Dear Editor – Over the past two days the news that captured media attention was the undersea cable which will benefit the country.
When the project was first proposed, I was excited about it.
The signing was done around June 27th before RAMSI officially left on June 30th.
At that time, Nick Warner was here for the farewell celebrations.
So may be after the successful signing, Australian government begun to realise that this project is coming to fruition.
Having read in the article, Australian government had given its assurance to the Solomon Islands Government that they don’t have any issue with one of the supplier which is Huawei from China.
There have been numerous meetings and assurance was maintained.
But soon after the signing and when all the formalities are done and the landing permit is about to be granted, the government had been informed of a likely stop to issue the permit.
Its a blow to the hard working team and the government to see such action happening.
More than $3million has been invested into the initial work such as consultancy, assessment, legal matters and so forth.
Then this reason of security popped up.
Perhaps, Australia and some of its supporters underestimated Solomon Islands that such project would not happen at all.
So when it does and the cables are ready to roll, they finally realised the risk and decided to halt it.
Its sad, though because Solomon Islands is one of the three countries which does not have faster internet connections.
If we want to develop, communication is important.
I call on the government to address this issue and look at other options.
But I know it would cost the government and the people of Solomon Islands.
Not only that but, it would take much longer before some of us can enjoy cheaper and faster internet services in our islands.
Please Australia, if you are keen to support this country, then support us.
After all, you are like big brother to us.
Please do not turn your back on us but stand beside us.
I hope things would be sorted out soon.
All the best with the project.
Rata Dan
Honiara
