The deteriorating road condition leading up to Gizo Hilltop is raising so much concern amongst the public and tourism operators.
And they are calling on both the Western Provincial Government and the National government to deal with the matter with urgency.
Solomon Island Visitors Bureau (SIVB) board member and an operator Erick Ghemu told the paper that the main road leading up to the Gizo Hilltop is in its worst stage and needs immediate attention by responsible authorities and leaders.
“The road is so bad that currently taxis and vehicles that normally serve the area have stopped using the road.
“And this is affecting the tourism operators who operates lodges and rest houses at the hilltop most of their guests cannot travel up to the hilltop.”
As an operator in Gizo, he posed the questions, who is responsible? Who is going to take up the challenge? And how long Gizo residents will wait to see the road fixed.
He described the road as just similar to a logging company.
“As a tourism operator here in Gizo town, I would like to see a change. We talked about changes and so please make a change because Gizo road is now in its worse form.”
Early this month Deputy Premier of Western Province Wanye Maepioh told the Solomon Star that the current Western provincial government is committed to upgrade the deteriorating Gizo roads.
“It is our concern, but we are still waiting for a meeting with authorities from the national government before we can take appropriate steps.
Mr Maepio said past executives overlooked the issue which resulted in the current state.
“This executive is equally concern, but we have to work closely with the national government’s ministry responsible.
“But to assure you and the people, our government is fully aware of the concern and will address it because the township is expecting more visitors and tourists this year,” he said.
By DENVER NEWTER
