SOLOMON PORTS has rejected claims of alleged thefts of parts from boxes, cars and containers stored at the Ports International cargo terminal and or storage sheds at Point Cruz.
Manager Operations, Wilfred Maefiri, who is responsible for the warehouse, was responding to the claims, described as “gross injustice – missing items from boxes, cars (and) containers stored at Ports international cargo terminal.
“When will someone be held responsible for these? People say part of their belongings missing from their consignments, people say even before they are present their suitcases, boxes (were already) opened, seal broken and things missing from inside,” the complaint read.
“Who (will be) held responsible? Ufala spoelem people tumas ya when ufala no look afterem good things /Cargo/Property that they paid for or sent from families overseas.
“These people pay Tax and other fees to get these things released … only to find out their stuff are being tampered with. The practice of stealing inside ports storage must stop,” the complaint read.
“CCTV cameras should be installed inside the sheds and a roster showing shifts for those who work there. Also only authorised people should be allowed to enter the sheds.”
In his response, Mr. Maefiri said the complaint has been a usual sentiment from some individuals.
“If they have any issue with Ports, they need to send a formal complaint and we haven’t received any. We have CCTV everywhere and we can find the culprit but it should be informed. Social media is not the platform to inform such issues,” Mr Maefiri said.
He said those who are complaining should bring evidence of what they are complaining about.
The complaints must be lodged with evidence before the item(s) leave the Ports area, otherwise we cannot be held accountable for any missing items after their had left the Ports area.
“Sometimes, these are deliberate or malicious claims or they want to put all the blame to Ports every time. Damages happened through transit are not our responsibility.
“When we receive a complaint, we take it seriously. Unlike before, such incidents inside the ports are very minimal. If someone complains, we take it seriously to find out whether it has happened within or outside,” Mr. Maefiri said.
“If any person has an issue with their cargo, please ask them to see me with evidence. I will sort it for them. Unfortunately Social Media cannot solve problems for them.”
By ALFRED SASAKO
Newsroom, Honiara
