THE Government is both determined and committed to implement policies that will provide the appropriate “redirection” and that there will no longer be “business as usual”.
That’s according to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare when he launched his government’s policy document, Friday.
“We have reprioritized, and will be focusing on projects that are achievable, and can be implemented over the next four years,” he said.
He mentioned the launching of DBSI to provide financial services and credit facilities to our rural population and SME’s, construction of the Tina Hydro Facility, improvement of telecommunications infrastructure, launching of the Bina Harbour project and restarting economic development in the Russell Islands with the establishment of an engagement framework between local stakeholders, Central Province and the National Government.”
Sogavare also announced the aim of the government to revive the Commodity Export and Marketing Authority (CEMA) which was deregulated years ago.
This, according to the prime minister, is an important strategy to support the DCGA’s intention to aggressively address the participation of our rural populace in export oriented economic activities in the agriculture sector and to better coordinate the marketing of our commodities.
“In that regard we will provide direct support to rural farmers and to support the development of the Noni and Kava industries, and other exotic crops for targeted markets; re-establishment of rural fisheries centres and supporting development of aquaculture farms, and progressing the Mamara Development.
“We will take advantage of the close proximity of Temotu Province to Vanuatu to encourage the export of reef fish.”
Sogavare further highlights his Government’s commitment to host the PG2023 as one that will see a face lift of Honiara city and the construction of modern sporting facilities for our talented youth population.
“We are committed and will continue to work with our development partners to upgrade and improve the health services provided by the National Referral Hospital, and the rural clinics throughout the country and we will continue to support the Hospital relocation project with our development partners,” he reiterated.
Sogavare further said that DCGA’s commitment to take up the daunting challenge of upgrading the existing road systems and construction of new roads on Malaita, Guadalcanal and around Honiara.
“Under a very ambitious 10-year infrastructure development program, it is our intention to connect 70% of the country through a network of roads and sea transport services in the first and second phase of the program,” he said.
According to the Prime Minister this should enable opening up agriculture potential of the country, which is currently out of reach because of lack of roads and appropriate infrastructures.
