GNUT suspends use of all sufferance wharves
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The GNUT (Government for National Unity and Transformation) regime has issued a memo for the suspension of use of all sufferance wharves for unloading of imported goods.
This suspension does not apply to the loading of round logs and mineral-related products for export at sufferance wharves.
The directive was issued by the former Minister of Finance & Treasury Harry Kuma before he was recently reshuffled.
This paper has cited a letter by the acting customs controller from the ministry dated Thursday, August 21 that issued the directive on behalf of the former finance minister.
The letter stated that the immediate suspension of all unloading activities of imported goods at sufferance wharves, particularly those located within the vicinity of the two declared international seaports in Honiara.
The letter also highlighted that the decision has been made following serious concerns raised by relevant authorities of the limited capacity to adequately monitor imports at these facilities.
“Additionally, some sufferance wharves have been found to be non-compliant with International Ship and Port Facility Security standards posing risks to national trade and revenue collection,” the letter stated.
The directive issued that all imported goods must only be unloaded at the following declared international seaports:
- SIPA International Seaport, Honiara
- Noro International Seaport
- Leeroy Wharf International Seaport, Ranadi (East Honiara)
The letter stated that all existing permits authorising the unloading of imported goods at any sufferance wharf in the country are cancelled with effective of the date of the letter.
The letter also stated that the government is also reviewing the used of these facilities and may implement further measures to centralise exports through selected wharves in due course.
This paper understands members of the government in appreciation welcomed this latest move by GNUT as these sufferance wharves are a big revenue leakage for the country.
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