The long delay in the implementation of the proposed Bonale Pineapple Factory in Malaita Province has raised questions and concerns among those eagerly awaiting progress on this crucial development.
The Bonale Pineapple Mill Project is set to be located in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, and is a national government initiative.
Multiple ministries, including Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Agriculture and Livestock, and Development Planning and Aid Coordination, are involved in this project.
According to a report, the pre-feasibility studies indicate that the Bonale Pineapple Factory has the potential to promote healthier lifestyles and diets.
Pineapple farmer Hendry Mae expressed his frustration to this paper, stating that farmers in Malaita are eager to see the project come to fruition.
“It is disheartening to witness the prolonged delays in implementing a project we have all looked forward to.
“The delay has discouraged hardworking farmers who expect the government to recognize and support our efforts.”
Malaita Province serves as the main supplier of fresh pineapples to Honiara’s main market and across the country, with many farmers hailing from the West Kwaio electorate.
The peak season for pineapples is in November.
Mr. Mae added that the last update he received from the government regarding the progress of the pineapple factory project was in 2021.
He noted that he was informed that the geo-tech study, business model, food technology study, land use plan, and water technical site studies had all been successfully completed.
It is understood that the USAID SCALE program is the only non-government organization currently supporting the Bonale Pineapple Factory project in the West Kwaio constituency.
However, Mr. Mae called on the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) to recognize the importance of implementing the pineapple project.
A statement from Government Communication Unit in August 2021 said, a proposal seeking support from the US SCALE project was also submitted through the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination to seek further support from the SCALE program.
Dialogue was recently made with the SCALE project consultants to seek support for the environment impact assessment study, factory design and construction in 2022.
The statement further highlighted that Commerce Ministry coordinating team was exploring other options including the Public Private Partnership approach to boost private sector technology and innovation in this development project.
“This would gradually increase levels of private sector participation with transfer of entrepreneurial skills and knowledge to increase production and quality products that meet required standards in the domestic and international markets,” the statement said.
This project has a competitive advantage to advance infrastructure construction since Bonale land is customarily registered and free from dispute.
The projects business model would involve a cooperative society model that promotes entrepreneurship to boost industrial commercial estate development. It enhances innovation through infrastructure, value adding and downstream processing of raw materials into local pineapple products.
Pre-feasibility studies have indicated that the Bonale Pineapple Factory Project has the potential to promote healthier lifestyles and diets. It also has the potential to boost domestic and global demand for nutritious, organic and diverse superfood products processed from Ripley Queen and Smooth Cayenne local pineapple fruits.
The former DCGA government commended the cooperation of the Malaita Provincial Government, the Bonale Land Trust Board and land owning groups, farmers, community leaders and citizens for their positive support towards the project.
The National Government at that time said, it was fully committed to the successful implementation and delivery of its policy priorities in the interest of economic empowerment, national stability and wellbeing of the citizens.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki