VISITATIONS

Constituency Tours

Intensive preparations and other administrative arrangements for the 2013 Constituency visit resulted in a number of meetings organized in Zones 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 during May and June. The main thrust of these meetings was to bring updates on SMC development projects and programs, as well as a general awareness on government business.  In the initial program meetings were scheduled for 29 May at Walande in Zone 4, 30 May at Fouele in Zone 5 and for 31 May at Roapu in Zone 6. However, due to the passing away of late Chief Peter Wate, the planned meeting for Walande could not be convened. This is being scheduled for a later date.  

On 2 June, meeting was held at Tarapaina for Zone 2 communities and on 3 June Hon R Hou convened meeting at Waiaha for communities in Zone 1. 

The meetings went very well and all who attended were satisfied with the conclusions.  Hon R N Hou also had other “unscheduled” meetings including with community leaders at Matangasi on 4 June where he made clarifications on matters relating to the acquisition of the land for the new Afio Wharf developments. That same day he travelled to Paeni where he met with the Camp Manager and other community leaders on the road constructions from Paeni to Tapaa Tewa. On the whole there is some progress; however many issues remain. 

Immediately after New Year’s Day, Hon Rick N Hou, accompanied by Mrs. Rachel L Hou and a team of men and women visited several village communities in Ward 23.  The visit which began on 2^nd and ending 5^th of January 2013 covered Tapaa Tewa, Ooumatawa, Halehau and Matangasi communities.  At each of those communities, Hon R N Hou took the opportunity to discuss with chiefs and community leaders matters of interest to the people.  At Ooumatawa he facilitated the chiefs and leaders meeting during which they discussed and agreed on the interior access road. In Matangasi the Community Leaders met to discuss and agreed on the proposal to relocate the new Afio Wharf at Matangasi. Other infrastructure projects were also discussed.