National Parliamentary Independent Leader Dr Derek Sikua has urged the government to address important issues remain unattended by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).
He was speaking in his second reading debate on the Supplementary Appropriation Bill in Parliament.
Dr Sikua said essential items such as the fire engine had not been maintained; the administration of airports had been to decline; many basic services, including facilities at the Henderson International terminal, had been allowed to lapse.
“Meanwhile most of the 2015 funding had already been expended.
“I call on the MCA under the new leadership of the new minister and Permanent Secretary to address the air service agreements with Fiji, PNG and Vanuatu have remained unresolved,” Dr Sikua said
He said the current status of these agreements is very detrimental to the viability of the country’s own airline Solomon Airlines, and is costing SI government significant revenues, all because the Ministry had not previously managed the negotiation of such agreements.
Furthermore the current status of the undersea cable project is still undecided between two options.
“This is a very vital project which is intended to improve telecommunications data and lower costs.”
He also acknowledged the work being done so far by the new permanent secretary Moses Virivolomo.
“It is heartening to note that with the arrival of the new PS the Ministry is already taking a number of initiatives to improve basic services and facilities at both the domestic and international terminals.
“Also other actions are in train to address the impasse on air services agreements and other matters on the policy front.
“I urged the PS to pursue these steps including remedial actions to strengthen administrative, financial and management capabilities in the ministry.”
By ELLIOT DAWEA
