Mayor concerns with withdrawal of bus services BUT wants fare remain at $3

The Honiara City Council (HCC) notes with concerns the withdrawal of bus service by public bus operators this morning.

However, this is an issue which is beyond the power of the Council to address because the Honiara City Council does not have powers to deal with price control of goods and services.

In response to this, the HCC is calling for a meeting with Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Labour, and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to look into this issue.

“I understand a bus association has already been established and kindly ask the bus owners/operators to affiliate with the association, and can bring forth the matter,”

“If there is no any existing association than I urged them to establish one”, said the Lord Mayor

“The bus association should organize meeting with the government authorities to avoid bus operators to assemble in front of HCC compound is not the process and can be unlawful assembly”, added the Lord Mayor.

Mayor Siapu said whilst he sympathies with the bus owners, he asked for them to maintain the bus fare at $3.00. As we’re heading towards the 44^th Independence Anniversary, the Mayor said let us have the spirit of ones and unity to support each other.

The Lord Mayor appeal for calm and understanding from the general public in this matter.

Honiara is Our City, Your City, My City.

HCC Press Release