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52 Toyota vehicles to boost transportation needs of PIF officials

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Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and CEO of Ela Motors Anil Gounder at the center and surrounded by senior government officials and Ela Motor staffers

The Solomon Islands Government today purchased 52 brand-new Toyota vehicles from local dealership, Ela Motors Solomon Islands, to support transportation needs during the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Honiara and at the Leaders retreat in Noro.

Of the 52 vehicles, 10 are 30-seater buses, while the remaining units are Toyota Hilux pickups.

Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, MP, in his remarks, acknowledged the Chief Executive Officer of Ela Motors Solomon Islands, Mr. Anil Gounder, for agreeing to release the vehicles under a strict payment plan, which the government has committed to complete within four months or earlier within the 2025 allocated budget for the PIF Leaders Meeting.

The Prime Minister assured that the government is fully committed to meeting its payment obligations.

On the management of the vehicles, PM Manele explained that all units will be administered by the Road and Transport and Mechanical Services Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID). 

However, their legacy allocation will be determined by Cabinet after the PIF Leaders Meeting.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and CEO of Ela Motors Anil Gounder in of the new buses
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and CEO of Ela Motors Anil Gounder in of the new buses

He further revealed that, for the first time, provincial governments will also be considered under the legacy allocation, recognizing their long-standing requests for vehicles. 

Additionally, some vehicles will be assigned to the productive sectors to strengthen capacity, boost production, and enhance revenue collection.

To ensure transparency, PM Manele announced that the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, together with the MID and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, will prepare a Legacy Allocation Guideline for Cabinet’s approval. 

This will provide the governance framework for the fair and effective distribution of the vehicles after the regional event.

In his brief remarks, Ela Motors CEO Mr. Gounder said the company is honoured to partner with the government and proud to deliver vehicles of the highest standard in support of preparations for the PIF Leaders Meeting.

[end]

Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat

TopicsPacificPacific Islands ForumTransportation services
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