THE Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) has redirected land originally earmarked for a proposed tourist complex to construct a new fishery office in Auki.
This decision was taken by the provincial government’s Executive to facilitate the development of the fishery office as part of preparations for the Bina Harbour project in Malaita.
However, this move has drawn criticism from local tourism operators who had anticipated the government would prioritize the promotion of the tourism industry in the province.
In 2020, the Malaita Provincial Government (MPG), under the leadership of Daniel Suidani, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism outlining several tourism initiatives for Malaita.
This agreement identified key projects such as the Auki Tourism Information and Cultural Centre, the Forest Lake (Osi) Ecotourism Development, cruise ship port preparedness projects, and training in tourism minimum standards.
At the time of signing, the Malaita provincial government allocated land for the Auki tourism complex.
However, the recent decision to repurpose this land for a fishery office raises concerns about the government’s commitment to advancing tourism initiatives in the province—especially the Auki Tourism Information and Cultural Centre.
Malaita Province Tourism Officer Sonia Fiumae expressed her distress regarding the government’s decision to divert the earmarked land.
While she acknowledged the importance of fishery development, she stressed that tourism should be prioritized as a vital industry for the country’s economic growth.
She highlighted the potential benefits of establishing a tourism complex and its positive economic impact once constructed in Malaita.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
