MALAITA for Democracy (M4D) has condemned the sale of expiry goods at shops in Auki.
The civil society group made this statement in a press release after it learned that few Chinese shops in Auki have been selling expiry goods.
Early this month, Malaita province security officials confiscated expired rice from Low Price Enterprise shop in Auki.
M4D said the sale of expired goods in shop is an act of no respect to the health of the Malaita people.
The statement supported Malaita Provincial government’s environment and health office for a job well done by removing expired goods from the shops.
However, the civil society group called on the Malaita provincial government to take tough action against shop owners who show little or no respect to people’s health.
“Chines business operators who fail to comply with Malaita provincial pure food act should not be issued licences to operate in Auki.
“All shop operators must respect and care for health of their customers.”
Meanwhile, M4D will host one-day business dialogue with local business operators in Auki next month.
The dialogue is set for February 22.
This come after M4D learned that business in Auki was dominated by outsiders.
M4D said the purpose of the dialogue is to gather views of indigenous business operators and identify challenges they faced.
It stated that cash flow and trade within Malaita must stabilize and a common platform needed to encourage locals to operate businesses.
It added the dialogue would provide an opportunity for local business operators to discuss the business environment in Malaita.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
in Auki
