BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under their existing Memorandum of Understanding following a high-level roundtable discussion held at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara this week.
In its statement, SICCI said the meeting was led by SICCI Chairlady Ms Namoi Kaluae, Director Mr Steve Kapei, and CEO Mr James Dolarii, together with RSIPF Deputy Commissioner Mr Simpson Pogeava and Director National Traffic Mr Willie Foufaka.
SICCI said discussions focused on two priority areas, traffic congestion in Honiara City and security arrangements surrounding yesterday’s Motion of No Confidence sitting in Parliament, affecting the private sector and the wider public.
Both parties acknowledged that the agreement continues to provide an important platform for ongoing dialogue, cooperation, and information sharing between the private sector and law enforcement authorities.
SICCI said the engagement marks a significant step in activating that platform to address real-time concerns affecting businesses and residents.
SICCI raised concerns regarding the increasing impact of traffic congestion on business operations, productivity, staff movement, and rising operational costs, particularly fuel usage.
The Chamber emphasised the importance of stronger coordination and enforcement around traffic bottlenecks, roadside parking, jaywalking, and traffic flow management within Honiara City.
RSIPF, in response, acknowledged the ongoing challenges, particularly along the Central to East Honiara corridor during the current road works near the Honiara Central Market and SSEC areas.
RSIPF assured SICCI that police visibility and traffic presence will continue to be strengthened to support smoother traffic movement and minimise disruptions to businesses and the public.
RSIPF confirmed that traffic monitoring and management measures will continue to be enhanced throughout the road works period, which is expected to continue until July 2026.
Deputy Commissioner Mr Simpson Pogeava acknowledged the importance of the existing MOU between SICCI and RSIPF, noting that it continues to provide an important platform for ongoing dialogue, cooperation, and information sharing between the private sector and law enforcement authorities.
SICCI appreciates the timely engagement with RSIPF and will continue to engage in dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, Honiara City Council, and RSIPF, on broader traffic management concerns in the coming weeks.
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