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On June 26, the provincial leaders of the Western and Isabel provinces took turns to pay a visit to the Acting Prime Minister, His Excellency Bradley Tovossiaday last week.
The meeting, coordinated by the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), provided an opportunity for provincial leaders to meet with the Acting Prime Minister (who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mines and Energy) to focus on key issues: the reviewed mining code, the emerging energy sector and its commercial dynamics, the mining permit and royalty payment process, and addressing access to clean water.
Western Province Governor Billy Viau highlighted his government’s significant efforts in the energy sector, including the establishment of petroleum and diesel distribution centres and the provision of island services.
Prime Minister Viau revealed that the government has set up a special task force to address the concerns of the energy sector and the perspectives of resource owners in the Mineral Resources Bill 2023.
He highlighted their plans to work closely with water entities to address the challenge of access to clean water in Gizo town.
Western governing members also highlighted their plans for a feasibility study to determine the geothermal energy potential in the Western Solomons.
Other outstanding issues included the adoption of the National Roadmap, with Prime Minister Veo reiterating his position that it was “non-negotiable” and that he would push for its full implementation.
Prime Minister Tovosia, who is also MMERE minister, acknowledged that concerns were raised by the Western executive team.
He said the water challenges facing Gizo were long overdue and that government would prioritize addressing the issue in partnership with development partners, Solomon Water Company and government through the water resources sector.
“We initially held discussions with the Indian government to explore possible options such as desalination plants and diverting water from larger nearby islands. Kolombangara also has the potential to generate hydroelectric power.
“MMERE is reviewing the current electricity bill, drafting a new oil handling bill, and developing geothermal energy in Paraso, Vella Lavella.”
The second courtesy visit by Isabel Governor Lawrence Hayward and his small delegation focused on discussing royalties from mining operations, shared interests as host to the country’s nickel mining group and dealing with exploration permits at the provincial level.
Lawrence Hayward, Governor of Isabel Province and his delegation
Councillor Lawrence also stressed the importance of enforcement mechanisms to manage mining operations, capacity building and information exchange between headquarters and provincial departments.
MP Tovosia briefed Prime Minister Hayward on the review process of the Mineral Resources Act 2023, which includes the increase in royalty percentages and benefit sharing, and considers creating a conducive investment environment.
He said pushing for the bill to be introduced in Parliament in the next parliament was in line with the 100-day policy of the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
“There are still issues that need to be addressed, such as the stationing of monitoring and inspection personnel in Buala and addressing obstacles to information flow faced by provincial and key ministries.
“Mining is still new to the province and its people, so MMERE will bring together all responsible persons to discuss workable solutions.”
Cabinet Secretary Nego Sisiolo also reminded the leaders of both provinces to finalize the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the People’s Republic of China to establish a historic sisterhood relationship: Western Province with Fujian Province and Isabel Province with Shandong Province.
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-GCU Press Release
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