PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has described celebrations marking Malaita Province’s 41st Second Appointed Day in Auki as the dawn of a new era for the province and the national government.
Manele led a delegation of five ministers and two MPs to the official celebration on the theme ‘’Empowering Our Diversity through the Spirit of Unity for a Brighter and Inclusive Future’’.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the contribution of Malaita Province to nation-building, highlighting that Malaita was involved in building the nation even before we gained independence saying, that Malaita is well known for her industrious people.
“This is evident in Malaitans working in coconut and cocoa plantations on other islands during colonial times. Even today we have lots of our people working in other provinces,” Manele said.
According to the 2019 Census, Malaita is the province with the highest population with 172, 740 people making the province’s human capital one of its most important resources.
The Province under the former MARA government was victimized of progress due to internal misunderstandings and foreign geopolitical interests.
“Today signals the beginning of a new era – one that is marked by mutual respect, shared vision, and common purpose between the Malaita Provincial Government and the National Government,” Manele said.
“Today we not only celebrate Malaita Province’s 2nd Appointed Day, but we also celebrate the dawn of a renewed partnership. A partnership that puts our people at the front and center,” he added.
Manele also used the celebration to announce the priority of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) for the Province.
According to the Prime Minister, the immediate priority for Malaita Province is economic infrastructure, especially building and improving climate-resilient roads around the island to boost economic growth.
“Our roads are the arteries of commerce and business. We need good roads to lower the cost of transportation so that our people can make decent profits from their products,” Manele said.
The 2019 Census also shows that there is a huge out-migration of people from Malaita to other Provinces, mainly Honiara. This urban drift is a result of limited opportunities in Malaita.
During his visit to Auki, Manele also toured several donor-funded projects and sites for new projects in and around Auki and other surrounding communities.
These included the South Road upgrade project, the Auki Township Tar sealing project, the Aligegeo Secondary School, the Kiluufi Hospital Expansion project, the Gwaigeo Taro Processing and Pack House, and the Kilusakwalo Community High School Friendship Hall.
