BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu, has raised concerns about the scale of logging operations in the province.

He described the situation as deplorable, despite logging being the province’s major revenue source.

“As we understand, loggable trees are depleting, and production is declining.

“In the next few years, there will be no logging operations or companies left to pay licenses to operate in the province.

“This would indeed be a setback for the province’s revenue collection, and we must start looking at alternatives—exploring other opportunities to strengthen provincial revenue,” Siapu said.

He revealed an alarming scenario in which most of the logged trees at various log ponds in the province are nearly the size of coconut trees.

“But the national government controls logging operations by issuing licenses, while the province only imposes business licenses and facilitates timber rights hearings.

“With the current situation, my government will sit down this year and assess the issue,” Siapu said.

He also noted that, at present, they lack available data on logging operations in the province.

Siapu said this is one of the critical challenges they face, especially since the provincial forestry office in Kirakira has been without an officer for quite some time.

However, he assured that they have been working on the matter and expect someone to take up the post soon.

“From there, we will explore how best to work with the Ministry of Forestry and Research to strengthen the office.

“Additionally, an operational forestry office would provide the executive with information to help them deliberate on steps to take regarding logging operations in the province.

“Otherwise, we will continue cutting undersized trees, as is currently happening,” Siapu said.

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