Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele has announced that the long-anticipated Building Code Bill will be tabled when Parliament resumes its sitting. 

The announcement was made during the Prime Minister’s Breakfast event organized by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) earlier this week.

SICCI has welcomed the government’s commitment to advancing the Building Code Bill, acknowledging the significant efforts made to push the legislation forward. 

The Building and Construction Working Group, which forms part of SICCI has been advocating for the bill since 2022. 

Their persistent efforts have now borne fruit with the confirmation that the bill will be presented in Parliament.

The Building Code Bill aims to standardize building designs and construction practices across the country. 

It also seeks to create a fair and competitive business environment for local construction firms, ensuring all industry players operate on a level playing field.

In his address, Prime Minister Manele highlights the government’s broader legislative agenda saying that the Bills and Legislation Committee is currently reviewing several important bills scheduled for parliamentary debate this year. 

“Among these are the Special Economic Zone Bill, Mines and Mineral Resources Bill, Public Service Bill, and the Building Code Bill.

“In our effort to improve the enabling environment for businesses, we will implement a tax reform agenda that aims to create a fairer, transparent, and broader-based tax system,” Hon. Manele stated.

He further highlighted the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, noting ongoing projects such as the construction of roads in Honiara, parts of Guadalcanal, and other provinces. 

He also mentioned proposed investments in upgrading international ports and wharves, which are crucial for economic connectivity and private-sector growth. 

Additionally, the government is working in collaboration with Solomon Power to reduce electricity tariffs by 25% by 2027.

Prime Minister Manele reaffirmed the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) dedication to reforms and investments that foster private-sector development. 

He acknowledged SICCI as an indispensable partner and in nation’s building and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration.

“I look forward to the renewed partnership between SIG and SICCI once we sign the Partnership Memorandum of Understanding in the coming weeks, and to our close collaboration in implementing the SICCI’s new Strategic Plan,” he said.

The Prime Minister also encouraged businesses to engage with the government on national issues, reinforcing the shared responsibility in shaping the country’s future.

“We can transform this country if we are united in our efforts to build our country and our future,” Hon. Manele said.

– SICCI