BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Temotu province Stanley Tahiahua has described an official visit to Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele yesterday as fruitful and insightful.

Mr Tehiahua, who is in Honiara for the consultation of the Special Economic Zone bill that concluded yesterday, made the visit to bring to the attention of PM Manele the province’s development plans.

The premier discussed with Manele key development plans and challenges the province has been facing.

Like other provinces, Tehiahua said Temotu continues to face deficiency in areas that would boost economic development.

He added that his government like previous provincial governments has put in place policies to stimulate development in the province, but require support from the national government and donor partners.

Key areas of development premier Tehiahua discussed with PM Manele include;

• Shipping issue face by the province – shipping is one of the challenges continued to face by Temotu province, especially in terms of connectivity, given its remoteness and geographical status.
• Temotu Heritage Mission – Tehiahua’s government proposes a heritage park for the province. Aim is to preserve culture, history and promote tourism in the eastern end of the country.
• Plan to preserve Temotu province territorial sea – Temotu province came up with a broader concept to preserve its territorial sea, as a bank or reserve stock of marine resources for the benefit of the country.
• Border set-up – Since Temotu province host the eastern border of the country with Vanuatu, SIG must look at necessities to enhance safety and security of the country.

Premier Tehiahua added that there are other areas of developments brought before the prime minister, but the above-mentioned ones are key among them.

He said his government also channelled the issues through rightful government agencies, but it worth bringing them to the attention of the prime minister.

According to Tehiahua, Prime Minister Manele expressed delight for the productive dialogue with Premier Tehiahua.

He also acknowledged Premier Tehiahua for briefing his office about the plan of his government and assured to liaise with responsible ministries to pursue them.

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