BY CHRIS ALEX
MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for Savo/Russell constituency in the Central Islands Province, Hon. Oliver Salopuka, shared his ambitious vision for the development of the islands, particularly focusing on unlocking the potential of underutilised resources.
Speaking at the enthronement of newly appointed chiefs at Louna Village over the weekend, Salopuka laid out a comprehensive plan to revitalise key sectors and bring together the four tribes of the Lavukal community under a unified approach to development.
With a clear determination to spearhead change, Salopuka noted his plan to rehabilitate the once-thriving coconut plantations on the Russell Islands. These plantations, which represent one of the largest agricultural assets in the region, have long been neglected, leaving valuable resources idle. Salopuka emphasised the need to attract new investors who can bring fresh capital and expertise to revive this sector.
“We would like a new investor to come in. I will work together with the government to take back every land and ensure that the government collaborates closely with landowners to create new arrangements,” he stated in an interview with local media.
By encouraging investment in the coconut industry, Salopuka envisions not only boosting the local economy but also creating sustainable jobs for the islanders. His vision goes beyond coconut plantations, extending to other development goals across the islands, with a focus on maximising the islands’ rich resources.
As the Chairman of the Indigenous Trust Board of the Russell Islands, Salopuka has faced significant challenges in uniting the four tribes that make up the Lavukal people. Disputes over land ownership and resource claims have historically hindered progress, but Salopuka sees the newly enthroned chiefs as a pivotal force in overcoming these obstacles.
“Bringing the four tribes together and utilising every resource together is a key development under the Lavukal House of Chiefs. It’s about getting people together and making decisions together for the development of our resources,” he explained.
Salopuka commended the efforts of the newly enthroned chiefs, urging them and the people of the Russell Islands to work together to uphold their constitution and push forward with development plans. His leadership as a newly elected MP has been instrumental in facilitating dialogue and cooperation among the tribes, and he remains optimistic that collective action will lead to tangible progress.
Having only been in office for seven months, Salopuka is well aware of the challenges.
“Though we have big challenges, working together with the leaders, chiefs, and resource owners makes developing plans and draughting the constitution much easier,” he noted.
His deep involvement with the chiefs and understanding of their needs have given him a unique advantage in navigating the complexities of local governance and development.
As both a Member of Parliament and the Chairman of the House of Chiefs, Salopuka is confident that by aligning government plans with local development goals, they can make significant strides for the benefit of the people. One of his primary objectives is to improve the livelihood of the residents of Russell and Savo Islands by upgrading the standard of living, enhancing sanitation, and addressing the specific needs of village communities.
Hon. Salopuka’s vision also includes improving infrastructure and services, particularly in transportation and copra production.
“There is a need to improve or set up copra-buying centres as the main income here is copra,” he pointed out, stressing the importance of creating accessible markets for the region’s primary agricultural product.
Enhancing transportation and services for the people of both Savo and Russell Islands is a top priority for Salopuka, ensuring that islanders have the support they need to thrive.
Richard Karima, Paramount Chief of the Keruval Tribe, has voiced concerns over the pressing transportation challenges faced by his community. Speaking about the ongoing struggles, Chief Karima emphasised how the lack of adequate transport infrastructure is hindering economic opportunities, particularly in sectors vital to the tribe’s livelihood.
“The major challenge for our community is transportation,” Chief Karima stated. “Copra and fishing are our main sources of income, but without proper transport, it’s extremely difficult for us to access markets in Honiara to sell our products.”
In addition to economic development, Salopuka is working closely with church leaders and local communities to identify and address the needs of the people. His constituency office is actively engaged in understanding these needs and incorporating them into a broader development plan that includes better sanitation, improved infrastructure, and enhanced social services.
Hon. Oliver Salopuka’s leadership marks a critical juncture in the development of Russell and Savo Islands.
By focusing on uniting the tribes, attracting investment, and improving infrastructure, he hopes to unlock the islands’ potential and create a better future for their people.
As he looks to the future, Salopuka remains optimistic that his plans will pave the way for a prosperous Russell and Savo Islands, where the resources of the land are fully utilized, and the people enjoy improved living conditions and opportunities for growth.
