Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 7 Vonunu, Vella La Vella Western Province has called for stronger community governance and policing mechanisms to address growing social issues across communities in the province.
Speaking during the motion of Sine Die at the Western Provincial Assembly meeting in Gizo on Friday, Hon.Rence Sore, highlighted the need to reinforce the existing structural link between the national government—particularly the Ministry of Traditional Governance—and the provincial authorities responsible for community affairs.
He said the current setup lacks adequate coordination between provincial authorities and traditional leaders at the community level, leaving gaps in effective governance and law enforcement.
“There needs to be a stronger link between the national government, the provincial level, and our chiefs in the villages.
“It’s not just the national government’s responsibility to address community needs, but the provincial level must also play its part,” Sore said.
Hon. Sore further pointed out that in Vella La Vella, there are active community policing initiatives that work closely with local leaders to maintain order.
However, he stressed that such programs require more support and resources to be effective.
He expressed concern over the increasing use of illegal substances among young people, including students.
“We are seeing the spread of drug use—scoop, marijuana, methamphetamine, and other illegal substances—within our communities,” Hon. Sore said.
He urged the Provincial Government and relevant authorities to work closely with community leaders to strengthen local policing networks.
“Our people and communities are closest to us,” he said.
“We must take practical steps to address the critical issues affecting them before they escalate further,” he added.
BY ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
