Guadalcanal Premier, Hon. William Atu and his delegation attended the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) meeting to discuss the proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill 2024 with committee members yesterday morning.
During the discussion, Premier Atu shared the Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s views on the SEZ Bill 2024, highlighting concerns about property rates, land rights, and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
One key issue raised was the tax exemptions that provincial governments would grant to companies investing in the provinces.
In response, Hon. Matthew Wale also expressed concerns, noting that this is a gray area that requires further review by the drafters of the SEZ Bill 2024.
While provincial governments support development, he cautioned that offering tax exemptions to investors could have adverse effects on provincial economic growth.
The BLC and the Guadalcanal Provincial Government delegation also discussed case studies such as the Tina Hydro Project, GPPOL, Marau Station, and Mamara Township Development in relation to the SEZ Bill 2024.
Hon. Matthew Wale noted that Mamara Township Development serves as a relevant case for the SEZ Bill 2024.
He emphasized that the bill must address existing loopholes to ensure that key stakeholders, such as provincial governments and landowners, are not excluded from major developments.
He further stressed that landowners should be recognized as meaningful partners in development projects rather than mere spectators.
The Chairman of the BLC, Hon. John Maneniaru, also emphasized the importance of protecting indigenous people’s land rights, ensuring they are not marginalized in economic initiatives.
The meeting concluded with the BLC requesting the Guadalcanal Provincial Government to submit a written review of the SEZ Bill 2024.
Premier Atu thanked the BLC, stating that this was perhaps the first time the Guadalcanal Provincial Government had been invited to participate in such an important legislative process.
As a key contributor to the national economy, Guadalcanal Province must be actively engaged in these critical policy discussions.
The Guadalcanal Provincial Government delegation consists of Hon. Premier Willie Atu, Minister for Education Hon. John Botsi, Minister for Environment and Forestry Hon. Justin Lima, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Hon. Allen Embi, Deputy Provincial Speaker Hon. Isaac Palakonina, GP Chief Legal Advisor Mr. Bradley Dalipanda, and GP Senior Policy and Research Officer Mr. Emmanuelle Mangalle.
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GP Media.
The discussion can be watched here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17Mn61yFTx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
