PROVINCIAL Member for Birao Ward in East Guadalcanal, Guadalcanal Province, has called on responsible authorities to find a safe and secure place in Honiara for fibreglass boats from the province as well as the Central Islands, Isabel and Malaita provinces to berth.
MPA Tahisihaka Andrew Dormans made the plea in light of the condition of the Matanikau berthing site located along the mouth of the Matanikau River in Central Honiara.
MPA Dormans, who is also the Guadalcanal Provincial Finance Minister, said the Matanikau berthing site is not safe anymore for the loading and unloading of cargoes due to the berthing spot and river being polluted with dangerous waste material.
He said Yacht Club beach at Point Cruz has been the landing and departure point for travellers from Guadalcanal, Central Islands, Isabel and Malaita provinces for many years.
However, the Guadalcanal Province MPA said in the last few years, it became evident that ample space is now a real challenge at the site for people travelling to and from Honiara by fiberglass boats.
He said despite the environmentally unsafe state of the Matanikau River berthing spot, fiberglass boats have no option but to land there as it is the only designated landing spot for them in Honiara, apart from the Yacht Club beach which lacks space.
“Yes, the Matanikau River is where fiberglass boat drivers and commuters from Guadalcanal, Central Islands Province, Isabel and Malaita can land their boats when they come Honiara to access services and do business due to the lack of space at the Yacht Club beach. But the presence of dangerous waste material in the river is a matter of grave concern.
“As such, I call on the relevant authourities and stakeholders to find another suitable berthing site in Honiara for our fiberglass boats to berth because a good number of people from these provinces – Guadalcanal, Central Islands Province, Isabel and Malaita provinces commute to Honiara to access services and do business by this means of transport,” the Birao Ward MPA stressed.
MPA Dormans said during bad weather, the situation gets worse and one can just imagine how dangerous it is for boat drivers who have to take care of their berthing boats, especially at night.
“Seeing our people sitting on the riverbank, loading cargoes and preparing for their journey to their villages in such unfriendly environment is indeed heartbreaking. This scene demonstrates the lack of concern and prioritisation of the welfare of our very people by the responsible authourities.’’
MPA Dormans added that, “it is high time that the plight of our indigenous people is prioritised with the provision of a safe and proper berthing site. This may be seen as a minute concern by some but to these indigenous Solomon Islanders it is a matter to do with their daily survival and welfare.”
The Matanikau River has been known for disastrous flooding in the recent past. Two years ago, a man was found dead in his boat after berthing overnight under the Matanikau Bridge.
“Our people deserve the right to be served in Honiara. They need a better and safe landing place.’’
“The fiberglass boats coming daily into Honiara with loads of commuters from Guadalcanal Province itself and the Central Islands, Malaita and Isabel provinces, contribute to the economic and social development in this country. We cannot allow our people to become second or third-class citizens in their very own country.’’
By Denver Newter
