Sunday, August 12, 2012

Afio Economic Growth Centre (EGC)

Plans to start preliminary activities on this important project this year sustained a serious set-back. Last year the central government paid seed money ($1 Million) ear-marked for this project through the Malaita Chazon Authority (MCA). These funds were intended for all preliminary activities, including land mobilisation
and other start-up work on the Afio EGC in line with a program of activities which has been submitted to the provincial government and Ministry of Rural Development late last year.  However, these activities could not start because the MCA is unable to account for these funds which have been diverted for purposes other than Afio EGC.  Obviously both the MCA Board and the Malaita Provincial Assembly are answerable for these “missing” funds.  The central government is initiating an audit on the use and application of these funds.
Work on a new wharf for Afio is continuing. Engineers are yet to agree on a suitable location for this vital infrastructure.