Fifty (50) containers of tubi round logs t ready to export were held up by the Customs yesterday.
The consignments are owned by the Southern Pacific Wood (SPW). They were held up by the Solomon Ports Authority for further investigation.
The containers were held up following series of reports on the issue with the involvement of the forestry commissioner Reeves Moveni.
The current consignment according to the documents obtained from the Customs office bears Mr Moveni’s signature.
This week one of the environmental independent lawyers who wanted his name withheld said that the commissioner is not the right person to give permit for Tubi export.
“It’s strange that the commissioner of forests is issuing an export permit. For tubi, this should be issued by the director of environment and can only be issued if the tubi is going to be used for scientific research purposes.”
The document also showed that the licences number initially 201334 was now changed to 20756 for reason unknown.
The document was signed on the 28th of this month, awaiting shipment supposed to be on the 30th of July on board MV Shantung V. 1410. Its destination was Kaohsiung Port, Taiwan ROC.
The document also attached to an export permit letter from the director environment Joe Horokou.
Mr Horokou last week told media that no firms were yet approved to export tubi round log.
Mr Horokou could not be reached last night for comment on the issue.
Attempts by Solomon Star to get pictures of the consignment at the ports area yesterday were unsuccessful as security guards manning the ports gates do not permit the media.
But chief security officer of the Ports called Mr Ashley confirmed that they have received phone call from the customs comptroller Nathan Kama that the consignment of 50 containers at the Ports and will be held up for further investigation.
“I have received a phone call from the customs comptroller authorising us to hold up the consignment for investigation.”
Mr Nolan Jolo who is the landowner behind the issue said he is bringing the case before the high court this morning.
He confirmed receiving a call from the Customs comptroller that the 50 container consignment will be held up for investigation as the case is before the high court.
“I have received a phone call from the customs comptroller office confirming that the fifty container consignment will be held up by ports authority for further investigation as I have taken up the case before the high court where the ruling will be given tomorrow (today).”
He described the involvement of the top leaders as a broad daylight robbery from the resource owners.
“The involvement of these top leaders shows how they don’t a have heart for their own people but for their own interest.”
He questioned Mr Horokou about the quick process for SPW’s export permit without official announcement of the approved companies.
“The quick process to permit SPW to do exporting as stated in Mr Horokou’s letter as well as no official announcement of the approved companies raises more questions than answers as to why he has given the export permit to SPW alone”.
Director of Environment Mr Horokou could not be reached last night for comment on the matter.
By CHARLEY PIRINGI
