By Loretta B Manele

The government is allocating $3.7 million towards the ongoing effort to establish a second tuna processing plant in Solomon Islands.

Manasseh Sogavare, finance and treasury minister revealed this when he delivered the 2025 Appropriation Bill 2024 on to parliament on Wednesday, December 4.

He said the project will create more jobs and increase economic benefits for the country once concluded.

Sogavare said in support of freshwater fish hatchery, the government is allocating an additional $12 million to improve food security and income generation.

He also stated that in 2025, the government plans to complete the outstanding on-site infrastructure and equipment importation of the gift species into Solomon Islands and partial operations of the hatchery.

“The government is targeting tilapia farmers throughout the country to benefit from this project.”

Sogavare furthered that government is also allocating $14.7 million to support fisheries operation in provinces.

He mentioned that under this allocation, $1.5 million is to support Tataba fisheries operation $1.5 million is allocated to support Russell Island fisheries operation and $1.7 million is allocated to support Lata’s fisheries operation.

As noted, these allocations are geared towards improving income generations for the respective provincial governments.