Special economic zone needs clarification

THE special economic zone project proposed by Kikori MP Soroi Eeo seems to be a very good idea.
It has kindled some hope for economic development and benefit to people in the electorate.
However, the township plan that was proposed together with Eoe’s economic zone proposal have raised some questions.
The schematic map that was drawn up was a map that has been shared in social media many years before his proposal came up.
I can only describe it as a map of fantasy as it would give unrealistic impression and false hope to the people.
The map indicated that all the land from Ihu to Pakuvovu to Auma would be occupied by this township.
How realistic is this?
These village clans are occupying small land blocks in a narrow land corridor between the west bank of Vailala River and the seafront at Orokolo Bay.
Where will they get their resources for survival if the township occupies all their land?
These are some questions that the proposal writers have to answer and clarify.
The proposed wharves to be built into the sea at Orokolo Bay, as shown in their maps, cannot stand true to the judgment and evaluation of a qualified and intelligent surveyor, architect, engineer or even a decent-minded villager.
The bay is an open sea frontier and has no reef or island barriers to give any protection to it.
Almost all year round, the large rolling waves relentlessly and dangerously crash up to the shores.
Sand and silt would quickly accumulate and build up on logs, ship wreckage and large objects that happen to stuck themselves up on the shallow part of the shore and they would be buried deep into the sand over a course of few months.
So, again, how realistic is this wharf proposal when considering the nature of Orokolo Bay’s land structure and its regular and open exposure to strong winds and waves?
The Stae land that is part of Ihu Station is a very narrow strip of land.
Some parts of it have collapsed into the waters of the west bank of Vailala River.
The better option to consider for the township is to purchase the nearby Maiviri Plantation along with the large portion of traditional land at its back that connect up to Ihu High School.
This would be a very large land area and there would be no shortage of space to set up new government facilities and business establishments.
The shipping services should also be considered.
The mouth of Vailala River at its bar out at sea is very shallow.
Sand and silt that was accumulated over the years have made the bar unsafe for any vessel to pass through.
A major dredging work has to be done to clear out the sand floor and to create a deeper passage for cargo vessels to pass through safely.
We may not have the money to dredge out the sand but we have to find money somewhere to do it.
It would take years to wait while the people hope for a road connection to Kerema to eventuate.
We need shipping services to enable us to enhance our economic activities.
A new shipping point and a wharf should be built at Vailala west where there is an existing road that connects with Ihu government station. This set up can save time for the cargo ships to turn back after discharging their cargoes.
Vailala River has become narrow and shallow over the years with the building up of alluvial silt deposited by the flood waters.
Between the mouth of the river and Ihu Station, these alluvial deposits have also created some sizeable islands with vegetation on them.
There are also extended amount of sand spit and sandbars around them and in other locations as well that can make it difficult for vessels.
So a new landing point for ships to serve this proposed economic zone is a suggestion that could be considered.
The writers and proponents of this economic zone proposal should explain and give more detailed information to the people of Ihu and Kikori to better understand their plans.
They should not let the people stay confused.

Ihu Mavia