9th Premiers’ Conference underway in Auki

Premiers and officials from across the country are attending the 9th Premiers’ Conference in Malaita Province.

The deputy mayor of Honiara City and his officials are among the delegates at the five-day conference, which Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela officially opened this morning in Auki.

Malaita Provincial Premier Peter Ramohia said the conference provides an opportunity for provincial leaders and national Government representatives to discuss how to improve in key areas.

“The importance of this is it is an opportunity for the Government to come, the premiers come, and we sit down together and discuss issues that concern both the national and provincial Governments and how best we can deliver services to our people,” he said.

Premier Ramohia said this year’s theme, which focuses on provincial infrastructure as a prerequisite for economic development, will reflect what has been done since the strengthening program started through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening in 2007.

Over the past 10 years, provincial leaders have taken responsibility for many small infrastructure projects such as clinics, schools, roads and sanitation infrastructure.

Premier Ramohia said the conference will give the leaders a chance to discuss their progress and look at issues that need to be addressed.

“We will now come together to reflect on the achievements we have made, the challenges we have gone through,” he said. “And the best way to do this is to sit and discuss with the Government through the ministry and the Prime Minister, who will also be here to talk about this.”

By Gina Maka’a