Manasseh Sogavare

24/07/2012 (Solomon Star) - Member of parliament (MP) for East Choiseul is pleased with the government’s plan to ensure the palm oil project in north Choiseul gets underway soon.

Manasseh Sogavare in an interview with the paper last week said he was excited with the proposed plan and wants to see the project come into reality soon rather than later.

The former Prime Minister said it was in his time that the proposal was brought forward and the current government must put things into reality.

“I want to see this project up and running soon.

“And I also wish to acknowledge the hard working minister for the work being done so far,” he said.

Mr Sogavare said the commencement of the project would create more jobs for the locals, income for the rural people, revenue for the province and other benefits for the country as a whole.

Thus, the East Choiseul MP said the government must be serious and do something to ensure things get off the ground quickly.

Meanwhile the minister of agriculture and livestock (MAL) Connelly Sandakabatu said preparatory work on this project is progressing.

He said as part of the project an outboard motor (OBM) and boat have already been purchased by the ministry that have been be shifted down to Choiseul to kick start the work.

“Ground work and logistic preparation is currently underway at the site.”

Government has secured a site for the palm oil project close to Pagoe village in North Choiseul.

Government has been working on a number of palm oil projects in Guadalcanal, Malaita and Vangunu, Western province over the past years and work is still making progress