NUMEROUS calls have been received from farmers in Makira Ulawa Province for the removal of the officer In-charge for the agriculture extension office in Kirakira.
This came after an article that was published in this paper early last week with the title ‘Agriculture assistance critical for farmers in Makira’.
A number of farmers in Makira told the Solomon Star last week that the officer in charge is the barrier for the development of the industry in Makira.
“The agriculture sector of MUP needs new leadership.
“Over the past years, farmers in Makira have witnessed the decrease in the output of the agriculture sector in Makira even though it is fully equipped.
“The office’s lack of planning and programming for farmers is a sign of poor leadership,” the farmers claimed.
However, when contacted the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s head office in Honiara, the Permanent Secretary Jimmy Saelea said he has not received any reports of such.
“I think officially, this issue does not reach our office.
“My Ministry is the right channel for such cases to be launched,” the PS said.
He also said that if this allegation is true, it will be a matter for the disciplinary committee of the Ministry to deal with.
“If this issue is happening, the farmers can channel the issue through my office and we could leave it to the disciplinary committee to deal with.
“Or it can also be brought forward to the Public Service Commission for them to deal with as a responsible body for public servants in the country.
“But at this point in time, we have not received any reports of such,” Mr Saelea told the Solomon star.
Efforts to get comments from the Agriculture officials in Kirakira yesterday were not successful as their telephone is disconnected and their mobile phones being powered off.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
