SICCI DENOUNCED SIPA REFORMS

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), denounces the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) reforms.

SICCI which represents around 30,000 employees including 30 percent of the workforce in the country and the majority of the private sector workforce in formal employment says the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) reforms risk Solomon Islanders.

SICCI says the imposed port charges expose the private sector and lives of Solomon Islanders to significant risks.

These have slowly created a shortage, delays and higher prices for goods in shops, shortage, delays and higher prices for critical business materials, risks to the availability of the medical supplies, reduction of shipping services to Solomon Islands and reduction of exports from Solomon Islands.

Therefore, SICCI strongly calls on SIPA to improve its efficiency and says the imposed charges should be consistent with other ports in the region.

SICCI says SIPA’s reforms should engage all stakeholders like individuals, business and government leading to lasting improvements.

It advises, SIPA must quickly focus solely on improving the efficiency of its ports services and infrastructure.