CHINA has broken through the last bastion of anti-China resistance in Solomon Islands – thanks to the quiet but influential intervention by a little-known entity called Malaita Economic Development Initiative (MEDI).
MEDI which has the blessing of caretaker Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare – is a team of professionals engaged by his Office – to work on eliminating potential security issues created by the MARA administration on Malaita.
Sogavare has spoken positively several times in Parliament about MEDI’s work. So far, they have not been paid for their work.
Because of the MARA position on China, the national government was kept at bay for three years.
After the MARA government was toppled in a vote of no confidence on 7th February followed by the election of a new provincial government in Malaita on 10th February last year, discussions began in earnest.
A new director, Joe Au Ramosaea, was formally appointed to lead the team of professionals to ensure certain infrastructure projects are identified for immediate implementation.
The tar-sealing of the Auki township road, upgrade of the airport, road and wharf at Atoifi in East Kwaio as well as an international airport to be built at Fataleka on the eastern seaboard of Malaita were among some of the critical projects identified for donor support.
Today, work has begun on the Auki township road. Chinese engineers along with their local counterparts began the work last week.
The tar-sealing is the first ever project to be openly undertaken by a team led by Chinese engineers.
At the same time, Ro’ole tribal landowners in East Fataleka have begun posting China Aid signs on their land.
The chairman of the Ro’ole Landowning tribe, Allen Siau Iniomea told Solomon Star yesterday that the people have had enough of empty promises.
“Our idea is to ensure this project is undertaken to ease employment pressure off Honiara and other urban centres.
“It is time we share our resources to ease the burden. My people and I are ready to do our part. We are of course ready to talk to any donor to develop this new international airport along with an export/import hub nearby.
“We have put up the China Aid sign on site because China seems to be the only donor making waves while others continue to talk empty promises,” Mr Iniomea said.
Mr Iniomea said MEDI had also contributed in its intervention by making sure the 2023 Games were not interrupted.
“If there’s any regret it is the fact that members of the MEDI professional team have not been paid for their services. Officers in the Office of the Prime Minister’s Office simply ignored repeated directives by the Prime Minister for the payment to be made.
“This is insubordination. As far as I know the submission for payment was gathering dust in the Chief of Staff’s Office,” he said.
Solomon Star put out several calls to the Chief of Staff last week but his mobile phone was switched off.
There is no conclusive evidence from the Office of the Prime Minister that contracts of political appointees have been terminated.
By Alfred Sasako
