MINISTER of Agriculture in the Western Provincial government Wayne Maepio supports the initiative of the Bio-security Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to step up the fight to reduce and eradicate the African Giant Snail.
Mr Maepio made the comments during a meeting in Gizo last week.
Supporting the sentiments, Gizo quarantine officer Doley Sasa said the department has been scrutinising foreign boats arriving in Gizo.
Mr Sasa said they are stepping up the fight following reports of the snail’s presence in the province.
“We’ve received reports of the presence of the snail in some parts of Gizo.”
Other officers claimed passenger boat travelling to Gizo must be closely monitored.
“It is a difficult task, but if properly enforced, chances of increasing the population of the snail here will be slim.”
By ALFRED PAGEPITU
