Solomons opposition calls for rice price action
Updated
Solomon Islands opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare has called on the government to address the continuing rise in the price of rice.
Mr Sogavare says although the World Bank has launched action aimed at tackling the global increase in food costs, Honiara should move independently to stabilise rice prices.
Mr Sogavare says the government should also look at nationalising imports of certain commodities, building large scale rice farming, and sourcing rice from Asian countries instead of Australia where the exchange rate makes it very expensive.
His comments come as the former MP for East Kwaio, Alfred Sasako, warns of possible public disorder if increasing prices of goods are not controlled.
Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation quotes Mr Sasako as saying the possibility of theft, robbery and other offences related to the high costs of goods will increase.
He's suggested the government establish an independent body to approve or reject any price hikes.
