LEADER of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has described the decision by GNUT on the sufferance wharves as ‘erratic’ decision-making.
Hon Wale said the current decision by the government regarding the sufferance wharves reflects poor and weak leadership.
“Obviously the chronology of events from when the letter to cancel sufferance wharves was issued by the former finance minister, the reshuffling and then the letter of revocation by the new finance minister happened so fast and in only a matter of days, is highly questionable,” he said.
He said the current debate on the issue in the media pointing to external interests behind the reshuffling is obvious and reflects badly on the government.
The Opposition Leader said any decision on the reopening of sufferance wharves should wait for the outcome of the special committee’s recommendations to Cabinet.
He said until then the wharves should remain closed.
Hon Wale said this is an issue raised in Parliament by the Opposition Group over and over again that needs clear policy direction.
“There needs to be a transparent, consistent and fair policy on this matter because all of these things affect competition between private sectors,” he said.
Hon Wale said in terms of policy, the business of managing wharves looks like it is out of control.
He said competition with Ports Authority is something to be considered and that government comes up with strategic directions that are critical for Ports Authority under the SOE Act.
Hon Wale added the issue of sufferance wharves raises a lot of questions surrounding the Customs Act as read with the Ports Act in relation to the loading and off-loading of international cargo.
Hon Wale said any government decision must be in line with the laws that are there to safeguard public interest in import duty being properly assessed and paid, threats to national and biosecurity being monitored and eliminated, and ensuring that we comply with our obligations under international maritime conventions.
The Opposition Leader said it is sensible public policy to allow for laws dealing with the loading and unloading of international cargo be confined to ports and wharves declared under the Ports Act.
“It is simply for reasons that these are authorities that have the capacity to undertake its own functions and also accommodate customs, immigration and other port facilities required,” he said.
– Opposition Press
