Prime Minister Mathew Wale and HCC representatives
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has urged the Honiara City Council (HCC) to adopt a clear and ambitious vision to transform Honiara into a more livable city over the next decade.
The Prime Minister made the call during a meeting with the HCC Lord Mayor and councillors at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC)today.
Prime Minister Wale noted that Honiara is becoming increasingly expensive and has experienced sustained congestion in recent years.
He stressed that the time has come for both the national government and HCC to work together to deliver meaningful and lasting change.
“HCC business licensing processes and the overall ease of doing business are not encouraging growth. Both HCC and the Government must take deliberate steps to bring costs down and support local enterprise,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that HCC must take the lead in driving a clear vision for the city’s future.
“Honiara is growing rapidly and facing increasing congestion. These challenges require serious, forward-looking discussions and decisive action,” he said.
He added that progress must begin with strengthening basic services provided by the HCC.
Prime Minister Wale also encouraged HCC to explore the development of a multi-storey car park at the Central Market to ease traffic pressure in one of the city’s busiest areas.
Honiara Lord Mayor Eddie Siapu acknowledged the concerns raised and reaffirmed the importance of stronger collaboration between HCC and the national government.
Mayor Siapu also highlighted the need to review the Honiara City Act 1999.
He noted that legislative reform is critical to enabling the changes required to realise the city’s long-term vision.
“Our vision for Honiara must also be matched by a shift in public attitude, where residents take greater ownership of and pride in our city,” he said.
The Lord Mayor further raised the long-standing issue of establishing a new cemetery.
He said it is an issue that previous governments had failed to address.
Mayor Siapu said his executive remains committed to working closely with the GREAT Coalition Government and aligning its priorities with the Government’s agenda over the next two years.
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OPMC statement
