Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement -DCGA

07/07/2023

27/09/2021

Encouraging progresses on infrastructure projects in Malaita.

There is positive and encouraging progresses on some of the infrastructure projects in Malaita.

A trip to the Northern part of the province by officials from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Office of the Prime Minister has revealed this.

Under the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) initiatives’ infrastructure component, the Oversight Committee confirmed that the bridge at Taba'a in North East Malaita was successfully completed and has already been utilized.

Also, the wharf at Malu'u in North Malaita is already in progress with the casting and curing of concrete works already completed in Honiara and was transported for assembling in Malu'u station.

The contractor, Lion Heart Company Limited has already being mobilized to the site and had started work.

Further, the Development of an Economic Growth Centre located in Kwatanaere along the Suava Bay is also progressing well.

Following successive steps to conduct subdivision of the selected land for the project, site back-filing for market, copra and commodity storage warehouse has been progressing on well with 95% completion.

Implemented under the flagship of DCGA’s productive sector priority policy through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, The Suava Bay Economic Growth Centre Project is very vital to decentralize economic infrastructure that stimulates micro-economic investment opportunities to create employment and generate incomes for better rural livelihoods.

A local team of consultants identified by the government for environmental impacts assessment went ahead in site preparation for building constructions next year 2022.

The government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration is working closely with the Commissioner of Lands in order to acquire certain sections of the allocated land that still needs to be acquired.

Furthermore, resources owners, tribal chiefs, community leaders and community citizens had recognized the future economic prospective of this Suava Bay Economic Growth Centre Project and this is manifested through their continued support and cooperation to date.

Such economic infrastructure is recognized as the literal backbone of an economy with positive impacts to facilitate trade, industrial growth, commercial marketing value chain, decline unemployed workforce, catalyses rural economic opportunities to decrease influx urban drift, recovery and sustainable long term economic growth through private sector investments for mutual benefits.

The DCGA government acknowledge contractor Exodus Trade Development for the earth works in back-filling of construction site.

The DCGA is fully committed to the successful implementation and delivery of its policy priorities through this economic infrastructure project for economic empowerment and national stability.
///Ends///

13/08/2021

Pan Oceanic Bank (POB) buys $50m Bond from Government.

The National Government today formally sells $50 million Bond to the Pan Oceanic Bank today.

This is the first time for any commercial bank to trade in the Domestic Bond Market, since the Government resume Bond trading in recent years.

Minister for Finance and Treasury, Hon. Harry Kuma, MP, on behalf of the government from the Chief Executive Office of the POB, Mr. Upul Hettiarachchi following a Bond Agreement signing ceremony held at the ministry’s conference room this morning.

Hon. Kuma expressed his gratitude for the support to the government.

He stated that such assistance is timely as the government is dealing with some of the economic and financial effects of the Covid-19 global pandemic.

According to Hon. Kuma, the support from the bank can assist the government in its ongoing efforts to implement some of its key national projects.

Hon. Kuma further acknowledges the need to work together in areas of mutual interest.

Hence, Chief Operating Officer of the POB, Mr. Sathya Jayasuriya said this is part of the initiative of the bank commitment to give back to the community, and to contribute to the Government’s Economic Development Programs.

He also expressed his anticipation to work closely with the government in areas of cooperation.

The signing ceremony was also witnessed by the Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Mr. Luke Forau and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Mr. McKinnie Dentana.

Ends///

13/08/2021

Gov’t receives petition.

The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) has received a petition from a group who referred to themselves as Malaitans in Honiara.

Spokesperson for the group, Mr. Lawrence Makili said that he appreciated the opportunity to meet with and deliver the petition to the Government.

Along with the petition, include requests by the petitioners directed to the Prime Minister and the DCGA.

These include, lifting total ban of sea cucumber harvesting for the Malaita Outer Islanders livelihood, and for the government to immediately address mitigating measures to counter the desperate Climate Change situation affecting Malaita Outer Islanders.

Special Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Albert Kabui received the petition on behalf of the government at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet this afternoon.

The SSPM also acknowledged the importance of dialogue and further expressed concerns for the recent public gathering that caused negative impacts such as schools closures and unnecessary panic.

He further assured the group of the government’s response after looking through the petition to determine how these issues raised can be addressed.

The DCGA fully encourages and supports freedom of expression in the interest of national stability, good governance, peace and progress but must also have regard for due process and laws of our country.

Ends////

12/08/2021

PRESS STATEMENT
ESP ACHIEVES MAJOR MILESTONES,4 IN MALAITA INCLUDED.

The Oversight committee responsible for the implementation of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Initiative has announced some of the major and positive milestones reached with projects under the infrastructure sector.

This include, the Malu'u wharf, the Makira ramp, Taba'a, Fiu and Kwarea bridges and Seghe Airport.

The Oversight Committee is pleased to announce that the ramp in Makira and the bridge at Taba'a in North East Malaita have successfully completed.

According to the ESP Oversight Committee, the wharf at Malu'u in North Malaita is already in progress with the casting and curing of concrete works underway in Honiara and will be transported for assembling in Malu'u.

The contractor is expected to mobilize to the site later this month.

Further, works on bridge protection and culvert has been installed for the Kwarea Bridge.

This is a jointly funded project by the ESP and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.

The Committee also announces that contract negotiation is currently ongoing with a prospective contractor towards the work on the Seghe Airport.

The Contract is expected to sign later this year.

It is also revealed that World Bank will proceed with the tender process to design the Fiu bridge.

The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) through the ESP Oversight Committee is fully committed to the successful and accountable implementation of its policy priorities in the interest of economic empowerment, national stability and the wellbeing of its citizens.

//Ends

11/08/2021

Gov’t eyes smooth transition to LDC graduation

The National Government is preparing for a smooth transition towards graduating from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category to a Developing Country.

Presentations made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), Susan Sulu and her counterpart from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Collin Beck, acknowledged this during a meeting with officials from the government’s Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PIMEU) this week.

According to the MFAET and MNPDC, the immediate task of the country will be to prepare a smooth transition strategy to drive the process forward.

Meanwhile, the Government is undertaking further analysis and using recent results of a few studies on the socio- economic impacts of COVID-19 to guide discussion on the issue of LDC graduation as well as further inform the smooth transition strategy.

The smooth transition strategy should also outline the direction to ensure the transition builds from existing plans and strategies, bridge gaps within economic growth sectors that would also contribute to improve the social sectors of the country.

It also should be more innovative to accommodate changes of the new normal brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is to provide equitable and sustainable development, with full ownership and leadership of the process by the country.

The achievement of this strategy will be viewed as the successful culmination and implementation of the national development strategy 2016-2035 objectives as well as maintaining momentum on key development indicators for sustainable development.

Speaking during the presentation, Permanent Secretary Sulu emphasized that “In light of the negative socio-economic impacts of Covid 19, ensuring a smooth transition process towards LDC graduation and sustaining positive progress in our development trajectory is paramount”.

PS MFAET Mr. Beck stated, the government is already putting in structures and polices to ensure the country transition out of its LDC status smoothly by 2024. It has concluded a number of trade arrangements , broaden its bilateral and multilateral partnership triggering off a number of national infrastructure projects, boosting the productive sector, and currently working on delivery of the government’s redirection Policy.

According to the government, , whilst graduating from LDC status represents a positive step in development, it will also bring challenges such as negotiating trade preferences and development financing and technical assistance.

On the other hand, the country would be more positively viewed by international investors, leading to increased access to international private finance for both public and private sectors.

The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement is fully committed to the successful implementation and delivery of its policy priorities in the interest of economic empowerment and national stability.

Ends////

04/08/2021

Suava Bay Economic Growth Centre in progress.

The Development of an Economic Growth Centre located in Kwatanaere along the Suava Bay is progressing well.
This is following successive steps to conduct subdivision of the selected land for the project.
The Suava Bay Economic Growth Centre Project is implemented under the flagship of DCGA’s productive sector priority policy through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration.
This is very vital to decentralize economic infrastructure that stimulates micro-economic investment opportunities to create employment and generate incomes for better rural livelihoods.
Site back filing for market, copra and commodity storage warehouse has been progressing on well with 95% completion.
A local team of consultants identified by the government for environmental impacts assessment go ahead in site preparation for building constructions next year 2022.
The government through Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration is working closely with the Commissioner of Lands in order to acquire certain sections of the allocated land that still needs to be acquired.
In the meantime, the DCGA government acknowledge contractor Exodus Trade Development for the earth works in backfilling of construction site.
Furthermore, resources owners, tribal chiefs, community leaders and community citizens had recognized the future economic prospective of this Suava Bay Economic Growth Centre Project and this is manifested through their continued support and cooperation to date.
Such economic infrastructure is recognized as the literal backbone of an economy with positive impacts to facilitate trade, industrial growth, commercial marketing value chain, decline unemployed workforce, catalyses rural economic opportunities to decrease influx urban drift, recovery and sustainable long term economic growth through private sector investments for mutual benefits.
The DCGA is fully committed to the successful implementation and delivery of its policy priorities through this economic infrastructure project for economic empowerment and national stability.
///Ends///

04/08/2021

DCGA commits to deliver Bina Harbour project.

The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) is committed to the successful delivery of the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant project.

This is evident with a number of milestones that the project has reached recently.

Whilst important work has been implemented and currently in progress, three separate potential investors were provided the investor-briefing package and are expected to provide their feedback soon.

Hence, the initial Environmental Impact and Safeguard assessments had already been made in the fisheries section as well as a port scooping study sponsored by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) together with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have expressed their interest to fund the infrastructure component.
To date, the project office is still in a rented complex.

The DCGA commends its development partners for their continuous support towards the development of one of the government’s important projects.

The DCGA is fully committed to the successful implementation and delivery of its policy priorities in the interest of economic empowerment and national stability.

///Ends///

13/10/2020

𝐏𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐚, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐝, 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐢 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫.

The latest group of local farmers around the outskirts of Honiara and the provinces yesterday started to received their offer under the Government’s Economic Stimulus Package.

It was confirmed that following the approval of selected genuine applicants last week, as of today and continuing this week, the committee is currently in contact with successful recipients for piggery projects in Honiara together with successful applicants for project on Honey, seaweed and Noni to collect their offer letter and sign an agreement.

According to the ESP oversight committee, not all of the recipients will receive support in the form of cash because the funds will be transferred to selected suppliers of tools and equipment for which the recipients will collect from.

The committee further wishes to reiterate that all applications have gone through a strict screening process and as a result not all recipients will receive the exact amount of financial support that they had applied for.

This is because the technical committee, during the screening process have to do a due diligent to ensure that certain applications are getting the necessary support according to their proposals.

Hence, upon signing the agreement, recipients are advised to review their project activity plans and submit an invoice to the committee before their actual support is rendered.

Meanwhile, approval of applications under Cocoa, Copra and Seaweed projects have also reached completion and this will be followed by projects under Tourism, Piggery from the rest of the Provinces, Fisheries, Timber Milling, and Vegetable Farming. Recipients will be contacted accordingly.

The committee expects to complete the implementation of the ESP by the end of next week.

As stated in the agreement, all recipients of the ESP are obliged to report to the committee during the monitoring stage that their funds they receive are utilized accordingly to the stated purpose that they had applied for.

It was confirmed that the Committee is working hard to secure a software program in order to publicly make available all the lists of the recipients and the entire database of the ESP.

The Committee confirms that this will include all the lists of applications received, those that are approved and those that are not approved.

Further, as soon as the software program is procured and data is loaded into the program, the Government will launch the program in early November and information can be retrieved online by the public.

The Committee wishes to clarify that it is not the intention of the Government to withheld the implementation information of the ESP, and it is the requirement of all the donors who supported the ESP to publicly made information available.

The Government is fully committed to the successful implementation of the ESP through the committee in the interest of national stability and economic recovery.

///Ends///

15/07/2020

08/06/2020

DBSI to improve social, economic livelihoods for all Solomon Islanders.

One of the goals of the revitalized Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) is to “support the government’s strategic objectives of improving the social and economic livelihoods for all Solomon Islanders.”

This is according to the Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, MP during his address to officially launch the DBSI.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Prime Minister stated that in supporting the Government’s strategic objectives, the government expects DBSI to contribute regularly and be part of government’s long-term economic planning and development especially in rural areas, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism and infrastructure.

This means that the Bank will carry out its own assessment of the support that Government needs and lend to the sector or other initiatives on its own terms and conditions.

“My Government will put in place mechanisms to ensure that whilst working with the Bank, the Bank’s integrity and independence will be protected,” the Prime Minister stated.

Prime Minister Sogavare further stated that by investing in economic and social wellbeing in an environmentally sustainable manner, the government expects DBSI to develop suitable lending products.

This will support the productive and resource sectors such as agriculture, livestock, agro-forestry, aquaculture, marine resources and fisheries including small-scale rural fisheries, tourism, forestry and reforestation, mining and energy.

DBSI is also expected to develop value chain financing mechanisms and lending products in support of value adding aimed at increasing exports and to support any infrastructure and utilities proposal that will promote or improve production in the productive sectors

Other goals of the DBSI include investing in our people through developing the highest standards of service integrity and professionalism in the delivery of services, and for the bank itself to become profitable in a sustainable manner.

# # # # #