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Opposition Leader Wale visits KFPL, praises success in sustainable forestry, urges investigation into unfulfilled $5M government grant.
The Parliamentary Opposition has acknowledged the contribution of Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL) as a national success story in forest conservation and sustainable plantation forestry during a visit to the company on Thursday, 3 April 2025.
The Opposition delegation was given a five-hour tour of KFPL’s operational sites, including the Imburano Eco Lodge, and received a detailed briefing on the company’s current operations, structural changes, and the challenges it faces.
Opposition Leader Matthew Wale described the visit as an “eye-opener,” commending the commitment and work ethic of the local workforce.
“We are privileged to be well informed on the company’s operations and the challenges it faces,” Wale said, adding that the insights gained from the visit would help inform advocacy for more focused and sustainable government investment.
KFPL General Manager Edwin Schramm expressed appreciation for the visit, stating that the company’s management welcomed the opportunity to engage with the Opposition on its activities and concerns.
During the visit, KFPL also appealed to the Opposition to investigate the status of a $5 million grant that was promised to the company under the Government’s Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) in April 2020. According to the company, the funds were never received.
“We were announced as a recipient, but we never received that promise,” a KFPL representative told the visiting group. “We ask that you raise this matter and find out what happened to the funding, or whether it was disbursed to someone else on our behalf.”
KFPL also raised concerns about recent policy changes, including the removal of tax exemptions and increased licensing fees, which they said are affecting their operations.
“The Government should be fair to everyone. Despite the challenges, KFPL continues to generate revenue for the state and meet its community obligations, supporting schools, police, teachers, and churches,” the company stated.
The Opposition was also informed of alleged attempts by Malaysian logging interests to encroach on KFPL lands, with the company urging the Government to respect its Fixed Term Estate (FTE) rights.
In response, the Opposition Leader acknowledged the issues raised and pledged to bring them to the attention of relevant government stakeholders.
KFPL, in operation since 1989, is the country’s largest sustainably managed forestry company. It employs approximately 200 full-time staff and 1,800 contractors, making it one of the largest private-sector employers in the Solomon Islands. The company is regarded as a major contributor to the national forestry sector.
Source: Office of the Leader of Opposition
