MALAITA Province premier Peter Chanel Ramohia has praised Fiu resource owners saying they set an example to other Malaita resource owners.
Mr Ramohia said Malaitans always talked about development, but never organise themselves to pave way for development.
“What Fiu Resource Owners are doing which allows for a smooth coordination of planning the Fiu Hydro Project, is an example to follow.
“They never rely on the government and the province in organising themselves.
“Development can come when resource owners organise themselves and declare to the government and aid donors that they are ready to accept development.”
The premier made the comments after Fiu Resource Owners had an audience with the Prime Minister during which they handed over their strategic work plans.
Mr Ramohia said the practise of asking the national government money to set up and organise is complicating speedy processes to development.
“Let us not rely on the government. Let us organise our land differences, put our plans in place before calling for development.
“If this group unheard of can do it, then why not Bina Resource Owners, Faumamanu land owners and other areas earmarked on Malaita for development?”
He thanked Fiu Resource Owners for taking the leading initiatives in ensuring the proposed project is implemented smoothly.
Mr Ramohia said he hope other landowning groups who are willing to open up their land for development will look at Fiu Resource Owners as models to development and follow suit.
The Fiu Hydro Project once completed will provide efficient power supply to Auki and surrounding communities.
Fifteen million dollars have already been allocated by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Government and Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA), to get the project off the ground.
By LESLEY SANGA
