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Isabel’s Suavanao airfield reopens

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Aerial View of the Rehabilitated Suavanao Airfield.

SUAVANAO Airfield in Isabel Province was re-opened last Saturday following the successful rehabilitation of the airport’s deteriorating runway which has forced the Government to close it in September this year.

Representatives of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI) and Solomon Airlines conducted a test flight with a Twin Otter aircraft on 24th November 2018 to ascertain the readiness of the airport to accommodate flights.

While minor tidy-up work was noted, the pavement rehabilitation was a success and the MCA with CAASI endorsement reopened the airport and Solomon Airlines will re-commence commercial services to Suavanao Airport when they are ready.

Most provincial airports in Solomon Islands have not been maintained for more than 20 years and the current MCA management is addressing that by implementing a Provincial Airport Rehabilitation Programme to improve airport runway surfaces.

The action plan will see the improvement to runway surfaces and lengthening selected airports in the country to accommodate DASH8 services. To date, the MCA has rehabilitated runway surfaces to Seghe, Auki, Parasi, and Suavanao and had recently awarded contracts to upgrade Kirakira with Lata and Tingoa airports and others to follow in 2019.

Aerial View of the Rehabilitated Suavanao Airfield.

The MCA and the New Zealand Government are also implementing the Provincial Airport Upgrade Programme and currently completed designs to 4 provincial airports with the possibility of starting with 2 airports in 2019. The scope will involve drainage, pavement improvement and sealing the landing strip.

Due to the very high cost of mobilizing contractors to carry out rehabilitation and limited financial resources available to MCA, the management team explored the option of bringing stakeholders together to share the cost involved.

For Suavanao Airport, a simple Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement was agreed on by the National Government through the MCA, the Isabel Provincial Government, and the Private sector through the Mas Pacific International Ltd and a Tourism operator through the Papatura Island Retreat was successful with the completion of the runway rehabilitation works.

The MCA brought parties together in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to share the costs of rehabilitation and which was crucial because without the stakeholders, MCA will not be able to complete the project on time and affecting the travelling public, tourism and the stakeholders themselves.

Under the PPP arrangement, the National Government through the MCA provided overall supervision works and provided compaction equipment along with an expert operator and casual workers. The Isabel Provincial Government provided gravel for all civil works free of charge. The Mas Pacific International Ltd that operates a logging camp next to the airport provided all the equipment for the civil works plus operators free of charge while the Papatura Island Retreat provided all the logistics, transport and supervision on behalf of MCA on site.

Group photo the inspection team last Saturday at Suavanao Airfield.

Permanent Secretary of the MCA, Mr Moses Virivolomo who also took part in the test flight was happy to see the airport re-opened for the travelling public and overseas visitors to return to Papatura Island Retreat and beyond.

Mr Virivolomo thanked all the parties to the MOA for the partnership and this PPP arrangement will be explored for other airports in line for rehabilitation in the near future.

For the success of the PPP in Suavanao airport, PS Virivolomo thanked his hard working Airport Management team at MCA lead by Chief Operating Officer Mr Sylvester Kenatsi, the Premier of Isabel Province Hon James Habu for assisting the MCA, the Senior Management team for Mas Pacific International Ltd for their great contribution as part of their community service obligations in the province and Papatura Island Retreat owner Mr Peter Blanche for the cooperation in getting the job done on site.

This simple PPP arrangement is first of its kind in the Aviation Sector and MCA believes these simple partnerships should be explored by other sectors as an alternative method to implementing government programs in remote areas of the country where traditional methods of contracting may prove difficult or not cost effective.

–GCU

Put your money where your mouth is: Ete

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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WHILE the government is seen proactively facilitating and heading events into the 16 Days Activism Campaign on eradicating violence against women and children in the country, it has been criticised for not showing financial commitments to help this fight.

This criticism came when it was revealed of the Ministry of Women, Youths, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), whose projection for grant allocation to some of the institutes looking after victims of various forms of violence, was heavy slashed.

Appearing last week before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry when questioned on this grant packages, revealed that their original bid was cut, and will now rely again on its donor support and relevant stakeholders to help support these institutes.

PAC was told that the Ministry had submitted a bid of $2million for its 2019 Appropriation Allocation, but was only approved a total of $500,000, which is just a quarter of the initial amount that was asked.

This has got the Chairman of the PAC and MP for East Honiara, Douglas Ete to come out hard at the government, stressing that it is being negligence on issues that have direct impacts on the lives of its people, and not showing realistic means into its said commitments to fight the issue head on.

Ete then stressed that the government needs to put money where its mouth is, having promised so much to help in curbing this violence issue in general.

This is something that it continued to be expressed almost every year when this event or related occasions take place.

General criticisms were also directed at the government for continuously paying little attention to this issue, particularly, the ministry and agencies responsible in terms of financial support.

The government is then urged to relook into its allocation and increase its support for these programs, as they are implementing some of its vital policy intents regarding this issue.

Ete lashes out on budget cuts as expectation soars for Ministries to deliver

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Member of Parliament for East Honiara, Douglas Ete

By Gary Hatigeva

CHAIRMAN of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Member of Parliament for East Honiara, Douglas Ete has lashed out at government over the cuts in budget allocations to Ministries.

Ete said government made cuts in budget allocations and expect so much on Ministries to deliver.

The PAC Chair raised this in dismay after hearing complaints from a lot of Ministries over the cuts in their budget submissions for the 2019 Appropriation Bill 2018.

The PAC Chair questioned how Ministries will be able to deliver when their submission based on full scale estimates are continuously cut. Some certain programs are losing out completely on allocations.

Ete said he believes this current government has been playing a doubled faced character that is renowned for ‘saying one thing and doing the opposite’.

A lot of Ministry Heads have been questioned at the ‘hearing’ as to why certain aspects of their programs were not complete. Concerns were of weak and slow progression, but most particularly, the vital Ministries, are saying this is a matter of budgetary allocation.

It is also said that a lot of policy platforms and frameworks have been launched, many of which come as a matter of outside interest, yet very little or no allocations are made for their implementations through respective Ministries.

While agreeing to the slash made, he pointed out that not all Ministries should be given such status as some Ministries have very important programs to carry out.

“For the sake of the people, these programs are also part of priority implementing parties to the government’s policy intents”, Ete said.

Discussion to improve education system underway

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Group photo of the participants attending the MEHRD Joint Annual Review 2018 held at Mendana

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

THE Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) has met to discuss ways to improve the country’s education at all levels.

The joint review meeting provides an opportunity for MEHRD and key education stakeholders to share and discuss issues, progress and achievements.

Permanent Secretary for MEHRD Dr. Franco Rodie said Education is a matter which Solomon Islands’ aspire to develop.

He said the country’s education system comprises of early childhood, primary, junior and senior secondary and tertiary education.

“To strengthen the country’s educational system, the nation and people responsible need to build their strengths and work collaboratively to rethinking the education direction 2018—2030”, Rodie says.

He said MEHRD recognizes that the primary strength lies in the people working with MEHRD.

“And together we can build our education system and secure the future of our young people,” Rodie said.

Meanwhile MEHRD’s Deputy Secretary Mr James Bosamata said, MEHRD’s a five year strategy starting from 2016—2020 known as NEAP is half way towards completion.

Bosamata said such forum is important to discuss ways for reviewing the NEAP since it is coming to an end.

“Currently, the NEAP needs to be review since it is now halfway and the two days’ workshop will help to develop another five-year strategy,” he said.

The meeting is an annual one for MEHRD.

The two-day seminar includes presenting key findings to all stakeholders on progress and challenges in the implementation of education system and delivery of education services.

The theme for two-day’s meeting is: “Our Quest to Deliver Improve Education Services in Solomon Islands.”

Fisheries division need to strengthen its revenue collection: Ramrakha

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Provincial Member for Nusa Roviana and ward 16, Ramrakha Talasasa

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

MPA for Dunde Nusa Roviana ward 16, Honorable Ramrakha Aquila Junior Talasasa is persuading the Western Provincial government Fisheries division to strengthen its revenue collection in Western Province.

Talasasa said the Fisheries Division, which is supposed to be exhaustive in its operation, has only produced less than 20 per cent of output in the last g month.

He said that given the fact that majority of the peoples lively hood depends on resources from the sea.

“One would expect a more practical commitment in terms of fisheries programs let alone the fact that 56 per cent of the projected revenue has already been collected.”

“But there is still a lot of potential to increase our revenue collection in this division,” he added.

“This are to improve and ensure our services reach the growing rural population,” said Talasasa.

RSIPF warn against dynamite fishing following arrest in Central Province

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) warns the public against the use of dynamites to fish following the arrest and charging of a fisherman in Central Province on 13 November 2018.

On 13 November Police at Tulagi received a report from a member of the Crime Prevention Committee that the suspect male person from Malaita allegedly used dynamite to kill fish at Sole Point near Haleta Village in Big Gela.

“My officers responded to the report and arrested the male suspect at Niu Vunuha Village in Big Gela and charged him with the offence of fishing with a prohibited substance under the Fisheries Management Act. The suspect has been released on bail to reappear in the Tulagi Magistrates Court on 11 February 2019,” says Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Inspector Hugo Maelasi.

Supervising PPC Maelasi adds: “I want like to advice the good people of Central Province or other provinces for that matter to refrain from using dynamites for fishing. Dynamite is a prohibited weapon as it can cause death to anyone. Furthermore catching fish with dynamite is not good for human consumption and anyone found using dynamite will be dealt with according to law.”

“Police in Central Province greatly appreciates the cooperation shown in this particular matter by members of the Crime Prevention Committee in the area of the alleged incident for coming forward with the information which led to the investigation and successful arrest of the suspect. This cooperation is critical as the country goes into the Festive Season,” says Inspector Maelasi.

He explains: “Police cannot be everywhere at all times so it is very important that members of our communities report such matters to your nearest police station. On the part of the police we need to respond as soon as possible as was shown in this matter. It is only through such working together can we ensure safety and security within our communities.”

PM declare war against NCDs

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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MP for Small Malaita Hon. Rick Hou is being nominated to run for PM onbehalf of the DCC Group

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRIME Minister Rick Hou says government is taking up this battle to fight Non-Communicable Disease.

He said from statistics gathered, there is an urgent need to address this killer disease.

“We have no option but to address it, if only to keep safe the majority of our population from prematurely being hospitalized or being amputated”, PM Hou said.

Hou said he is pleased that his office is jointly convening the first round table meeting with lead technical ministry and agency, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the World Health Organisation.

He said it will be worth noting that there are many ways to beat NCDs. He said, NCD’s like malaria, needs a whole of government and society to approach this disease.

“We must break down the ‘silos’ that separate us. We must work strategically and collaboratively. We must be informed by evidence and proven mechanisms to implement cooperative initiatives”, PM Hou said.

He said the time to act to prevent the epidemic has long gone. He said the time to act and confront and combat the epidemic starts today.

“Today we commence our journey to halt and reverse the NCD crises that is rampant and responsible for 70 percent of all our deaths in the country, PM Hou said.

Man who has four counts of sexual offence pleads guilty to all charges

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man who faces four counts of sexual offence has pleaded guilty to all charges yesterday.

Public Prosecutor Dalcy Belapitu who appeared on instruction from prosecutor in carriage of the case told the court that the appearance yesterday was for committal hearing.

The accused initially pleaded guilty to three charges and pleaded not guilty on one count of rape.

However in yesterday’s appearance, the accused changed his plea and pleaded guilty to all counts.

Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga then committed the matter to the High Court for further mention.

This is a case against a man from Hagalu Ngella in the Central Islands province who was charged for incidents he allegedly committed in May this year (2018).

His case will be called at the High Court on February 2019 for further mention.

Government respond to Lawyers

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY GEORGINA KEKEA

GOVERNMENT is set to respond to the Lawyers Association. Yesterday Island Sun reported that Government Lawyers will stage a sit in strike on 4th December (Tuesday next week) when their strike notice lapse.

However information reaching Island Sun says government has now made a response to GLA through the Permanent Secretary of Public Service.

The responses made by Government outline what they have to say of the GLA’s demands.

Government Lawyers Association (GLA) has for a long time been pushing for a scheme of service to improve their terms and conditions of service.

Details of government responses to GLA will be known soon.

Ward grants out

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Minister of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, Anthony Veke.

CDF should also have regulations, says Veke

 

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

GUADALCANAL Premier, Anthony Veke is calling on the Members of Parliament to regulate the Rural Constituency Development Funds (RCDF).

Premier Veke is responding to an article in Island Sun on the suggestion made by Wale for Ward Grants to be removed from the Provincial Government level.

In his response, Veke is calling on the MP for Auki/Langalanga, Mathew Wale and the Members of Parliament to be realistic to the people of Solomon Islands

Veke said as of 2019, MPAs will not be accessing Ward Grants as it will be part of capital expenditure. Capital expenditure is money spent on acquiring or maintaining fixed assets such as land, buildings and equipment.

He said this was made possible after the passing of the Financial Management Ordinance (FMO) 2018. The revised FMO has regulated the use of Ward Grants.

“I would also like to ask MP Wale to do the same for RCDF. Where is the RCDF regulations?” Veke questions.

Last week during the PAC hearing, Wale was heard to suggest that the role of support towards Provincial Governments should be given to the Constituencies whose program deal more directly with the people.

However Veke says the RCDF has been with MPs for quite sometimes but there has been very little happening in the provinces despite the huge amount received.

He said the only institution that has proper plan for use of funds is the provincial governments.

“The provinces had revised their FMOs last week in their various assemblies and through the provisions of the FMO we had regulated the use of Ward Grants. When will the MPs regulates the usage of RCDF?” Veke questions.

Veke said the provinces only use 100k annually as Ward Grant but are willing to have it regulated.

“For Guadalcanal, the MPs have gone their own way without caring for the Development plans the province has. It is duplicating and merely for political gain for MPs”, Veke said.

Now with the Ward Grant consolidated in Capital expenditure, Veke said MPAs will not be able to assist rural people in school fees, boat fare and death in family.

He said since this will no longer be entertained, he is calling on his people to step up and start doing things for themselves.

“GP has just passed the revised FMO last week. As soon as the revised FMO goes through the gazette it becomes an ordinance that will have provisions that regulates Ward Grant. So it is better for Wale as an MP to stop and think of how he can convince his colleagues in Parliament about regulating RCDF”, Veke said.

In 2013, Parliament passed the CDF Act to provide for the purpose of developing, supervising and regulating the management and disbursement of Constituency Development Funds in transparent and accountable manner.

The object and responsibility of this Act is to ensure that the management and disbursement of Constituency Development Funds is carried out with integrity and in a prudent manner with a view to safeguarding the interest of potential recipients of the funds.

Funds for constituency development purposes are administered and managed by Constituency Development Officers.

Most Constituency officers are working in isolation from the Provincial governments though they serve the same group of people.

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