THE Councilor for Rove, Lengakiki Ward 2, Eddie Kasuteé Siapu has been re-elected as the new Lord Mayor of the Honiara City Council (HCC) today 16th May 2024.
Cr Siapu polled a total of 13 votes, while rival Cr Robert Billy Oge polled 7 votes.
Mayor Siapu was elected in early 2021 as the Mayor of Honiara City after a motion of no confidence ousted former Mayor Councilor Wilson Mamae.
In his inaugural address to the councilors and the general public, he highlighted that he would work with his colleague Councilors for effective service delivery, the growth of Honiara City, and the betterment of its residents.
“It is important that we continue to provide reliable and affordable services to residents of Honiara and visitors because Honiara City Council is a service delivery organization.
He explained that he wants to see more meaningful engagement with the communities in the twelve wards in this new council.
“I intend to have my team visiting identified communities, sit down with the people, and listen to what people think ought to be priorities or what people want to see happening on the ground,” he said.
For such a thing to happen, Ward Councilors must appoint your Ward Advisory Committee as a priority and ensure your committee is supported to plan and implement developments in your respective wards, City Mayor expressed.
The City Mayor uttered that his government would strengthen the council’s relationship with Jiangmen City of the People’s Republic of China to secure more assistance. His government will pursue with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to engage a road engineer to assess all roads in Honiara and then reach out to donors to secure funding.
“A major issue of concern to Honiara residents is the poor states of the roads within Honiara city, whilst the council is not responsible for road constructions and maintenance, this is the responsibility of the national government, people often accuse the council.
“My government will ensure the Financial Management Ordinance is gazette and implemented,” he explained.
He said his government will seek to dialogue more with the relevant national government ministries while humbly seeking the support of three (3) Members of Parliament in Honiara City to collaborate and partner with the Council.
I appeal for alignment of ward development plans with constituency development plans, because at the end of the day, we are leading and serving the same people says Mayor Siapu.
He said his government will revise and complete a new Corporate Plan for 2024 to 2028.
“We have major projects which are continuing from the last government especially the new cemetery site and the new landfill/rubbish dump site.
“My government will continue to engage with the Guadalcanal Provincial Government as was done previously so that we collaborate and partner in progressing these vital projects,” he said.
The mayor explained that he would appoint his Executive Members within the next two or three days and submit the names for approval by the Minister of Home Affairs then gazetting.
His Executive will then work on their policy statements and priority actions.
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