There have been growing concerns over the monitoring of commercial and tourist boats entering Western Province, particularly regarding anchorage fees and their distribution.
Stakeholders, including local businesses and tourism operators, have called for clarity on the role of Tradeco Shipping and the Western Province Tourism Division in overseeing these vessels.
There is a pressing need to establish a transparent system that ensures anchorage fees are properly collected and allocated.
Questions have been raised about whether the fees collected from visiting vessels are remitted to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism at the national level or remain within the Western Province Tourism Division.
Sources have indicated that these fees are directed to the provincial division; however, concerns persist regarding their management and use.
A local tourism operator, who wished to remain anonymous, stressed the importance of accountability.
“We need a clear process on how these fees are being used. If they are meant for tourism development, we need to see tangible benefits,” one of the local operators told Solomon Star.
With the increasing number of commercial and tourist vessels frequenting Western Province, industry stakeholders urge authorities to implement a more structured approach in monitoring and managing maritime activities.
This includes clear policies on anchorage fee collection, transparency in financial reporting, and ensuring the funds contribute to the growth of the local tourism sector.
Tradco Shipping Limited has been providing shipping agency business in the Solomon Islands for over 35 years with locations in Honiara, Guadalcanal and Noro, Western Province.
Tradco provides shipping services whereby they are responsible for handling shipments, cargo, and general interests of the customer, at Ports and Harbours, on behalf of ship owners, managers and charterers.
Efforts to get comments from relevant authorities were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
However, stakeholders remain hopeful that the issue will be addressed in due course to promote fairness and sustainability in the province’s tourism industry.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
