Parasi airfield

As reported in Quarter 1, due to certain land issues, there was a set-back in the re-opening of the airport. Early this year, Mr C Honiola was unhappy about the signing of the lease agreement which he was not party to it, and he demanded certain other benefits which he claimed as principle landowner. During the quarter it

Nu’usi Wharf

Progress on this project is on track. As reported last quarter, work on this project will begin in July/August and should be completed before end of this year.

Liwe Industrial Park

This project is a concept by the Israel government which is being developed through the Malaita Chazon Authority (MCA) with assistance from the State of Israel.  During this quarter an MOU was been signed between the Land Trustees, the MCA and the Malaita Provincial Government marking the “handing over” of

Afio/Olusu’u Coastal Road

As reported last Quarter, the contract for this project has been awarded last year and work on it is scheduled to begin before the end of this year. The work includes construction of five bridges. However, assurances by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development are still being followed up to ascertain this important project.

Small Malaita Hydro Scheme

This project features quite prominently in our long term development plans. The objective is todevelop and secure a sustainable energy source to support the development of the Afio economic growth center, as well as for the island as a whole. Given its nature, as well as its intended size, it is important to know that this

Solar Lighting Project

In line with the DC directions, this project should complete this year. Orders costing more than $1 Million have been received in Honiara. Distribution will be done in July according to community lists that have been submitted to the Office through all zone committees. After the distribution, we will ascertain whether or not the project is completed.   

Rokera PSS – Power project

This is an important project in the SMC development program. Last year Hon R N Hou submitted this project for funding through the Department of Energy which a new generator was already purchased. However, installation and its completion work could not continue due to mismanagement of the fund by officials in the ministry. Budget allocation has already been approved for the work to complete but it continues to experience delay by department officials. Hon R N Hou expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the school and assured staff and students that he is doing his best to complete this important project this year.   

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

NCRA Policy on Constituency

The central government has taken further action to realize its flag ship policy to establish growth centres in Solomon Islands. Following the demolition of the infamous National Bureau for Economic and Social Development, the new Government has relocated all its rural development functions with the Ministry of

Visit to Israel

SI Delegation, Jerusalem

Hon Rick Hou MP was part of a SI Delegation that visited Israel in May 2012. The Delegation included member of the central government and Malaita Provincial Government. From the central government were the Deputy Prime Minister – Hon M Maelanga MP, Minister for Finance – Hon R N Hou MP, Minister for Rural Development – Hon L Alex MP, and two government officials. From Malaita Province were the Premier and Deputy Director of MCA. Other included the Israeli Honorary Consul to Solomon Islands and three representatives of the private sector.

Youth Volunteer Scheme (YVS)

First Y.V.S recruits

Mr. Joe Sanau, the YVS Coordinator, has conducted awareness program for youths in Ward 21 and 23. Recruitment has also started with more than fifteen volunteers taking their oaths in May. More young people are showing interest to join the scheme, with over 200 youths having registered so far. A series of activities has been programmed for this year, including further recruitment and other work activities. 

Constituency Tour

CDO Constituency tour

In May the Office did a two weeks visit of the constituency. Accompanied by the YVS Coordinator, the CDO conducted awareness on the SMC development programs and activities communities in Asimeuri and Asimae, including the Highlands. They explained procedures for project applications and the SMC budget. The team also handed out leaflets on these activities. Many questions were raised but on the whole the people were grateful for the clarifications on many issues. They noted no such visit been made by former MPs. Budget allowing, follow up on projects will be done before the year-end: to assess implementation of all

Staff & Office Administration

Staff numbers remained unchanged during this quarter. The Office is working closely with the Ministries of Public Service and Rural Development for the recruitment of the Constituency Project Officer. This is a critical appointment as the volume of work has increased significantly, and the need for this function has become very necessary. It is hoped that an appointment will be concluded in the next quarter.

Zone Committee (ZC)

As reported previously, these committees will be due for election in September 2012. In the last issue, we published the names of all Zone Committee members. This Quarter we publish the qualifications for membership and the role of the ZC. Communities are asked to ensure these elections are carried out.