Encroachment into Matanikau River gets attention in Parl. today

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The construction of illegal structures on the river bank with some stretching into the Matanikau has taken centre stage today in Parliament, with the minister of Environment Polycarp Paea confirming that some illegitimate structures have been removed in the past 12 months.

Minister Paea initially confirmed in Parliament that his ministry has taken action to address encroachment into the Matanikau River in response to the Member of Parliament (MP) for South Georgia and Rendova Tetepare Constituency, Hon. David Gina on what action is the government taken to address encroachment into the Matanikau River by developers during the Question and Answer session.

The issue has generated interest from the opposition bench who asked probing questions but were dissatisfied with the answers they were given or promised to be given later.

In his initial reply, Paea who only moved to the ministry last week in the last government reshuffle told Parliament that under the Environment Act 1998, all developments including construction of retention walls are required to submit a pubic environment report and environment management plan. He assured parliament that his ministry would continue to ensure that the development along the Mataniko River comply with the requirements of the environment act especially on the environment impact assessment process to mitigate and manage any encroachments into the river.

He also stated that some businesses have built retention walls to protect their properties based on their experience in the 2014 flash floods.

Paea said his ministry would continue to monitor development on the Matanikau and if there are encroachments, they would enforce the requirements under the Environment Act and Regulation to ensure discontinuation in such activities.

When pressed by the Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale to confirm if the developments on the Matanikau River were in compliance with the act, Paea responded by yes stating: “there were some illegal structures being demolished along the Matanikau River.”

However, some of the responses from the government side on the issue didn’t go well with the Leader of Opposition who later issued a statement stating that while acknowledging that some Ministers are new to their portfolios, it does not excuse the lack of preparedness.

“The Standing Orders are clear. Questions are submitted well in advance to allow Ministries ample time to prepare responses. Whether a Minister was appointed last year or yesterday, it is their responsibility to get on top of their ministry’s work and ensure they are ready to answer,” Wale said.

Wale emphasised that parliamentary questions often concern core public issues that directly impact citizens’ daily lives and wellbeing and therefore require Ministers to be well-informed on the matters under their charge.

“Ministers owe it to the people they serve to be ready with answers. The country expects and deserves that from its leaders,” Wale added.