Although the Taro Township Relocation Plan is behind the expected schedule, it still remains the Province’s top project priority.
This sentiment was echoed by the Premier of Choiseul Province Mr Jackson Kiloe during an exclusive interview with Star National Magazine during its recent visit to the Provincial Centre.
The Premier stated that the eventual success of the project is very much depended on the National Government.
“Had my Provincial Government the means to go ahead with the project, the relocation plan would have germinated into something impressive,” he said.
He continued to say that the Province wholly depends on expertise that are under the jurisdiction of the National Government and once with-held, the project can go no further.
The National Government has tasked itself with the relocation of Graciosa Bay Secondary School as a matter of priority to give way for the establishment of an international port at the site.
However, Mr Kiloe said that nothing is being done to date and the plan is yet to translate into reality.
The Premier acknowledges that progress is minimal and requires a dedicated and committed approach from the National Government to see it through.
“The Provincial Government can only accomplish more with the help of the National Government through its budgetary allocation and technical assistance,” Mr Kiloe complains.
He adds that once they have other priorities, the relocation plan will just be another piece of paper work.
Accordingly, the Premier calls on the National Government to honour its side of the bargain to get the relocation plan moving.
He says that whilst the Government is sleeping on the project, water is slapping on the doors of Taro residents.
The relocation plan was instigated as result of climate change that impacted coastal communities to experience shortening shorelines courtesy of rising sea levels.
By SAMSON SADE
