There are conflicting claims in Solomon Islands over how to advance plans to import hazardous waste from Taiwan.
A group of Taiwanese businesspeople and some landowners in Makira want to ship millions of tonnes of factory waste from Taiwan in a deal reportedly worth more than 200 million US dollars.
Taiwan, which is a key aid donor to the Solomons, has banned the export of the waste because it would violate the Waigani convention.
A senior scientist within the agriculture ministry, Dr Morgan Wairiu, says the analyses of the waste done in Taiwan showed it was hazardous but the findings have been rejected by the minister.
Dr Wairiu says an independent test is being sought but the the waste issue is now being handled by the environment ministry.
"SOL WAIRAU"
IN: We are.....
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But the secetary in the environment ministry, Silas Chekana, says it is yet to receive instructions.
IN We have.....
OUT:.....environment.
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Silas Chekana
