Manele Commends Community Support for Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project

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Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has praised the support of the Bina community and people of West Kawio towards the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project (BHTPP), describing it as a vital step in the nation’s economic development.

Manele, accompanied by a high-level delegation which included the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Nestor Ghiro, visited the BHTPP site following the ground-breaking ceremony of the Auki Road Network Rehabilitation Project earlier in the day. The visit indicates the government’s commitment to advancing the long-anticipated tuna processing plant, which is expected to bring significant economic and social benefits to Malaita Province and the Solomon Islands.

The Prime Minister and his delegation toured the BHTPP project site, where they received a detailed briefing from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR). Lisa Sugumanu, Assistant Secretary Project Management (ASPM), provided an overview of the designated sites earmarked for key infrastructure development.

Further insights into the ongoing Marine Geotechnical were delivered by Fred Conning, Deputy Program Director of the Bina Harbour Project Office (BHPO). The Marine Geotechnical investigations, which began on 1st March 2025 under the supervision of Tonkin and Taylor, is expected to conclude by the third week of March. The findings will play a crucial role in the design of the marine infrastructure, including port facilities.

Following the site visit, the Prime Minister and his delegation were warmly welcomed at Bina Community Hall with a traditional warrior reception and garlanding ceremony. In his keynote address, Prime Minster expressed heartfelt gratitude to the landowning groups for making their resources available for the project. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the BHTPP, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities for the people of Bina and Malaita Province.

“I commend the Bina community and people of West Kwaio for their support and vision for this transformative project. The Solomon Islands Government is fully committed to delivering the BHTPP, which will have lasting benefits for our people and future generations,” the Prime Minister stated.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the steadfast support of the New Zealand Government and other development partners.

He also announced the formation of a dedicated Cabinet sub-committee for the BHTPP, chaired by Hon. Claudius Tei’ifi, Member of Parliament for West Kwaio. The subcommittee will work closely with MFMR, the Malaita Provincial Government, trustees, beneficiaries, and other agents to ensure the project’s successful implementation.

The visit concluded with a symbolic presentation of a whole baked pig by the village chiefs, elders, and community members — a gesture of respect and appreciation for the Prime Minister and his delegation.

Speaking on behalf of the community, a Bina representative stated, “This gift symbolizes our respect and our shared commitment to the success of the Bina Harbour Project. We stand ready to support this project for the benefit of our people and future generations.”

ENDS//