A call for a modernized and reformed energy sector has been issued to help boost economic development in the Solomon Islands.
The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), Dr. Chris Vehe this strong call on Friday when speaking during a panel discussion on “Energy and the Future.”
The event was held at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara.
Dr. Vehe argued that while agriculture is often viewed as the backbone of the nation, it is energy that ultimately powers all aspects of growth.
“Energy is the real driver of economic development,” he said.
Dr. Vehe highlighted the outdated legislative framework governing the energy sector as a major obstacle to progress.
“One of our major challenges in having an improved energy sector is a legislative framework that is not really compatible to enable us to control the sector,” he explained.
He stressed the need for a modern, comprehensive legal structure capable of supporting environmental protection, health, education and disaster preparedness.
“We need to have an energy sector that empowers economic development, promotes environmental protection and supports health and education,” he added.
“Disaster preparedness is very important. People need to know how to quickly prepare themselves for disasters.”
The PS pointed to recent extreme weather patterns in Honiara as a reminder of the importance of an efficient and resilient energy system.
“This comes back to how efficiently we can use the sector to disseminate appropriate information. We really need political champions in this space,” he said.
He called for stronger engagement from political leaders, including the Prime Minister, as well as community institutions such as churches and schools.
“We need to take these discussions right down to them.”
Dr. Vehe also encouraged widespread participation in a survey launched by MMERE and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The survey, accessible via QR code, invites citizens to provide feedback and insights on energy issues.
He said the findings will help form the basis of a Cabinet submission proposing the creation of a separate “Ministry of Energy.”
“When we look at the list of ministries, Mines and Energy is not an essential ministry,” he said.
“Our officers dealing with energy and water are not entitled to the eligibilities that essential ministries have. It’s about time we change.”
Dr. Vehe emphasized that rural electrification and renewable energy development would be better advanced under a dedicated ministry.
“If we are to campaign for a new Ministry of Energy, we have to talk about rural electrification and rural renewable energies. The driver sits with the Ministry of Energy, not the Ministry of Rural Development.”
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
