FIU hydro resource owners in Malaita province Wednesday met and submitted their hydro strategic work plan to Minister of Mines and Energy David Dei Pacha.
Chairman of the Fiu hydro task force confirmed the meeting was done at the Ministry of Mines and Energy office at Lengakiki, west Honiara.
Alfred Geogeo said, that this strategic plan was a confirmation that they (resource owners) have really agreed for the hydro to kick off.
He said that their coming to meet the Minister was to congratulate DCC for working hard to kick off the project in Malaita province.
He revealed that under the strategic plan, they have six main areas to do in leading up for the kicking off the of the hydro and they are;
· Awareness and advocating;
· Establishment of Fiu hydro by resource owners;
· Engagement and alliance with key stakeholders like SIG, ADB, MPG and SIEA;
· Land arrangement, land agreement and royalty payment;
· Addressing environmental concerns and damages;
· Development project.
This strategic plan started this year until 2017, Mr Geogeo revealed.
The theme for the work plan is ‘Empowering resource owners to participate in the economic development in the Solomon Islands.’
He said they have submitted the plan copy to the Minister which is a blue print for Fiu Hydro to kick off in Malaita soon.
He said that the government is satisfied with their plan as a contribution towards the project.
“Everything is done and hopefully work on the multi-million project will start any time next month.
“We are proud that our project is mostly likely to kick off first in Malaita province,” he said.
He thanked the Malaita provincial government for working together with DCC government to undertake some of the projects.
The delegation will today meet with SIEA and ADB before returning home on Friday.
By LESLEY SANGA
