Permanent Secretary (PS) for Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) Hence Vaekesa has told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting last week that his Ministry is currently working on three major projects.
These projects are Suafa cannery, Bina Habour Industrial Seaport project and Noro industrial site.
Speaking before the PAC committee members, Vaekesa said that government priority projects rested with his ministry to pursue progress of work and ensure development of these projects are on the right trend in the right timing.
Vaekesa said, that they want to see these projects reach somewhere in its work to ensure that efforts and commitment are still there to push development forward.
He said, that these are economic growth centre that the Ministry is focusing on with the ambition to get these projects to some stage that deserves country’s commitment and investment in those economic sites.
“These growth centres are not possible to complete as total costs of construction will take long to accomplish, but we have to start now and move from there,” Vaekesa stated.
Furthermore, the PS stated that Noro industrial site is in progress while Suafa cannery and Bina harbour remains priorities for them to work on.
He further stated that these projects would encourage and enhance Solomon Islanders to participation in revenue generating activities.
“For the economic outlook our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ranges from 3% to 4% growth rate,” PS stated.
“The Ministry has confidence in economic activities as growing number of investors will enhance economic growth,” he added. “Participation of one third of our population in the economic activities can make changes,” he further stated.
In addition Vaekesa stated that two other Ministries are working with them to implement these major projects. They are Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and Ministry of Lands, Housing & Survey (MLHS).
“These Ministries always consult each other for matters relating to these major projects,” he said. “Budget for growth centre has move to MID and MLHS, therefore we are one in implementing these projects,” he further added.
By AATAI JOHN
