Following Thursday’s front page article in the Island Sun newspaper carrying the headline: Police Housing Scheme in Disarray by freelance journalist George the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has clarified the report.
In a statement yesterday RAMSI Special Coordinator Justine Braithwaite said: “I can confirm that the RAMSI RSIPF Housing Project was managed under the Australian Aid funded RAMSI Infrastructure Partnership (RSIIP).
“The project was divided into two phases which in total constructed 144 houses across eight provinces in three years during the period 2010 to 2013.The project was completed in June 2013.
“The total cost of the project was just under AUD20 million and NOT AUD200 million as stated in the media article. Local input amounted to a total of 38% of the project cost. All transport, logistics and construction works were by local Solomon Islands based contractors and the housing materials were supplied in kit form from New Zealand.
“RAMSI is very proud of this project as it has provided modern housing for RSIPF members and their families within close proximity to their workplace. Additionally, the engagement of Solomon Islanders in the project has helped develop capacity in the building industry, thus placing the local building industry in a better position to support future building projects.
“I wish to encourage the media to contact RAMSI should it need information about the Mission’s work in Solomon Islands.”
Similar report was also broadcast by Radio New Zealand International.
