Honiara City Mayor forms executive

Honiara City mayor Alfred Maetia says he wants to see all councillors work together for the good of the city and its people. And in keeping to his words, he had included one councillor from the opposition group in his executive.

“I’ve invited my challenger for the mayoral post, Tom Lolemae, to head one of the committees in the executive but he refused. “So I offered it to Lawrence Makili, who willingly accepted the offer to be councillor responsible for environment and health services,” Mr Maetia said yesterday.

Mr Maetia added that it is his belief that both sides of the house should work together for the good of Honiara. In forming his executive, Mr Maetia appointed Jim Sevesi as his deputy. Mr Sevesi is a veteran city council politician, having been deputy mayor in the council that was dissolved in 2002. He is also responsible for education.

Lawyer Dwane Tigulu, who is councillor for Vura ward, takes up the lands portfolio. Mr Maetia said land was a very important department in the council and he needs someone of Mr Tigulu’s standing for the job. He said a lot of land related issues need to be sorted out.

Charles Kira, councillor for Kukum ward, was appointed chairman of sports, youth and women affairs. Jeremiah Taloa, who represents Kola’a ward, is the chairman for works and will be responsible for the clean up of Honiara. Councillor for Mataniko ward, Lazarus Kauhiona, was appointed chairman for commerce and industry. Lawrence Makili of Naha ward takes up the environment and health services while Zacharys Tuzakana was appointed chairman for finance.

Mr Maetia said his council will ensure its plans and policies are carried out in a consultative manner with the public. “Honiara is our home and we want to make it a better place for all of us to live and enjoy,” Mr Maetia said.

Source: Solomon Star