Honorable Premier Willie Atu has outlined seven key reform areas in the newly launched policy to guide the governmentโs direction for the next four years at the 2nd Assembly Meeting of the 10th Assembly. The reforms focus on enhancing governance, land rights, infrastructure, health, and economic growth in Guadalcanal Province.
In a speech delivered during the 2nd Assembly Meeting of the 10th Assembly today morning, Honorable Premier Willie Atu unveiled the key priorities that will define his government’s policy agenda for the next four years. The Premier emphasized the importance of synchronizing national and provincial policies, following the historic alignment of the Provincial and National Elections for the first time in Solomon Islands’ history.
Premier Atu said that the policyย is aligned with national strategies, including the Government of National Unity and Transition (GNUT) Policy, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and the National Development Strategy (2016-2035).
The Premier highlighted the following seven key reform areas that will guide the development of Guadalcanal:
1. State Government Reform
The issue of governance in Solomon Islands has long been a subject of debate. Guadalcanal has been a strong advocate for a federal system to replace the current Unitary, Westminster model. Although the proposed Federal Draft Constitution faced setbacks in December 2024, the government is committed to pushing forward with the state government concept. The Premier noted that the federalization process, requiring the support of three-quarters of Parliament and further consultations, will continue in the coming months.
2. Land Rights and Alienated Land
The return of alienated land remains a top priority for the government. Guadalcanal has been actively pursuing claims for compensation related to land alienation, particularly from companies like Levers Solomons Limited (LSL), which owes the province significant property rates. The Premier stated that land disputes within Honiara, including issues related to high and low watermarks along the seafront, are still unresolved and will be addressed as part of a broader land policy.
3. Political Town Boundaries
A contentious issue is the demarcation of political boundaries between Guadalcanal Province and Honiara City. The government is advocating for clear physical boundaries to be established, particularly in light of the ongoing Greater Honiara Project. A recent meeting with local chiefs and elders resulted in a resolution opposing the expansion of Honiara into Guadalcanal. The government is seeking clarification on the project’s impact, particularly in rural-urban development zones stretching from Corona Market to Poha River.
4. Revenue Sharing Arrangements
One of the core components of the government’s agenda is advocating for a more equitable revenue-sharing arrangement between the national government and the provinces. Despite Guadalcanalโs significant contribution to the national economy, the Premier highlighted that the provinceโs development has lagged behind. A review of the revenue-sharing system is underway, with the goal of ensuring that provincial resources are more fairly allocated to support local development.
5. Township & Administration Developments
The government is making stepsย in developing key infrastructure, particularly in the creation of a new Provincial Headquarters on a 20-hectare plot. Negotiations are ongoing with Metropolis for outstanding property rates owed to Guadalcanal. The establishment of a Provincial Chamber is a critical part of preparations for eventual statehood. Other projects, including the development of the Marau Tourism Township and Mamara development, are also progressing.
6. Devolution of Power
The government is committed to empowering the provinces by pushing for the devolution of greater decision-making power. The review of the 1997 Provincial Government Act is expected to provide provinces with more autonomy in areas such as education, health, and infrastructure, reducing their dependence on the national government. The Premier emphasized that this is a step towards a more decentralized and effective governance model, potentially aligned with federal principles.
7. Guadalcanal Hospital
With a growing population of over 178,000, the need for a provincial hospital is increasingly urgent. The government has initiated steps to establish a provincial hospital, with Good Samaritan Area Health Center being considered as a potential site due to its high population. The health sector is a priority, and the Premier noted that the Provincial Minister for Health has already set up a committee to oversee the hospitalโs development.
Additional Updates:
The government has also been working on improving the capacity of the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), which is a major source of capital for community infrastructure projects. Guadalcanal is one of the three provinces in Solomon Islands that qualified for the PCDF in 2021/2022, and the Premier hopes to secure further funding in the upcoming assessments.
The Premier also touched on key infrastructure projects, including road improvements, airstrip reopenings, and the development of township centers. He confirmed that AvuAvu and Babanakira airstrips are set to be reopened, with funding allocated by the central government.
In education, the government is preparing to reintroduce the Guadalcanal Scholarship Program and implement the new Education Act.
Partnerships with international bodies, including the Chinese Embassy and United States Embassy to establish sister cities are also being explored to strengthen Guadalcanalโs foreign relations.
In terms of CITREC, the Premier stated that the Executive hopes to reopen it in the next financial year with a proper remittance arrangement and self-sustainability mechanism.
In his closing remarks, Premier Atu acknowledged the efforts of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Standing Committee, emphasizing the importance of these bodies in ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations.
The government remains focused on ensuring that the people of Guadalcanal benefit from these reforms, with a long-term vision for sustainable development and enhanced local governance.
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GP Media.
