Prime Minister Hands Over Noro Fisheries Complex and Provincial Data Centre
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele yesterday officially handed over the Noro Fisheries Complex and Noro Data Centre in Western Province, marking a major milestone in fisheries management, digital resilience, and national development.
The Noro Fisheries Complex, under the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), can accommodate up to 20 officers and serves as the Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) hub in the Western Province.
It provides a central base for monitoring fishing activities, enforcing national and international laws, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“This initiative is firmly aligned with our national fisheries vision, a sustainable fisheries sector that contributes to the socio-economic needs of all Solomon Islanders,” Prime Minister Manele said.
Located in Noro, the tuna capital of Solomon Islands, the complex strengthens enforcement at the heart of the fisheries industry and supports the operations of SolTuna Limited, the country’s only tuna cannery and a major employer.
PM Manele presenting his statement
The building also houses the new electronic fish accounting system, developed by the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Finance’s ICT Division, to enhance transparency and traceability in fisheries management.
Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the support of the World Bank, which invested SBD 17 million in constructing and equipping the Noro Fisheries Complex, and its ongoing commitment to fisheries infrastructure, including the Auki Fisheries Office Building in Malaita Province.
He also acknowledged the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), particularly Director General Mr. Noan Pakop, for financial and technical support in training compliance officers and strengthening MCS systems.
PM Manele and other officials being shown the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) in the new Fisheries complex in Noro. VMS usually used to monitor IUU fishing
In parallel, the Noro Data Centre, established under the Government’s ICT programme and supported by the Government of Australia, provides backup and disaster recovery for whole-of-government information systems. The centre strengthens cybersecurity, IT redundancy, and resilience, making Solomon Islands the first country in the Pacific region to establish a provincial backup data facility.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Data Centre is a key component of the Government’s Digital Transformation Agenda and National ICT Policy, which aim to modernize public service delivery, improve access to government services, and bridge the digital divide across the islands.
He extended appreciation to the Government of Australia, whose AUD 1.3 million investment in the Noro Data Centre reflects confidence in the Solomon Islands’ Digital Transformation Program and ICT professionalism.
Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister, Hon. Bradley Tovosia hands over offical document for the establishment of the Fisheries Complex in Noro to the Premier, Hon. Veo with PM Manele looking on
Local project partners, contractors, and officers were also commended for ensuring both facilities meet modern standards.
“These infrastructures strengthen our nation’s ability to govern effectively, to protect our natural and digital resources, and to serve our people better.
“They demonstrate that when we work together, Government, partners, and communities — we can achieve results that make a lasting difference,” the Prime Minister said.
Both facilities are national assets of strategic importance. The Fisheries Complex enhances monitoring, control, and compliance in the sector, while the Data Centre underpins e-Government services across health, education, commerce, and public finance.
Together, they support decentralisation, improve service delivery, and advance sustainable development and resilience.
Prime Minister Manele reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to maintain and operate both facilities efficiently, ensuring long-term benefits for all Solomon Islanders.
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Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat