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Guadalcanal headquarters burnt
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Posted on Nov 21 2000
Honiara (Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation/PINA Nius Online – The Guadalcanal provincial headquarters, in Central Honiara, was destroyed by fire yesterday.
The building had been occupied by members of the former Joint Operation/Malaita Eagle Force at the height of the ethnic tension
A senior police investigator told SIBC that investigations will be carried out by the Fire Department
Response was immediate because of the danger the fire posed to Shell depot located close by.
Minister of Provincial Government Nathaniel Waena revealed during the Premiers’ conference in Buala last week that the Asian Development Bank was willing to renovate the building and turn it into the Provincial Government ministerial building with space for all the provincial governments.
Meanwhile, the Marau Eagle Force warned the Guadalcanal Provincial government against establishing its headquarters at Marau.
Assistant Supreme Commander of the Marau Eagle Force Alby Ham made the warning following announcements made by Mr. Waena.
Mr. Ham is also cautioning the Asian Development Bank, the financier of the new Guadalcanal headquarters, to re-consider funding a new Guadalcanal headquarters in Marau.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace, Allan Kemakeza said the issue needs further consultation.
Mr. Kemakeza was reacting to a demand from the Marau Eagle Force and the community in Marau for a direct administration of the area from the Central government and not through the Guadalcanal provincial government.
Police officers are increasing their presence at the Solomon Islands Plantations Limited estates to curb an increase in stealing.
Police Senior Superintendent Jackson Ofu says the looting have been carried out by some Honiara residents and people living in those areas.
This happened even after the signing of the Townsville Peace Agreement, he said.
