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Four projects on hold for gov’t to undertake multi-million dollar project

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

THE Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) has put on hold, four capital infrastructure projects. The projects were put on hold in order for the government to under-take its multi-million dollar undertaking of the 2023 Pacific Games.

In the Minister’s 2019 Budget speech, Finance Minister, Manasseh Sogavare said major priority between now and 2023 is the securing of funds to finance the games facilities and the games operational costs.

Sogavare says the projects on hold includes residence of the Prime Minister, the Justice Precinct, the IPAM building and the Ministry of Environment building.

“It is the intent to consider these infrastructure priorities during the 2020 Appropriation Bill”, Sogavare said.

Sogavare said the Pacific Games Council had advised government that it needs to reflect in its budget on an annual basis between now and 2023 adequate allocations that will demonstrate government’s ability to deliver on its commitment to host the Pacific Games.

“Sir, this is the first time the Government will host the Pacific Games. The requirement for facilities for the games such as stadiums, tracks, fields, swing pools, venues for water sports, etc. are a lot more than those required for mini games. The number of sports is a lot more than for mini-games. We are also trying to negotiate the inclusion of Futsal and Beach Soccer as these are now Pacific-wide sports that Solomon Islands have good opportunities to perform well on. This means government needs to reflect its commitment and ability to finance the games”, Sogavare told parliament.

He said it is crucial that SIG demonstrates its commitment and capability through a substantive budget allocation in the 2019 budget for the PG 2023.

Sogavare says, preparatory works on the PG2023 by the cabinet set up bodies had been concluded and the PG2023 Act 2018 had been brought into operation effective 26th October 2018.

“National Hosting Authority members will be appointed by the end of this month and preparations are already underway for it to host its inaugural meeting on the sixth and seventh December 2018”, Sogavare says.

Canada serious to work with Pacific islands, including Solomon Islands

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is seen having light moment with Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon Rick Hou. Photo supplied

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is seen having light moment with Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon Rick Hou. Photo supplied

CANADA’S Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau has met with leaders from the Pacific Island nations on Saturday. In his meeting with the Pacific Leaders, Trudeau spoke about funding infrastructure resilient to the effects of climate change.

“The opportunity that Canada takes very seriously to work with you on the very specific challenges facing small island developing states, the importance of capital flows and investments in infrastructure, are things that we are happy to sit down with you about,” Trudeau was reported to say at the start of the meeting.

Canadian Times reported that Trudeau said, island leaders want to frame themselves as key players in the Pacific region, both environmentally and economically.

Baron Waqa, president of Nauru, was reported by Canadian Times to tell Trudeau that tsunamis, earthquakes and cyclones have created enormous losses for the economies of smaller island states, while a rising sea level shrinks their territory and increases water salinity that effects their food security.

Prime Minister Rick Hou was also a part of the Pacific Leaders that met with Justin Trudeau at the APEC meeting in Port Moresby, PNG.

Trudeau was reported to take the opportunity to host Canada’s first leader to leader engagement with the Pacific Islands Forum.

The Pacific Islands Forum comprised of 18 members from Pacific Island countries including Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

During the meeting, Trudeau also made a commitment to expand trade and investment with the Asia-Pacific region, attract global investment, and create new economic opportunities and good, middle class jobs at home.

Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted how Canada was among the first countries to ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will unlock unprecedented opportunities for Canadians and deepen trade and investment ties with APEC partners.

Customary land issue must be solved for development to occur

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

A major issue that hinders many of government development projects and private sector initiatives is the inability to obtain land whether by purchase or leasehold.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports that enhancement is needed in policy changes and land reform efforts so land is not an obstacle to development and land owners can share benefits of development.

This is expressed in the Solomon Islands Economic Development Documents –Medium Term Development Plan, 2016-2020, IMF Country Report.

IMF stated that while there is a lot of unproductive and unused land in both urban and rural areas including customary land which could be more productively used, customary land reform remains an issue the government is still trying to solve.

The report adds that analysis is being conducted to find out how land owned by land owners can be utilized by the private sector, government, donors and others as well as how it can be sold, leased or occupied through proper, transparent and appropriate prices and possible regulations and the processes of land agreement applicable to various communities in the provinces.

IMF stressed that although current approaches and policies will not bring solutions to all problems they will assist in developing appropriate land valuation and land market prices.

Also mentioned is that an equally pressing problem is the availability of land for housing.

IMF noted that there are three projects and programs to address issues relating to urban and semi-urban land management, governance, planning and development, increasing availability of land, improving institutional and legislative capacity, and the planning process.

The three projects are Solomon Islands Urban Management Programme (SUMP) Land Development, Preparation & Construction Programme (LDPCP) and Lands – Institutional & Capacity Strengthening Programme (ICBSP).

Serious logging problems

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Logging operations on Kolombangara Island (Photo supplied).

Locals seek compensation for environmental damages

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

Logging operations on Kolombangara Island (Photo supplied).

POOR logging practices are again said to cause serious problems for locals in Kolombangara, Western Province. This is less than a month after international not-for-profit organisation Global Witness released a damning report on the wide ranging environmental and social damage being caused by unsustainable logging in the Solomon Islands and poor logging practices.

Speaking to Island Sun last week, village spokesman, Andrew Kubala said, logging activities on neighbouring customary lands which border the Pepele River have caused water in the river to become unusable for human purpose.

“This water pollution is threatening our life and the life of our people and the most affected ones are women and young pikinini,” said Mr Kubala.

Contaminated water run-off from a logging camp on Kolombangara’s Pepele River has led to a health crisis amongst the village of Taghoapa.

Kubala said as a result of the environmental pollution being caused by logging operations in the area, Taghoapa is now dealing with a violent outbreak of diarrhoea and dysentery with half of the adult population of the village falling badly ill to these diseases.

Kubala said many of Taghoapa’s villagers have no other source of water besides the river, forcing them to drink and cook with its contaminated contents.

“Because we do not have water/pipe supply and a proper clean drinking well, we really mainly [rely] on this Pepele River for all our basic need. We also have a shared 600 gallon water tank, but it could not cater for the unbelievable population of 13 households and 95 people, children and adults.”

Children swimming in murky river said to be caused by logging operations.

Both diarrhoea and dysentery are diseases which are commonly caused as a result of people drinking contaminated water.

Of this issue, Member of Parliament for Gizo/Kolombangara, Lanelle Tanangada said she is not aware of any violent outbreak of dysentery and/or diarrhea. She said the people there have requested water tanks, to which one was sent the other week. She said, no one has told her of any serious illness in the community. She assures Island Sun that she will look into this matter.

At the same time, a landowner that was said to allow RIMA, a Malaysian company to carry out operations on their customary land said they are not stupid so as to allow the company to fell trees, close to the river. He said there was an agreement that allow only a certain portion of their land to be logged.

“My goodness, if there is a dysentery outbreak, this will be a state of emergency. Dysentery is an illness not to be taken lightly. Has there been any report from Kukudu clinic about any outbreak of dysentery or diarrhea?” he questioned.

He said they had won two court cases already on issue of land and land ownership and there is nothing more to say about this matter. He said the people should not exaggerate to the media about serious issues of this sort. He further mentioned that the people of Taghoapa are not customary landowners but settlers from Vella la Vella.

Logging operations said to destroy the locals water.

“Of course the police are doing their job since we won the court case already. What more do the people want? A third court hearing?” he said.

Meanwhile, what the people want is for the logging company to compensate the environmental damage caused to their land and river. They say a request was made to the health environment division on 29th October 2018 to which they were advised to seek legal advice.

“They promised us to send down inspection team to make assessment to the concern location as soon as possible”, a note from the concerned villagers say.

While Kubala awaits government intervention, he said he has approached the public solicitor’s office to seek assistance in having RIMA Limited logging in the area halted by the courts so that proper environmental assessments can be done.

Kolombangara is not the only island with its woes in logging issues. People from Malaita, Guadalcanal, Ngella, Isabel and Temotu including the Western province but to name a few are faced with similar issues.

Axiom respects necessary regulations: CEO

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BEN BILUA

AXIOM Mining Company vows to meet necessary requirements when its San Jorge mining project in Isabel province comes into full operation.

Chief Executive Officer of Axiom Mr Ryan Mount said Axiom’s primary focus is making sure the operation will be carried out within all rules and regulations.

He said the company will display professionalism to maintain and demonstrate high standards of social, environmental, financial and broader economic development as operation progresses.

Mount said in San Jorge Island, nickel-laterite is commonly found near the surface and this reduces the degree of environmental impact as production facility will not require much toxic chemicals.

“Protecting the environment and preserving the Isabel culture remain to be some of Axiom’s top priorities.

“The Company regularly engages with landowners and community members as the project continues to progress.

“Axiom bases the San Jorge Project schedule on practical achievability with minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment.

“Community development agreements are ongoing and a ground-breaking ceremony is being planned.

“Axiom wants to establish a sustainable business that would build greater community and greater benefits,” he said.

Mount said San Jorge mining project will establish a strong economic environment where landowners and non-landowners access different benefits such as food trades (selling of local produces), employments and also other small assistances.

He said 86 percent of Axiom’s staff are locals and the number is expecting to increase in the next few months.

Mount said Axiom is proud to be one of the investors that will contribute to the economic development of Solomon Islands in the years to come.

“Over the next five years, it is estimated that the San Jorge Nickel mine will be the biggest generator of taxation incomes for the national government,” he said.

Mount said cooperation and team work is required to maintain and improve the implementation of the project.

Government’s 2019 Budget Support expenditure set to go before PAC

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY Gary Hatigeva

$213.4million is projected to be the government’s 2019 Budget Support expenditure.

This will be allocated to five ministries through donor partners.

The Ministries are, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, allocated with an estimate of over $134million, the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, with an allocated estimate of over $65million, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, with an estimated allocation of just above $7million, the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, with an allocated estimate of $4.2million.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Natural Disaster and Meteorology on the other hand, gets the lowest allocation estimate of $2.2million under the budget support expenditure.

Meanwhile, under its Development Expenditure estimates, the 2019 Appropriation projected a total of over $540million, with the Ministry of Rural Development allocated with the biggest estimate of $120million, while the Ministry of Home Affairs gets the smallest estimate of $500,000, however, the estimated allocations for the rest fall within the range of these two.

According to the Bill, a further $100.9million is forecasted to be spent through statutory changes on the Consolidated Fund, including $78.3million to be exhausted on National Debt Repayments.

The Appropriation Bill also outlines that the government’s limits of borrowing from both its internal and external aid donors/development partners, has been directed not to go be more than $100million.

The PAC hearing into the 2019 budget is expected to use all of this week to go through the 2019 Appropriation. With this, Parliament officials are reminding responsible officials within respective ministries, to show commitment in this particular session as time is very short.

Officials stressed that the committee will need to a little more time after the hearing program, to compile and complete reports for both the 2018 Supplementary Appropriation Bill (2), and the 2019 Appropriation Bill 2018. This is before parliament resumes Tuesday next week.

PM Hou “talked out” of a private meeting with president Xi

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Alfred Sasako

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela may have been “talked out” of a private meeting with President Xi Jinping of China during the APEC Summit being held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Officials accompanying the Prime Minister confirmed last night that no meeting took place between the two leaders.

Island Sun understands that prior to the Summit, Prime Minister Houenipwela was “invited” by the host, PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neil, with the plan to meet with President Xi on the sideline in mind.

But it appeared Mr Houenipwela was talked out of the meeting by Australia and the United States.

China and the United States have clashed over Trade and Security at Pacific Summit at which President Xi invokes lessons of World War II to warn against unilateralism, while US Vice President Pence attack China’s Belt and Road initiative.

Chief of Staff John Usuramo told Island Sun last night no meeting took place between Prime Minister Houenipwela and President Xi

“There was no meeting between PM and the China boss,” Mr Usuramo said in response to a query from Island Sun.

The Prime Minister however met with the Indonesian President. Indonesia is believed to be funding the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Last night Houenipwela met with the new Australian Prime Minister and Prime Minister O’Neil of Papua New Guinea, according to Mr Usuramo.

The news of the “no meeting” comes amidst revelation that when officials briefed Government Ministers and Backbench a month ago about Beijing’s offer of millions of dollars in investment in Solomon Islands, no MPs including the Prime Minister uttered a word.

“No one said a thing about it because they want hard cash from Taiwan. There won’t be any movement in the diplomatic struggle unless China starts offering hard cash to our current MPs,” one official said.

“The MPs are stucked on Taiwan’s easy cash handouts.”

Insiders said the position seems to be supported by all the Coalition Party members in Government.

“They do not want investment. They are interested in hard cash, not investments and or trade.

“The position is so evident that when Members of the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP) held their retreat last month the Taiwan-China question was never even discussed,” one insider said.

Prime Minister Houenipwela is the Parliamentary Wing Leader of the DAP.

“Everyone including the Prime Minister never said a thing. They all just sat there and looked at each other as if there was nothing to say,” the insider said.

Axiom’s first shipment next year

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Work in progress at San Jorge Island.

BY BEN BILUA

Work in progress at San Jorge Island.

FIRST commercial shipment of nickel in Solomon Islands history is expected to occur in the first three months of 2019.

Axiom Mining Company has confirmed to Island Sun over the weekend that they have already drawn down their shipment target.

Axiom’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Ryan Mount confirmed that Axiom will make its first shipment between January and March next year.

He said Axiom is taking the development seriously and operation is progressing well with 95 drill holes made since October after the company commissioned its two drill rigs – an estimate progress that qualifies the shipment target.

Mount said construction at the mine site is well underway with fleet mobilisation already commenced to deliver much needed machineries at the site.

“The project is on track and work completed to date includes establishment of the first haul road and upgrading of the accommodation and office facilities.

“Number of barges has delivered heavy machinery, fuel and construction materials to the site,” Mount said.

He said a fully functional office has been established to accommodate the growing demand of workforce on site.

Mount stressed that the task at hand focuses on infrastructure design requirements such as mobile equipment workshop and maintenance facilities, offices and accommodation for staffs.

He said San Jorge nickel deposit is one of the largest undeveloped nickel-laterite deposits in the Pacific that upon full production will be the biggest component of the country’s GDP.

Mount said the nickel deposit is similar to other deposits found in New Caledonia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

He said the success of San Jorge Project is largely due to Axiom’s partnerships with the government, provincial government, churches, chiefs, landowners and other stakeholders in the Solomon Islands.

“It has been over nine years since the Company first started developing plans for this project but only in September this year we were granted the mining lease,” Mount said.

Axiom achieved its long time ambition in September 2018, when the Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Honorable Bradley Tovosia formally granted the company the mining lease for San Jorge Project.

Both Axiom and the San Jorge landowners welcomed the lease.

MV Lokoiola’s commissioning today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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LC Lokoiola to be commissioned today (Photo Brian Onahikeni, Facebook)

BY MAVIS PODOKOLO

In Su’umoli, Ulawa

ULAWA/UGI Constituency’s new boat, LC Lokoiola will be commissioned this morning at Su’umoli Harbour.

The commissioning will be graced by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM), Reverend George Takeli.

Minister for Infrastructure Development Hon. Stanley Festus Sofu will be the guest of Honour during the commissioning ceremony.

The new boat was purchased for the constituency by the Ulawa/Ugi Member of Parliament Hon. William Marau with funds from the national shipping grant provided by the national government.

LC Lokoiola will be managed by the Ulawa/Ugi Development Authority (UUDA).

UUDA is the commercial and the development arm of Ulawa/Ugi Constituency.

The commissioning of LC Lokoiula will also coincide with the opening ceremony of the new Su’umoli market building set for this morning as well.

Kurukuru training squad named

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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(LEFT) Koloale’s goalkeeper Cliff Sasau is one of the new faces in the Kurukuru senior training squad. (RIGHT) Kooline duo, George Stevenson and Coleman Makau are two of the senior Kurukuru members retaining their place in the team’s training squad.

Training for 2019 Oceania Futsal World Cup Qualifiers begin today

BY ROMULUS HUTA

NATIONAL futsal coach Sam Jerry has named a 19-man train-on squad for the senior Kurukuru side on Sunday.

This is to prepare for next year’s Oceania qualifiers for the 2020 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Lithuania.

The effort to begin an earlier preparation for the regional qualifiers is vital for Kurukuru’s title-defense campaign.

Solomon Islands have won the Oceania futsal crown five times following successes in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2016, respectively.

Inspirational captain Elliot Ragamo, Samuel Osifelo, George Stevenson and overseas-based duo in the form of James Egeta and Micah Lea’alafa headlines the roster obtained by SunSPORTS yesterday.

Those five names appeared to be only surviving members of the squad that won the country’s maiden Oceania futsal title in 2008 at Suva’s Vodafone Arena in Fiji.

Other senior experienced players who are also enlisted include Jeffrey Bule, Coleman Makau, Alwin Ray, Alwin Hou, Mahlon Sia, Anthony Talo and Junior Kasute’e while the remainder of the list are all new members.

Solympics goalkeeper Charlie Ata becomes the only member of the national under-18 futsal side that had received promotion into the senior Kurukuru side. Other notable members such as top goal poacher Raphael Le’ai, Leon Kofana, Franskter Rukumana and captain Junior Mana, apparently, did not make the list.

Coach Jerry said the team will officially begin their training this afternoon at Multipurpose Hall.

“We will train three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3pm to 5pm.

“This is just a training list. It’s not final. Some more players can be drafted in later. I’ve named a mixture of old and young players to begin our preparations.

“All players named must attend our first session today,” Jerry said.

Jerry warned experience players in the national team not to rest on their laurels since the country is blessed with a rich pool of emerging young talents.

“Most of our experience players are at their peak now but they need to show us that they are still valuable to the team.

“We have so many young players who are dreaming to wear the national jersey so it will be a difficult task to select the final squad,” Jerry added.

Jerry stated that the selection panel have picked players for the training squad based on performances and game understanding, strongly taking into considerations the technical and tactical aspects of the game.

Meanwhile, plans are already in place to send the national futsal side to Asia for international friendlies as part of their preparation towards the regional tournament next year.

(LEFT) Koloale’s goalkeeper Cliff Sasau is one of the new faces in the Kurukuru senior training squad. (RIGHT) Kooline duo, George Stevenson and Coleman Makau are two of the senior Kurukuru members retaining their place in the team’s training squad.

KURUKURU TRAINING SQUAD

Goalkeepers:

Anthony Talo (Marist)

Charlie Ata (Solympics)

Cliff Sasau (Koloale)

Paul Laki (Marist)

Outfield Players:

Elliot Ragomo (Marist)

James Egeta (Queensland – Australia)

Micah Lea’alafa (Auckland City – New Zealand)

George Stevenson (Kooline)

Coleman Makau (Kooline)

Alwin Hou (Kooline)

Samuel Osifelo (KOSSA)

Mahlon Sia (Mataks)

Alwin Ray (Marist)

Jeffrey Bule (Marist)

Charlie otainao (KOSSA)

Junior Kasute’e (KOSSA)

Ellis mana (Guntimak )

Benjamin Mana (Guntimak)

Arnold Maeluma (Marist)

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