PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele on Friday morning officially handed over 12 vehicles to the Western Provincial Government (WPG) during a ceremony at the new finance complex in Noro.
The vehicles were part of the fleet used to transport Pacific leaders during the recent Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) retreat in Noro and Munda.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Manele said, he was pleased to make the donation following a request from the Western Provincial Government during their courtesy visit to him in Honiara earlier this year.
“Of the 12 vehicles, two Hilux will go to the Western Provincial Assembly, one to the Ministry of Finance in Noro, one to Immigration in Munda/Noro, one to Biosecurity based in Noro, and one to Health Quarantine, also in Noro,” PM Manele said.
“For the buses, one each has been allocated to Gizo Hospital and Helena Goldie Hospital, another to the Western Provincial Assembly, and one to the Noro Town Council,” he said.
“The remaining two 33-seater buses will serve the Ministry of Finance in Noro,” he added.
Western Province Premier Hon. Billy Veo, who received the donation on behalf of the province, thanked the National Government and acknowledged the Prime Minister’s positive response to their request.
“I remember myself and my provincial secretary paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and we were casting our failed attempts previously through MPGSI and MID.
“I brought up with the Prime Minister then and he assured us that they are not procuring vehicles for the PIF meeting and that they will allocate us vehicles after the event,” Premier Veo said.
“True to his words, we are now witnessing this low-key event, which is the handing over of these vehicles not only to Western Provincial Government but our other important stakeholders like our key border and security agencies and others as well.
“As I understand, there are 7 vehicles for handing over – 6 Hiluxes and a couple of buses I believe.
“On behalf of the Western Provincial Government, Noro Town Council and us the beneficiaries of this very kind gesture – I believe our border security agencies as well.
“I would like to render our most sincere thanks and appreciation for these wonderful gifts,” Veo further added.
Most of the vehicles were funded by Solomon Islands Government.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Noro
