GOV’T URGED TO CLEAN UP ‘MESS’
Quoting th Solomon Star newspaper – 12 July 2019
“GOVERNMENT must clean up the “mess” in the mining industry, Opposition leader Mathew Wale says.
“This is important to avoid undue manipulation by Chinese mining companies, he added.
“Wale’s call came in light of the controversial Bintan mining company’s continued bauxite operation on Rennell island.
“He said Bintan has caused two environmental disasters and failed to ensure necessary clean-up.
“The Opposition leader added there are also ongoing illegal mining operations in Isabel Province by other Chinese-backed companies.
“Whilst I am pleased to hear Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s call on government officials not to abuse powers vested on them in his 41st Independence Anniversary Speech, the call will become another political rhetoric unless he takes the necessary action to promptly deal with corrupt officials who abuse their powers for their own personal gains,” Wale said in a statement.
“He said an industry with the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth is the mining industry.
“But the widespread corruption therein due to the involvement of Chinese in the industry has denied the national economy of a substantial amount of foreign receipts.”
Copyright @ 2019, Solomon Star News.
