THE Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) is working diligently to find a new location for the establishment of a new rubbish dumpsite for the Provincial Capital Auki following a dispute with the current rubbish dumpsite landowners.
The landowners prohibited public use of the dumpsite for the past two weeks.
A visit by Solomon Star to the dumpsite observed that betelnut market vendors had begun occupying the site, leaving the province without a designated location for rubbish disposal.
Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua confirmed the government’s awareness of the issue, stating that the issue is being discussed by his executive.
He explained that the Auki dumpsite problem is problem that was left unaddressed by previous governments, but his government is committed to addressing it and will do everything possible to secure a new site.
“The government is working with a party to sign an agreement for the use of three hectares of land for the new dumping site.”
But although efforts to resolve this matter are ongoing, Premier Asilaua said it will take time to fully address the situation and as such, highlighted the importance of cooperation from resource owners to ensure the success of this development.
“This will take time and requires the support of all resource owners in Malaita,” he said.
Meanwhile, at Auki Central Market, rubbish continue to accumulate, posing a growing health risk to vendors and the public.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
