Isoaimo: My people are frustrated over the delay in rice project

KAIRUKU-Hiri MP Peter Isoaimo has expressed frustration on behalf of his people at the lack of progress on the Central rice project.
Isoaimo told The National that people had been looking forward to the project but there had been no progress on the ground since it was announced more than two years ago.
“The agreement was signed between the State and the developer two and half years ago,” he said.
Isoaimo said Department of Agriculture and Livestock Secretary Dr Vele Pat Ila’ava had told him he was waiting for the Attorney-General to give his clearance on how the developer wants an import quota imposed for their benefit and a tax holiday.
“My people welcome the project and have been waiting for too long but nothing has been done yet,” he said.
“The hold-up is between the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the Attorney-General.
“They are waiting on the developer to do something but then the developer is waiting on the clearance.
“The people are frustrated and I am as well, with some of the farmers now questioning me. But it really is not my doing as I am also waiting for them to come clear on this.
“The land aspect of this project has also been controversial with some political leaders trying to use it for their gain. There is a lack of transparency.