THE nation’s logging industry watchdog, Solomon Forest Association (SFA), has welcomed the Government’s initiative to counter corruption, saying it is a good start.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare introduced the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) in Parliament on Monday, calling on both the public and private sectors to support it.
“We’ve said all along that the SFA and its members stand ready to support any measures the Government see fit to ensure corruption is dealt with in the logging industry or outside it,” the SFA said in a statement on Thursday.
“We would love to see much stronger measures but in the circumstances it is a good start,” the statement added.
The industry regulatory body said corruption is something that affects everyone, including the logging industry and it has been calling for measures to counter those who encourage alleged corruption.
“As an Association dedicated to cleaning up the logging industry, we have made our position clear to the government that we alone cannot clean up the logging industry.
“We need government support,” the statement said.
“We are very pleased that the Government has taken the initiative by introducing the NACS to be followed by specific legislations dealing with corruption, which stifles development and robs people of their rights to earn a living in an honest way.
“But this is just the beginning. The real work still lies ahead,” the statement said.
The statement said the SFA stands ready to assist the government in whatever way it can, adding everyone must be united to fight this scourge in our society and to turn Solomon Islands into a better place for everyone to live.
