AS the sun began to set on yet another sad chapter of Solomon Islands’ history, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the nation’s newest diplomatic ally, has vowed to “offer assistance to the best of its capacity” in helping Solomon Islands rebuild.
Three days of rioting, looting and destruction of properties in Honiara had punched a half a billion dollar hole in the domestic economy, according to an impact assessment study undertaken by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI).
China’s offer of support was made by Spokesman Wang Wenbin in Beijing this week in response to questions from a reporter, who said reports of “multiple public infrastructures have been ravaged in recent unrest in Solomon Islands’ capital Honiara, making life difficult for some in the city.
“Does China plan to provide any assistance to the country?, the reporter asked.
In response Mr. Wang said:
“China is closely following the security situation in the capital of Solomon Islands. We condemn the violent acts that vandalized private and public properties and support the government of Solomon Islands in stopping violence and chaos and restoration of order and rebuilding the city.
“China will offer assistance to the best of its capability,” Mr. Wang said.
It is not clear what form of assistance is being provided by Beijing.
To date, the PRC appears to be the only foreign government that has condemned the violence in Honiara in which three people lost their lives in burning buildings in Chinatown.
Many Members of Parliament, including Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga condemned the violence, which had been blamed largely on Malaitans.
The two arch rivals in what was the third political uprisings since independence in 1978 – Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani – are showing no sign of backing out.
Both men have been trading accusations and counter-accusations at each other, despite appeals for calm and peace and to focus on matters uniting the nation.
The adverse impacts of the recent riots and looting of business and destruction of properties represent the largest man-made economic shock that Solomon Islands has experienced since 2006, Finance Minister Harry Kuma told Parliament on Thursday.
“The damage done was immense and would take many years to rebuild and to recover. The multiple impacts will also affect other major sectors such agriculture, transport and firms that have cut back on business activities and investments due to decreases on domestic demand for goods and services, supply interruptions and uncertain future earnings outlook,” Mr. Kuma said.
Some 62 buildings and shops were destroyed in the burning, which followed extensive lootings in Chinatown, Kukum and Ranadi business districts.
Some individuals and communities have since been convinced to return looted items. Police have also dug up looted items buried outside looters’ homes in parts of east Honiara.
By Alfred Sasako
Newsroom, Honiara
