Acting Prime Minister Douglas Ete met with the Malaita Provincial executive delegation yesterday to discuss ways forward to implement major projects earmarked for Malaita by the Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Government.
A statement from the Government Communication Unit said, the meeting was a follow-up after Premier Peter Channel Ramohia’s previous meeting with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare last month.
Major issues discussed include the DCC Government’s priority projects for Malaita which are expected to be aligned with top priorities in the province’s soon to be launched Policy Framework.
Some of the major national projects earmarked for the province includes; the Suava Bay Fish Processing Facility, Bina Harbour Seaport, Auluta Basin Palm Oil, Tar sealing of the existing road network and the Fiu River Hydro Project.
The statement said, additional issues discussed at the meeting included the Gwaunaru’u and Parasi Airport closures, the executives proposed acquisition of the Auki Sea front for the town’s expansion and industrial parks in Faumamanu, Liwe and Kadabina.
Premier Ramohia said, his provincial executive is pleased that the DCC Government places high priority in the development of Malaita.
He said, they are looking forward to work in close partnership with the DCC Government and other key stakeholders to ensure the proposed projects are achieved for the benefit of Malaita and the country as a whole.
Mr Ete reassured the delegation that DCC Government has placed high priority in developing Malaita Province.
“It is the desire of the DCC Government that Malaita is developed so that justice is done to the people of Malaita, who have seen very little development on their Island for many years,” Hon. Ete said.
He encouraged the provincial executive to work closely with customary landowning groups to settle disputes over land ownership which continues to hinder development in the province and to enable a smooth development process as Malaita prepares to host these national projects.
Premier Ramohia is expected to launch his Provincial Executive’s policy statement and policy framework in mid March.
– GCU
