BY JOY OFASIA
PRIME Minister of Solomon Islands, Honorable Jeremiah Manele, emphasized the significant challenge of urban drift during the 40th Guadalcanal 2nd Appointed Day celebrations.
In his speech, the Prime Minister pointed out the increasing migration from rural areas to Honiara and its adjacent regions, calling it a major issue that requires urgent attention.
Manele highlighted the government’s efforts to tackle this problem, including close collaboration with bilateral partners such as the People’s Republic of China in the area of trade. He noted that securing markets for products like cocoa, copra, seaweed, and noni juice is aimed at encouraging people to stay in rural areas and engage in agriculture to earn a living.
“We have secured markets for products like cocoa, copra, seaweed, and noni juice and we are continuing to work on other products such as cassava. This should encourage our people to remain in the rural areas, till the soil, and sell these products to earn money for themselves,” he said.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister announced that the government will soon table the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill in parliament. This legislation will allow certain areas to be declared as special economic zones to attract investors and create job opportunities.
“The special economic zones in our provinces can grow into towns or cities and can attract people from Honiara to go and work there,” Manele stated.
He urged provinces to start identifying potential locations for these special economic zones and consider what industries should operate there to promote economic growth and reduce urban drift.
PM Manele’s address stressed the government’s commitment to addressing urban drift and promoting balanced development across the Solomon Islands.
