Minister of Finance and Treasury, Trevor Manemahaga, has confirmed that a special committee tasked with reviewing the status of sufferance wharves has been established and held its first meeting today.
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Manemahaga said he had instructed the committee, comprising senior officials from several stakeholder agencies, to submit their report by the end of October, after which he will present it to Cabinet.
He explained that the committee was formed in line with a Cabinet directive issued on 3 June 2025, which called for a comprehensive review of the operations of sufferance wharves, including Leroy Wharf.
The minister came under scrutiny this week after Acting Comptroller of Customs, John Lagi, revoked the suspension of sufferance wharves, effective immediately. The suspension had initially been imposed on 21 August 2025 under the directive of the then Finance Minister, Harry Kuma, restricting the unloading of imported goods at those wharves.
Reports have alleged that Mr. Manemahaga ordered the revocation soon after assuming office. However, today he defended his decision, stressing that he was merely acting in accordance with the Cabinet directive of June 3rd.
He clarified that the move was not a policy shift but an interim measure pending the outcome of the review.
“It is an interim decision which does not pre-empt the final outcome. The final outcome and government’s position regarding sufferance wharves will be determined after the committee’s report is completed and Cabinet deliberates on its recommendations,” the Gao/Bugotu MP said.
Mr. Manemahaga further emphasized that his decision was not intended to undermine the action taken by his predecessor.
“I want to make it clear that the decision does not criticise the previous minister’s move but rather respects the process that was already set in motion by Cabinet in June,” he said.
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