The Government will consider the long-awaited report into sufferance wharves, amidst growing concern over security and the movement of illicit drugs through the nation’s ports.
Jimson Tanangada, the Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, said the report had been prepared by a taskforce led by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury together with the Prime Minister’s Office.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Honiara, Minister Tanangada confirmed the document would first go before the government caucus on Tuesday before being presented to Cabinet.
“We look forward to the report, especially its recommendations,” he said.
He said, the recommendations will cover a number of areas and sectors, including what they should do in the policing sector and in the customs sector to improve on certain areas.
Although the contents have not yet been disclosed, ministers expect the report to address vulnerabilities at wharves designated for customs clearance, which have been linked to the trafficking of illegal drugs.
“The report is not before us yet, so we cannot pre-empt what is in it,” Mr Tanangada said.
“But we look forward to that important report so that we can address this very important issue with regards to sufferance wharves, especially as far as security considerations are concerned.”
Once Cabinet has reviewed the findings, the government is expected to weigh the recommendations carefully and determine how best to strengthen oversight of the country’s maritime gateways.
By ANDRIANAH DELASALET KOLE
Solomon Star, Honiara
