A government delegation visited and identified the proposed site for the Bina Harbour Project’s domestic jetty recently marking a significant milestone in preparations for this development.
Led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), the team included official from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and a senior official from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The team was sent to assess technical and logistical requirements and navigate the suitable site for the new facility, which will be constructed on project land near Bina Village, outside the security zone for the new Bina Harbour international shipping port.
According to MFMR Permanent Secretary Dr. Christian Ramofafia, the domestic jetty will be crucial for the project’s early stages, serving as the main offloading point for construction materials, equipment, and personnel. It is also expected to benefit the local community through improved maritime access.
“This domestic jetty is an assurance to our people that we are serious about the project,” Dr. Ramofafia told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently, putting MFMR’s case for allocation of SBD 30 million from the Supplementary Budget to fund construction, which has since been approved..
The jetty’s design and costings will come from MID but subject to technical reviews, which MID will lead on. Preparatory works are expected to start later this year, with full construction planned for 2026.
MFMR will continue consultations with communities to ensure their views and needs are integrated into the development. Much of the groundwork for this milestone has been driven by the Bina Region Arrangements for Governance (BRAG), which has played a key role in coordinating land access and facilitating community consultations to prepare the site for development.
Once completed, the domestic jetty will not only support the Bina Harbour Tuna processing plant’s hub but also serve long-term shipping and trade needs for Malaita Province, a move expected to create jobs, stimulate local industries, and strengthen maritime links.
- MFMR
