Makira plans to build its new fishery centre

TUESDAY, 06 APRIL 2010 14:34



MAKIRA-ULAWA Provincial Government plans to build fishery centre at Gupuna, on the island of Santa Anna.

A team from the provincial government last week visited the local community and conducted meetings on the proposal.

A statement from the province said they will invest $280,000 into this project, which is expected to benefit the community of Santa Ana, Santa Catalina, Na Mugha and surrounding villages.

“The Fishery centre aims to provide all local fishermen with access to the fish markets in Kirakira and especially Honiara,” the statement.

“The provincial government initiated a community meeting in which around 80 people - chiefs, church leaders, women, youth, fisherman and others, participated.”

In the meeting St Ana community strongly expressed its commitment to the establishment of the fishery centre.

They also guaranteed a water tank, labour support and some materials.

Already, bricks and hardware materials arrived at site and together with locally sawn timber, meaning work can now start.

“In the coming 5 to 6 months the fishery centre should be completed,” the statement said.

“The Fishery centre will be fully run on Solar Power.

“This green source of energy is preferred by the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government, because it is better for its environment.

“Also because it can be installed at really local base and eventually should decrease costs of energy expenses like petrol for generators etc.

“The idea is new to Makira Ulawa and maybe even entire Solomon Islands, so the Provincial Government is looking forward with great interest to the results and viability of this pilot.

“In the coming 5 to 6 Months Makira Ulawa Provincial Government plans to develop best models and practices immediately after finalisation of the centre hand its management over to the community to support the community in its management and maintenance of the centre.

“It is also to assure proper transportation of fish, or other marine resources as crayfish.

“Makira Ulawa Provincial Government will explore the opportunity for a public private partnership with a fishing company and will consider to offer the fishing company a large stake in the fishing centre if it can commit to its management and maintenance and guarantee to local fisherman that they for free can make use of the fishery centre services.

“Makira Ulawa Province invites any fishing company to contacts its government to join them to a trip to St Ana to see the fishery centre and to discuss plans.”


[source: http://www.solomonstarnews.com/]