MFMR, Malaita Government Discuss Progress of Auki Fisheries Office Project

Honiara, 11 March 2026: The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has taken another step toward delivering the proposed Auki Fisheries Office Complex, following productive discussions with the Malaita Provincial Government on the project’s progress and outstanding land requirements.

Officials from MFMR Solomon Islands Pacific Islands Oceanscape for Economic Resilience Program (SB-PROPER) Team, recently met with Malaita Provincial Government officials in Auki to discuss the project’s status and next steps.

The MFMR team was led by SB-PROPER Project Coordinator Robert Meyenn Dukavalaka, accompanied by Chief Strategic Planning Officer Jeffery Kaikary Lawrence and Environmental and Social Officer Jareth Limarii.

During the visit, the team met with senior provincial officials including Provincial Secretary Eric George Ongoa, Deputy Provincial Secretary Peter Herehura, Interim Chair of the Development and Planning Board Falson Rengesi, and Chief Fisheries Officer Alick Maeorea.

Discussions focused on updating the provincial government on the project’s progress and seeking support to facilitate the transfer of the remaining portion of land required for the new fisheries office complex. Both parties described the meeting as constructive and reaffirmed their commitment to work together to move the project forward.

The SBD30 million project, funded through a Solomon Islands Government loan from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), will deliver a two-storey fisheries office complex in Auki capable of accommodating up to 35 fisheries officers and hosting around 55 people during meetings and coordination activities.

Once construction begins, the project is expected to create employment opportunities for local workers and business opportunities for local suppliers.

The construction tender is expected to be launched on 20 March 2026, with construction anticipated to commence around June 2026, subject to the completion of remaining approvals and land processes.

MFMR acknowledged the strong support from the Malaita Provincial Government and looks forward to continued collaboration as the project progresses toward the construction phase.

MFMR and Malaita Province Officials: L-R – Jahreth L, Falson R, Alick, DPS -Peter H, Robert M, PS MPG – George E, Alick M.

Francis Pituvaka

Communications Officer