BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed last Friday that the Solomon Islands government prioritises the Bina Harbour project and actively pushes its progress.
At his fortnightly press conference, Prime Minister Manele detailed ongoing consultations with landowners and community engagement efforts.
“We operate the Bina Harbour office under the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. I appointed a government backbencher to chair a cabinet subcommittee dedicated to Bina Harbour,” he said.
The subcommittee works closely with the ministry and landowners to address key issues and raise community awareness.
While acknowledging progress in landowner understanding, Manele emphasized that the project still requires significant effort.
“This is a massive project that we will implement in phases. Clearing the land comes first and is essential,” he said.
Manele stressed the need for international funding and partnerships to move the project forward.
“We need support from European partners through a mix of soft loans, borrowing, and grants from our development partners,” he explained.
The government plans to build essential infrastructure including electricity, water, and port facilities before constructing the fish processing cannery.
“We engage actively with our partners. Some have already reviewed the initial business case for Bina Harbour,” said the Prime Minister. He expects to complete a revised business case by October, which will open doors for deeper discussions and collaboration.
During his recent visit to New Zealand, Manele praised New Zealand’s long-term support for the Solomon Islands’ fisheries sector.
He highlighted their backing of the Aruligo Tilapia hatchery and funding for the Bina Harbour office within the Ministry.
“I expressed our strong interest in New Zealand continuing to partner with us, especially in coordinating other development partners and advocating for the Bina Harbour project,” he said.
The government drives the Bina Harbour project as a critical initiative to strengthen fisheries and stimulate economic growth in the Solomon Islands.