Forum blames gov’t for project delays

Malaita Ma’asina Forum (MMF) has blamed senior government officials for delays and wastage of projects’ funds earmarked for provinces. MMF president, Charles Dausabea made the accusation during a recent press conference held in Honiara. Senior officials of the MMF who spoke during the press conference have also criticised government for the way it sets out…

Dettke rejects accusations

Tourism minister Bodo Dettke has rejected claims he demanded $10 million from the government in relation to the Kukum Highway Improvement Project. The demand is reportedly for the use of eight metres of the stretch of land immediately on the western left-end of the two-lane Mataniko bridge, which will be taken up when the road…

Land owners unhappy

Government’s plan to delay development  of a fourth campus of the University of the South Pacific at Doma land, west of Honiara, had  drawn deep disappointment by the tribal customary owners of Doma land. Referring to a recent announcement by the Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Dr.Derek Sikua, who said government had decided…

ATM robbery case trial date set

The court will be hearing evidences in relation to the robbing of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) at the Kwaimani Building in December. Principal Magistrate Fatima Taeburi when fixing the trial date last Friday said all magistrates are fully booked to hear other trials as of this month until November. She therefore set down 7…

Job creation key to economic growth

JOB creation is key to economic growth and a solution to heightening social problems. Outspoken member of Malaita Ma’asina Forum (MMF) Henry Ata stressed this during an interview. Enforcing his strong believe on his statement, Ata  referred to similar rhetoric’s  highlighted by US president Barrack Obama who he said had called on  world  leaders  to…

Bus owners get serious

First meeting tomorrow to discuss future of industry Local bus owners are meeting in Honiara tomorrow for the first time to seriously look at the future of the industry. The meeting follows the recent one-day protest bus drivers staged in Honiara. “One of the issues we will be discussing is why foreigners are allowed to…

Gov’t stands by Skyline

Allegations unproven, says Oso THE Office of the Prime Minister is standing by Skyline Investment Group despite allegation the Asian company is operating a scam. The group has promised the government it would rehabilitate Honiara International Airport, upgrade the Henderson-Point Cruz road, and invest in tourism projects. It also offered to build 5,000 homes for…

Small Malaita receives assessment report

Small Malaita Constituency Office (SMCO) has received the preliminary engineering assessment report to prepare proper infrastructure plan towards the development of the Afio Economic Growth Centre (EGC) and its supporting infrastructure development projects. Director Engineering and Infrastructure Development of the Ministry of Rural Development Allen Ilia on Monday17th August handed over the report to the…

Marau clarifies situation

Minister for Commerce, Industries, and Labour & Immigration (MCILI) William Bradford Marau says, that his Directorship to Skyline Motors and Hardware Group Limited (SMHGL) was later realised to contradict government policy, hence the intention to operate will not happen. Mr Marau was responding to questions raised by the public about his involvement as a director…

Sore explains position again

Special Secretary to Prime Minister’s office Rence Sore says he had clarified his position as a director to the government owned company that has a joint venture with Skyline Investment Group company to implement the public servant housing scheme. Mr Sore reiterated after the Opposition issued a second statement calling for his sacking along with…