by Georgina Maka’a

SIG commits to getting the Bina Harbour Project for Malaita And Solomon Islands

The estimated cost of the proposed Bina Harbour Development is over one  billion Solomon dollars (  USD 202 million) – covering infrastructure, facilities, utilities, and connectivity.

Government foresees the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Project transforming the economy—creating over 1,600 jobs and injecting about USD 400 million over the next 15 years.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele made the statement in a recent media conference, saying with support from partners including New Zealand, the project will be a game changer for Malaita Province and the Solomon Islands economy.

“This is a major investment, and it needs multiple partners; that is why we continue to

engage donor partners and development agencies — such as the World Bank,

IFC, and New Zealand,” Manele said.

“In terms of financing Bina Harbour development, we are looking at highly concessional financing with terms of more than 30 years, interest rates of less than 1% and those with grace periods of at least 10 years,” he added.

Prime Minister Manele also acknowledged the growing public interest and concern around the Bina Harbour project, including criticism that despite significant attention, there has been little tangible progress on the ground.

“Let me first acknowledge that these concerns are valid, people have every right

to ask questions, particularly when a project is continually referenced as a

national priority.”

However, Manele  pointed out it is important to understand that the nature of large-scale infrastructure projects — especially those requiring foreign investment, environmental safeguards, landowner agreements, and donor coordination means they take time.

“Negotiations are complex, as every party involved brings its own interests, standards, and timelines.

“These processes require thorough groundwork to ensure long-term success and sustainability.”

He said the Bina Harbour project is moving through a complex but necessary prepatory phase, which  includes land identification, consultations with resource owners, environmental assessments, and securing credible investment partnerships.

 Manele added Solomon Islands Government will set aside resources in the development budget for this investment in the 2026 budget.

“We are committed to getting it right — for Malaita, for the Solomon Islands

tuna industry, and for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders,” the prime minister stated.