Solomon Islands Cabinet Receives MFMR Update on Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant
MFMR told the Cabinet Monitoring and Coordination Committee in Honiara the government has committed $130 million for Bina Harbour early works, with a domestic jetty named the first key deliverable.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources updated the Cabinet Monitoring and Coordination Committee in Honiara that the Solomon Islands Government has committed $130 million to the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant project for 2025 and 2026, the briefing was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Fred Kologeto and presented by MFMR Deputy Secretary (Projects) Ms Lisa Sugumanu with support from the Bina Harbour Project Office. The presentation followed technical and site investigations and set early works and phased delivery as the immediate government priorities.
Ms Lisa Sugumanu told CMCC, "The Bina Harbour Project continues to make steady progress and the CMCC thanked the Ministry for the work undertaken so far. The discussion provided the CMCC with an update on project progress, with a clear focus on early works, phased delivery, and coordinated support across government." The update was delivered in late February, with reporting placing the meeting on 19 February 2026, and the Bina Harbour Project Office provided slides and material to support the MFMR briefing.
Multiple reports used the figure $130 million for the government commitment, while one outlet described the allocation as approximately US$130 million, a distinction Cabinet members noted as part of a call for clarity on funding and deliverables for 2025 and 2026. Finance Minister Hon. Rexon Ramofafia pressed for "clear on-the-ground deliverables to attract private sector investment," signalling that ministers expect visible early works before further private financing is sought.
CMCC members endorsed a phased implementation approach that prioritises early works to accelerate an operational tuna processing plant and generate employment and domestic value-adding in the fisheries sector. The committee identified the development of a domestic jetty at Bina Harbour as the first key deliverable, ordered ongoing technical and site investigations to continue, and emphasised fast-tracking discussions with the Solomon Islands Ports Authority to align port-related infrastructure and the jetty timetable.
The newly appointed Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Bradley Tovosia, reaffirmed government backing in the project update post on the Bina Harbour Project LinkedIn page, calling the initiative a "must proceed" national initiative. The LinkedIn post added, "With a focus on detailed design and planning, the project is entering a critical phase toward operational readiness, led by a restructured project office. Minister Tovosia also acknowledged the vital role of local communities and the power of partnership in bringing this national priority to life." The Bina Harbour Project LinkedIn page lists 1,326 followers and includes a video invitation to "Watch the full update."
CMCC left the meeting with a mandate to push early works on the ground, fast-track SIPA engagement, and refine the phased delivery plan so the domestic jetty and initial infrastructure can be delivered in time to demonstrate progress and attract the private investment ministers want.
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