GNUT attacks mining and logging sectors – Solomon Star News

The Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is focused on addressing key issues in the mining and logging sectors.

The Governor-General, Reverend David Tiva Kapu, highlighted these priorities in his traditional Throne Speech opening the 2nd Session of the 12th Parliament on Monday.

Pastor Kapu stressed that the government will focus on strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring a responsible and sustainable mining sector.

“We will strengthen the capacity of government institutions, especially the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, to effectively regulate and manage the mining sector,” he said.

“This includes improving the legal, regulatory and policy framework to promote sustainable mining practices.”

He outlined plans to review the legal framework to promote equitable benefit-sharing arrangements, engage with environmental protection and facilitate community engagement.

The aim is to achieve a balance between productivity and optimising the benefits of exploiting mineral resources, while ensuring security for future generations.

Additionally, Governor-General Kapu announced plans to improve forest governance by developing and implementing policies to address forest plantation development, reforestation and strengthening deforestation mitigation initiatives such as carbon markets and REDD+.

The government is also reviewing the regulatory framework for logging to improve enforcement and compliance.

“A stronger enforcement and compliance system will provide increased revenue and help eliminate areas of leakage,” he added.

“We will continue to promote and encourage timber conversion programs by implementing the Sustainable Logging Policy (SLP) recommendations and strengthening timber production initiatives.”

In addition, several draft laws are currently in the Legal Projects Department at the Office of the Prosecutor General.

These include:

• The State-Owned Enterprises (Amendment) Bill, 2024;
• Draft Act on Special Economic Zones;
• Draft Act on Value Added Tax 2024;
• Mineral Resources Act 2024;
• National Building Standards Act 2024;
• Citizenship by Investment Act 2024;
• The Act on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises of 2024;
• Public Services Act 2024;
• Civil Status Registration Act of 2024;
• Act amending the Act on the use of forests and timber of 2024;
• An Act to amend the Provincial Government Act 2024; and
• Immigration Act 2024.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Star of Solomon, Honiara