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Clean water flows to Hirolegu and Susubona transforming lives

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[Published on Friday, March 6, 2026]

BY JUNELYN KELLY

People of Hirolegu and Susubona in Isabel province are celebrating a major milestone; a commissioned rehabilitated water systems through the SOLKAS (Solomon Islands Knowledge-Action-Sustainability) project bringing clean, reliable water to approximately 700 people.

This initiative marks the end of year of water shortages, particularly during dry seasons which often forced children to miss schools.

A statement from Save the Children on Monday this week said Hirolegu now boasts of 7 community standpipes including 2 for schools and Susubona will benefit from 14 community standpipes with 2 for the health centre.

“This support is life changing especially for women who have carried the burden of fetching water”, Ms. Vagilyn Vasula, Mothers Group Leader said.

“Students now have access to water and no longer go home just to drink or fetch it”, Hirolegu Head Teacher Mr. Etile Manehei said.

Chief Nelson Manetei from Susubona said they must sustain these systems for their families and children.

He said this achievement extends beyond infrastructure, fostering stronger health, resilience and community unity.

The Solomon Islands Knowledge-Action-Sustainability for resilient Village project (SOLKAS) aims to rebuild climate resilience and is primarily funded by Green Climate Fund (GCF) with core financing from the Governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands Government.

Photo credit- Save the Children, SI

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School bus management committee serious in strengthening bus operations: HCC

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[Published on Friday, March 6, 2026]

BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

The Chairman of the School Bus Management Committee for Honiara City Council (HCC) Mr George Kiriau sincerely apologizes to students and parents for the disruption of school bus services earlier on yesterday.

In a statement from HCC on Wednesday this week, Kiriau said that due to an operational oversight, two of the council’s school buses were unable to operate on Wednesday morning.

The issue was promptly addressed, and by the afternoon, all four buses had resumed their normal services.

HCC said measures are being put in place to improve coordination, supervision, and service delivery.

Also stated is that permanent bus drivers and conductors have been recruited and officially assumed duties yesterday.

“They are currently undergoing on the job training to ensure reliable and efficient service for all students,” HCC said.

Kiriau stressed that the management committee is taking this matter seriously and is committed to strengthening its operations to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

He also acknowledged the concerns raised by the general public, especially parents, regarding the inconvenience caused.

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TTC reaches endpoint of 33 km road upgrade and maintenance in West Are’are

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[Published on Friday, March 6, 2026]

By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

The Trades Transformation Company (TTC) has reached the endpoint of the 33 km road upgrade and maintenance from Maoa in West Kwaio to Hauhui in West Are’are in Malaita Province.

The project complements the National Transport Plan (NTP) to improve accessibility, safety, and foster economic development. 

The Ministry’s Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division unit in Auki, continues to provide supervision to ensure quality standards. 

TTC’s lead engineer, Raymond Steven, said they are reaching Afutara, just 3.5 km from the endpoint, Hauhui. 

“We anticipate good weather so we can reach Heo Bridge and get this contract done,” he said. 

The TTC is also undertaking tar sealing of the first five kilometers from Kwaibala to Oibola, and Fulisango road maintenance and repairs.

According to a media statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) yesterday, the Trades Transformation Company is also assisting communities, churches, and schools along West Kwaio with access road repair and maintenance.

Su’u National Secondary School is one of the schools that the TTC has assisted with clearing, gravelling, and compaction.

Photo credit: MID

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Late Suidani’s son to contest in West Fataleka election 

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[Published on Friday, March 6, 2026]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The son of the former MPA for West Fataleka and Premier of Malaita Province, the late Daniel Suidani, will be contesting the West Fataleka seat, Ward 5, Malaita Province. 

Norman Suidani is among the candidates contesting for the West Fataleka seat after his late father, Daniel Suidani, passed away last year after battling a long illness at the national referral hospital in Honiara. 

During an interview with the paper yesterday, Malaita Provincial Election Manager, Peter Herehura said the young contestant is smart and believes in himself to compete with the other five candidates. 

He said that Norman Suidani was also the first candidate to be registered in the first week of the nomination period. 

He said that the election will be interesting as one contestant, Dick Futaimalau, is a former Member of the Provincial Assembly for Ward 5.

He said six candidates who have officially been nominated before the closing of the nomination at 4 PM on Thursday include Norman Suidani, Dick Futaimalau, Polycarp Erekwato, Stephen Irofoa, Robinson Ratu, and Ronnie Hendry.

“On Monday, the 9th, we will have the ballot paper draw in front of the Assembly house, which is open to the public and representatives from each candidate to witness,” he said.

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POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY LINGERS

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Veo faces motion of no confidence

[Published on Friday, March 6, 2026]

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A motion of no confidence has been filed against Western Province Premier Billy Veo, raising fresh political uncertainty within the provincial government.

Speaker of the Western Provincial Assembly, Ramrakha Talasasa Jr, confirmed receiving the notice yesterday.

The letter was later posted on the Provincial Government notice board in accordance with assembly procedures.

The motion was filed by Member of Assembly for Ward 7, Rence Sore, citing several grounds against the premier which includes; allegations include misconduct and misuse of authority, gross misuse or negligence of the powers of the office, misappropriation of public funds, and failure to address critical issues affecting Western Province.

Island Sun sighted the letter dated March 5, 2026, which states:

“This is the seven clear days notice in accordance to Standing Order 107 of the Western Provincial Government on the motion of no confidence in the Premier of Western Provincial Government which is set to be tabled during the March 2026 meeting of the Provincial Assembly.”

Earlier reports have suggested that two members of the provincial executive have left the government side and aligned themselves with the non-executive bloc.

However, their identities and the reasons behind their shift in allegiance remain unclear.

Attempts to obtain comments from Premier Veo yesterday were unsuccessful.

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GAME CHANGER

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Champions beyond court

[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

A new futsal initiative launched in Honiara this week is aiming to do more than develop talent — it is shaping character and inspiring young people to choose a better path.

On Monday, Sports And Leadership Training (SALT) kicked off its first-ever Development & Pathway Program, the Bulk Shop Hope Championship, bringing together teams from the SIFF Super League, Bulk Shop League, Hatanga League and community sides seeking to be part of SALT’s 2026 futsal development pathway.

But beyond the competition, SALT says the real focus is transformation.

“What a powerful platform to unite young people — not just to play, but to speak life into them in the changing rooms and during halftime”, a statement shared on SALT’s official page said.

Throughout the tournament breaks, organizers delivered a strong anti-drug message to players, urging them to “Stay Sharp. Stay Clean. Stay Strong”.

“Young people stay away from drugs, it may look exciting, but they destroy three things: your body, your mind and your future”, the statement read.

SALT emphasized that substance abuse weakens athletic performance and clouds judgement, warning that “one wrong choice can cost you your dream”.

Quoting 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, the organization reminded participants that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be honored and protected.

“It is high time for the church to come out of its comfort zone. The mission field is not only inside four walls — it is at the workplace, on the futsal court, in the changing room, and in the community”, the statement continued.

“We are not just organizing tournaments. We are raising champions of change”,

A total of 28 teams registered for the championship — each comprising 16 players and three officials — drawing hundreds of young people and supporters, many from communities across Honiara.

The strong turnout signals growing interest in structured youth development through sport.

Photo credit: Sports and Leadership Training (SALT)

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Sky-Riders Men’s Floorball team in playoff matches for qualifiers

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[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

BY TONY IROGA

The Sky Rider’s Men’s Floorball Team are leading the National Floorball League table with 27 points after beating 8-0 Moonwalkers in round twelve at the Friendship Hall in Honiara a couples of days ago.

SINU Panthers landed the second spot with 18 points followed by Sinu Knights with 17 points in third spot, and Moonwalkers got the fourth spot with 11 points followed by USP Bullets and Unix at the bottom of the table with 4 points each. 

In an interview with Island Sun, Sky Riders captain, Ricky Fairamoa said they are now heading into playoff matches towards qualifying for Spain this year 2026.

“This will see men’s squared qualification for world floorball championship (WFC) this year 2026, which will take place in San Lorenzo de, Spain from 12th to 14th of June 2026,” he said.

He said even though they are in playoff matches, his team has already secured the first spot in the Solomon Islands National Men’s Floorball League.

“For the final round 13 match we are looking forward to meet rival USP Bullets on the coming Sunday 8th March at 3:00pm in Friendship Hall,” he said.

He said in the round 13 playoff matches, they will be concentrating on playoff matches which are scheduled for March and April before the qualifiers in June.

“Moon walkers is a tough team, but we defeated them. We are looking forward to our strike unbeaten, but for the previous floorball league we went down to moon walkers for several times in semifinal.

“Currently we are focusing on basics skills, and movement of boys on how to understand each other and work as a team,” he said.

He requests all supporters to go and watch Floorball League to feel the spirit of games in the Friendship Hall.

He also appeals to the public to come in numbers to watch and support which ever team they wish to support.

“But for Sky Riders fans please continue to support the team,” he said.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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Illegal dynamite fishing warning across Guadalcanal

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[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) released an urgent public report condemning the continued use of dynamite and other explosive substances for fishing along its coastline.

A press statement from Guadalcanal Provincial Government Facebook page on Monday this week said the recent event particularly about the Mamara Boko Lake Sea fronts highlight severe environmental destruction, public danger and criminally associated with these illegal practices.

GPG said on March 1st, 2026 officers from the Guadalcanal Law Enforcement Division responded to a report of dynamite blasting at Mamara Boko Lake beachfront around 7am, upon arrival at 9:30 am on the road side of Mamara.

Officers discovered a group of young men collecting and selling fish through recent explosive dynamite methods.

The Fisheries Management Act 2015 explicitly outlines the legal prohibitions and penalties:

  • Section 23 (2) prohibits any persons from using, carrying, possessing, poison, noxious substance, bomb, electrical device, dynamite for the purpose of killing, taking, or disabling fish.
  • Section 23 (5) states that any person who contravenes this provision commits an offence and is liable to fine up to 3,000,000 penalty units, imprisonment up to 3 years.
  • Section 23 (6) impose additional mandatory imprisonment for repeat offenders.

GPG statement said this penalty will be pursued against anyone found engaging in dynamite fishing within Guadalcanal Province.

It’s environmental and community impacts include:

  • Destroyed coral reef ecosystems and marine biodiversity
  • Threatens long-term fish stocks and food security for coastal communities
  • Endangers lives due to the unsafe handling of explosive
  • Undermines lawful fisheries management and conversation efforts

The GPG calls on all chiefs, community leaders, youth groups, churches and coastal residents to unite against this destructive practice, as protecting reefs is crucial to preserve livelihoods, food security and the future of the children.

GPG said illegal dynamite fishing must stop immediately and permanently.

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Central Kwara’ae constituents applaud MP for machinery projects

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[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The people of Central Kwara’ae Constituency, Malaita Province, have voiced their appreciation and gratitude to their Member of Parliament, Ricky Fuo’o, for the successful delivery of road machinery and community projects for their constituency. 

The constituency machinery and community project materials successfully landed in Auki on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. 

On behalf of the people of Central Kwara’ae Constituency, Jelton Webo of Kilusakwalo said many people are excited and glad to see their MP deliver such machines for their constituency. 

He said before any country, province, or business can succeed in its economic activities, roads are one of the important things that need to be constructed first. 

“I feel excited and appreciate our young leader for what he has done, especially for the machines to improve our roads.

“In order to boost any economic activities in rural areas, provinces, and the country as a whole, there must be road accessibility for the developments to occur,” he said.

In the interview, Constituency Development Officer, Kevin Fuo’o said the successful shipment of the machines is part of the constituency’s plan to strengthen road accessibility and connectivity for rural people to access services.

He said the machinery will support them to carry out maintenance work on existing roads and in digging new access roads in the constituency.

He said that road access is a gateway for any development in any place.

“Road access is a significant step for development, and so our office is prioritizing work on access roads for our people before development can come afterwards,” he said.

He said according to constituency plans, when the machinery arrives in Auki, their workers will proceed with the necessary road maintenance in the constituency.

“Since the machines have arrived in Auki, we will not waste any more time. Our workers will proceed with the road improvement and maintenance of roads in the constituency that have been deteriorating during bad weather earlier this year.

“So, as we speak, our workers have taken the machinery and are fixing Fiu Road, which was destroyed by flooding last month,” he said. 

The machines shipped for the West Kwara’ae constituency cost SDB 2.6 million.

Photo: Supplied

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Penguin Wharf facilitates Gold Ridge Mine cargo operations

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[Published on Thursday, March 5, 2026]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Penguin Wharf has facilitated and managed the unloading of cargo for Gold Ridge Mining Limited.

Philippe Thieu of Elite Enterprises Limited told the Bills and Legislation Committee during its inquiry into the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 that Penguin Wharf was considered a more suitable option for the company’s cargo operations than the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA).

Thieu, who represented the Penguin wharf said the nature and specifications of the cargo required specialised handling arrangements.

“These vessels are being chartered by Gold Ridge Mining to come and discharge cargo. They don’t deal with any other cargo,” Thieu said.

He said that the two main types of cargo handled are Quicklime, an industrial material, and machinery and equipment.

He added that explosives are also part of the shipments linked to mining operations.

According to Thieu, Gold Ridge Mining had expressed concern that the SIPA wharf is located too far from the mine site, potentially affecting the timely and safe transportation of cargo.

He outlined the clearance process, saying that upon arrival at Honiara Port, the mother vessel undergoes mandatory inward clearance formalities with SIPA. A cargo release order must be approved by the Comptroller of Customs before any discharge operation can begin.

“Once cleared and released by Customs and Biosecurity, the barges will proceed to Penguin Wharf for the final discharging,” he said.

Thieu noted that at least two customs and biosecurity officers are stationed at the mother vessel, while additional officers are deployed at Penguin Wharf to oversee the final discharge of cargo.

He said the discharging operation only commences after the Customs Controller approves the discharge plan.

“Once cargo is offloaded at Penguin Wharf, it is transported to designated customs facilities, including Kingsway House at Henderson, for further inspection,” he said.

In terms of licensing and regulation, Thieu confirmed that Penguin Wharf operates with approval from the Guadalcanal Provincial Government and the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority.

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