This followed growing concerns over public access, unnecessary activities, and allegations of common nuisance within the premises.
Some Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) especially the executive side raised the issue, pointing out that the open entrance has allowed people to freely come in and out of the compound, creating disturbances and misusing of the property.
An Executive Member told the Solomon Star that the government had little choice but to act.
“Due to unnecessary activities and common nuisance, WPG has proposed to fence the area and block the entrance that remains open to the public,” the member explained.
“The place has been left unattended for too long and it entertains the wrong kind of activities.”
The move also comes amid criticism that some MPAs have been residing at the old Premier’s residence free of charge, despite receiving a $6,000 monthly housing allowance.
Critics argue that this is an improper use of public funds.
In response, executive members defended their use of the facility, saying the allowance is insufficient to cover costly accommodation in Gizo.
“The monthly allowance is too little for us to stay in hotels, which are very expensive,” one member said.
“If we spend it all on accommodation, it would only last four or five days. That is why some of us reside at the old Premier’s residence while carrying out our work in Gizo.”
With the housing allowance which they are entitled to the government did not provide. But when they receive their allowances they normally use it to assist their people and voters who always ask for financial assistance, another member added.
While some MPAs have private homes in Gizo, many live in their respective wards scattered across the province’s islands.
Because of this, for those members, the old Premier’s residence has been a convenient—though controversial—option.
The WPG says fencing the compound will not only restore order but also preserve the integrity of government property.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
