BY IRWIN ANGIKI
The new government of Rennell and Bellona province has carried out part of its courtesy call on the national government before it was postponed due to the political impasse.
Renbel’s new government, under new Premier Eric Sau’eha, was sworn in in early January this year.
Courtesy visit on the national government is the usual practice, one of the first undertaking of any new provincial government.
The Renbel provincial government after a province-wide ward visit, proceeded to its courtesy call on national government in the second week of March.
However, the courtesy call programme was forcibly cut short when the mass resignation of government ministers happened on March 15-17.
Deputy Premier Collin Tesuatai said they will resume once the political impasse settles and the national government is back to running normally.
He said they were forced to call off their courtesy calls because of the lack of government ministers available to meet with them including their permanent secretaries, which rendered their visitations futile.
Mr Tesu’atai acknowledged the response of government ministries and the diplomatic offices visited.
“They really assured working together and going forward we have to work together to achieve. If not, nothing will happen.
“We call on the ministries who assured their help, to please make sure it happens. We say this because in the past a lot of assurances from the ministries but never happened,” Tesu’atai said.
First ministry visited was Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) on February 23, Mr Tesu’atai said.
“No Minister and Permanent Secretary were available, so we met with deputy PS, supervising PS from the Ministry of Rural Development.
“Issues related to investors of the province under the fisheries sector were presented. Some issues shared included our confusion surrounding MFMR making decisions based on fisheries act, clashing with the province’s fisheries ordinance.
“An example is the Ministry had arrested a vessel at the Indispensable reef. Province had asked where the share of the province was regarding a purported fine the ministry had given on the shipowner. And MFMR explained and clarified that the case is still being investigated by MFMR and that the Ministry did not give fine. They gave bond of $100,000.
“Another is the concern by province on fisheries ordinance brought to the MFMR for the ministry to go through and give to AG office to draft it. It was promised for March 2026. Provincial government raised to MFMR that they really need this ordinance to be enacted as soon as possible.
“Other matters included assistances from MFMR such as fisheries centre, sea and land transport. Request for additional provincial staffing for fisheries,” Tesu’atai said.
Later the same day the Renbel provincial government visited the Ministry of provincial government (MPGIS) and met with Minister Rollen Seleso.
Mr Seleso assured Premier Sau’eha and his executive that he will help them with the issues they are facing, which has been delayed in the ministry, Tesu’atai said.
“This included three staff houses which outgoing minister Ghemu had pledged for Renbel as part of the province’s government.
“Raised to the minister the issue of an additional ward for Renbel province, so that it makes the number of wards an odd number. This is for political convenience to avoid ties during premier elections or motions of no confidence. The new ward is proposed for Bellona.
“And, ongoing issues which province still waiting for, administrative issues with the MPGIS. Such as releveling of provincial staffing, which ones to be allocated for MPGIS responsible for, etc.
“Also, issues of seconded staff, which are under MPGIS, who never show up to work. For ministry to consider the seconded staff, which province is meeting their salaries, should MPGIS meet it. Like deputy treasurer, senior works officer. Direct employees but should seconded staff. Other ministries, their officers are seconded staff such as agriculture and fisheries.”
Minister Seleso assured he will work closely with Premier Saueha’s new government to address these matters, Tesu’atai said.
The next ministry visited was the Ministry of agriculture (MAL). Permanent secretary of MAL Dr Samson Viulu met with them.
“We presented to PS Viulu why national projects MAL usually share to provinces, Renbel always left out,” Tesuatai said.
“Staffing in agriculture. Renbel currently has one agriculture officer based on Bellona. Need about three more staff.
“Ongoing issues in Renbel, one is rhinoceros beetle, giant rat, African giant snail, other such as insects affecting taro. Also shared no support in sea transport, land transport for agriculture works in the province.
“PS Viulu response – by June this year, assistance should be given to Renbel in response to the issues raised. He will send senior officer from MAL to go base in Renbel to monitor in Rennell and Bellona regarding ongoing issues with giant African snail, rhinoceros beetle and giant rat.
“Viulu assured every problems faced, hopefully Renbel through its partnership with China province, Hainan, MAL will work very closely with Hainan to strengthen link with Renbel for more agricultural support to Renbel,” Tesu’atai said.
Next day the Renbel provincial government visited the Ministry of infrastructure development (MID) and were met by permanent secretary Alan Lilia.
“$5million project, road joining Lavangu to East Rennell. The project is with MID but not tender out yet. Province ask why the delay. PS Lilia said the hold up is with MID’s senior engineer. First the project was $3million, but was increased to $5m. As long as engineers released the project, it should be tendered.
“Issue of shipping services. PS Lilia said this issue is a constituency issue. The franchise was awarded to MV Avaikimaine. Lilia said constituency can take a new ship but depends if Avaikimaine is sold or sink. The matter of MV Avaikimaine should be sorted out by constituency and company owning the ship.
“With the shipping, province will spend a lot if it takes over. Not easy for province to step up and shoulder this responsibility.
“PS Lilia assured of airfield in east Rennell. $5million has been allocated. April this year assessment team should be on the ground.
“Two current airfields are under the ministry of communications and aviation (MCA). Allocation for extension of the two existing airfields is already ready with MCA.
“MID should balance its assistance to the provinces. PS Lilia assured MID will assist with vehicles for the province to boost land transport,” Tesu’atai said.
Ministry of planning and aid coordination (MNDPC) was the next ministry, and the provincial government delegation was met by the Deputy permanent secretary.
“We discussed on the types of projects and the concern that Renbel left out in project funds the ministry gives out to other ministries to carry out in the provinces.
“The DPS assured ministry will address the issues raised. The DPS said Renbel was the first province to visit the ministry.”
The delegation then met with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, which was the alternative to visiting the Ministry of police. They were met by acting Police Commissioner Mattias Lenialu.
“We raised ongoing issues, including the need to recruit three area constables to combat lack of presence of law agency in East Rennell and Bellona.
“We raised concerning issues in the provincial headquarter, poor performance of police officers in Tigoa police station. Office for police station – very old and run-down, which was built by RAMSI. Police to push to build a court house for province, instead of costly exercise of hiring venue. Consider the isolation of Renbel province. Need speedcraft for emergency matters.
“RSIPF assured they will visit Renbel in March, but this has not yet happened.
“Acting commissioner Lenialu also said police will wait for substation in Bellona, they will send technical team to assess, then will build a police station on Bellona,” Tesu’atai said.
The provincial government next met with the diplomatic partners – the PRC Embassy and the Australian High Commission.
With the PRC embassy, the delegation met with the ambassador and discussed reconnecting links with the Hainan province of China for assistance in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, education, health and medical services. The matter of possible exchange programmes was discussed.
“The Australian high commission assured it will continue to help in medical, education and communities projects,” Tesu’atai said.
The delegation then visited the Ministry of Lands (MLHS) and were met by the Commissioner of Lands and the Permanent Secretary.
“Issues of provincial land, mining and the re-registration of West Rennell were discussed. Whole Rennell land under commissioner, except Tigoa station,” Tesu’atai said.
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