THE Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) had announced its major government projects to be progressed in 2020.
The announcement was made in Parliament by the Minister for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) Harry Kuma when he delivered the 2020 budget speech, Tuesday.
It’s understood that the ‘2020 Appropriation Bill 2019 was read for the second time in parliament by the Finance Minister on Tuesday.
Kuma in his speech had highlighted that Bina Harbour project and other key Malaita project which placed sixth priority project will be seriously implemented by DCGA in 2020.
And this might come as good news to the people of Malaita and its provincial government.
“I wish to confirm that the DCGA placed a high commitment on various projects in Malaita including the Bina Harbour project.
“Bina is progressing will to date and most of the activities that were earmarked for 2019 have been achieved while others are deferred to 2020,” Kuma said in the parliament.
He also confirmed that in the 2020 budget resources are allocated to open a Bina project office under the Ministry of Fisheries specifically to look after all activities of Bina Harbour.
Kuma also confirmed that the Ministry of Fisheries is working closely with New Zealand government to secure various expertises both local and international to assist with moving the project forward.
Kuma mentioned that other supports will come from the International Financial Cooperation (IFC) of the World Bank (WB) Group and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
This paper understands that DFAT is also supporting the project by conducting a Hydro-graphic study of around the vicinity of Bina Harbour.
“I wish to inform Parliament that the first phase of a major maintenance and rehabilitation work of South road and bridges from Auki Township leading to Bina Harbour will commence construction around the second half of 202,” Kuma confirmed.
He further added that this will draw on the financing agreement the government secured with the (WB) called the SIRAP Project.
“My intention is the secured additional funding with the WB Group under IDA 19 to continue the second phase.
“In order to fully rehabilitate both road and bridges that link Auki Township and Bina Harbour.
“The same phase will also focus to North and East road and bridges in Malaita,” Kuma told the parliament.
He further assured that the government through the National Transport Fund 2020 work plan will build a new wharf at Malu’u in North Malaita and rehabilitate at least 15 bridges along the North, East and South road.
“These infrastructure rehabilitations are aimed to stimulate economic activities and support other much needed services to our people in Malaita province,” Kuma said.
Meanwhile other major government projects to be progressed in 2020 are Tina Hydro Power, Submarine Cable, Honiara International Airport, Urban Water Supply and Sanitation, Domestic airport upgrade, Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) and 2023 Pacific Games.
This is the first budget presented by DCGA under the theme ‘Together, Towards Growing Our Economy.’
By ANDREW FANASIA
