SIMBO Island in the Western Province through its Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) has proposed the set up of a fisheries project to support income-generating efforts of villagers.
This was announced by Gideon Tuke, the MPA for Ward 3 (Simbo-Mandegugusu).
MPA Tuke said the proposal is a response to the problem of limited economic activities on the island which has impacted on the livelihood of communities, including farmers and vendors.
In an interview with Solomon Star on Wednesday, MPA Tuke highlighted the need for additional economic opportunities beyond the traditional farming and market vending activities.
As such he said, the plan is to establish a fisheries project, a promising initiative to enhance income-generation for the local communities.
“Apart from the usual daily lives of local farmers and market vendors who sell their garden produce, there is a need to establish other means of income-generation to help our people.
“A fisheries project is one of the promising initiatives that will be carried out,” MPA Tuke said.
MPA Tuke explained that the proposed fisheries center on the island would serve as a central hub where locals can trade their fish catches.
Additionally, he said fish processed at the center would also be transported to Honiara for sale.
“The fishery project center will be the focal point for the people of Simbo. It is where they can market, scale and sell their fish catches and send them over to Honiara for sale,” he said.
MPA Tuke said this initiative is crucial for the people of Simbo who are eager to find sustainable income-generation sources.
“This plan is for my ward, knowing the people of Simbo are very desperate to find ways to earn an income. More importantly, it is a very sustainable approach that can help people to generate sustainable income for families,” he said.
MPA Tuke said he is also planning to meet with the Chairman of the Ward Development Committee (WDC) to discuss and push for the provision of necessary economic infrastructure to support the rural population.
“This week and next week onwards, I am planning to meet with my WDC Chairman to push forward some of the economic infrastructures that can help our rural people generate sustainable income for their survival.”
He pointed out that rural communities often lack the capital to initiate productive economic activities.
“For example, the handing out of boats and Out Board Motor Engines (OBMs) requires some rules and regulations in which a specific community or ward must have related economic activities,” MPA Tuke said.
MPA Tuke said he hopes the new MP for Simbo-Ranonggah, Wayne Ghemu will work closely with local leaders to develop initiatives to benefit families, rather than imposing additional labor burdens on rural communities.
Simbo’s main source of income is sweet mandarin (local orange), crops, vegetables and other fruits.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
