BY LORETTA B MANELE

More communities in Savo-Russell Constituency (SRC) have recently received a boost in marine transportation, by acquiring fiberglass boats and Outboard Motors (OBMs) through the CDF marine transportation project.

Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) in a statement said the project was funded under the constituency’s CDF budget allocation for 2025.

The project aims to ease transportation difficulties among communities and support livelihoods in the constituency and consists of 11 fiberglass boats and 11 units of 40 and 15 horsepower Yamaha Outboard Motors costing over SBD800,000.00.

“Of the 11 boats and engines, 6 were handed over to the first six recipient communities last weekend, while the remaining 5 boats and units of 15 OBMs for the other five communities will be delivered in due course once they are available from the supplier, Y.Sato Marine.

“The first six communities which received their equipment were Mane, Marulaon, Kiolene, and Yandina from Russell Islands, and Reko and Balola from Savo Island,” said MRD.

The statement said SRC’s Constituency Development Officer (CDO) George Hassar referred to the support as part of the office’s ongoing commitment under the leadership of their Member of Parliament, Oliver Salopuka towards improving socio-economic livelihoods in the constituency.

“This project support was envisioned to ease transportation difficulties for community members and individuals among the island communities as well as to and from Honiara.

“With no road access on the islands, the only means of transport for our people is by sea using Outboard Motor Engines (OBM). So, this will definitely help our people travel to other places in the constituency and to Honiara to access markets, education, work, and health services,” he said.

Hassar said the constituency office will continue to implement other projects including housing projects, which are currently ongoing on both Savo and Russell Islands.

He said household projects including support to small store operators in various communities was undertaken in 2025.

And under the social sector, musical equipment and building materials including water tanks were delivered to churches and individuals in the constituency.

He said financial support to copra buyers and fishers were also prominently supported under the productive sector.

Hassar said these initiatives are ongoing and it is the commitment of the constituency office under the leadership of Salopuka to facilitate government-supported initiatives and services for the benefit of their people.

He said the constituency office is also helping the education sector by supporting students in both secondary and tertiary levels through 50 percent payments of their tuition fees under the CDF program.

“The SRC office also secured six scholarships for our students. This year, the office continues to secure scholarships for students under the constituency-based scholarship grants provided by the Ministry of Education,” he said.

MRD said the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) is a national program of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG).

“It is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) and implemented across the 50 constituencies to improve the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders, in line with the ministry’s vision: “To empower all Solomon Islanders for self-sufficiency, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development,” said the statement.

Photo credit: MRD Media

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Conservation and carbon trading are putting Lauru (Choiseul Province) at the threshold of a new opportunity.

Dr Jones Gabu highlighted this during the Lauru ‘Hard Talk’ Forum at the National Museum in Honiara on Tuesday, February 24 ahead of this year’s Lauru 35th Second Appointed Day celebration.

He told participants that their province’s forest is still intact with rich biodiversity and that strong traditional stewardship positions the province to benefit from global initiatives.

“With proper support from both the provincial and national government, carbon trade can generate sustainable income, protect the environment, empower communities, strengthen resilience for both the province and the nation,” Gabu said.

He said that Lauru must approach this opportunity with unity, clarity and strategic leadership.

Mr Gabu further adds that short-term gain must not cost the Lauru people long-term wellbeing and they must manage their resources with wisdom, discipline, and responsibility.

“Mining and logging have brought revenue to our province. But they have also brought environmental damage like river pollution, forests been cleared and ecosystem disruption,” he said.

He pointed out that Lauru must strengthen its governance in order to shape their future.

“We need a clear provincial strategic plan, a plan that defines our priorities, our services, our development pathways and our long term-vision,” he said.

He said that the province’s system must align with community needs and develop ward committee map priorities.

“If we preach unity, then our systems must reflect unity,” he said.

He said that in truth, constituency committees should serve as technical chairs, ensuring that community needs, ward priorities, provincial planning and national strategies speak the same language.

“When systems align, development accelerates. When systems compete, development collapses,” Dr Gabu said.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Four large communities in Malaita Province have launched the community forest rehabilitation bylaw under the ASK-SI Regreening program. 

The successful launch occurred on Thursday last week, marking a significant milestone in strengthening sustainable forest management in the province. 

During the launch, the ASK-SI Regreening community development coordinator, Douglas Marape, said the successful signing and launch represent more than a formal agreement. 

He said that the bylaw will protect and safeguard their environment, as the communities have depended heavily on it for their source of food, livelihood, and well-being. 

“Today’s event is not just a formal activity. It marks a significant step and shows a symbol of unity, responsibility, and action.

“We are now protecting the environment, livelihoods, sources of food, and the well-being of the next generation,” he said.

In the meantime, Kwa’a Tribal Chief John Paul Ilokeu said the bylaw has provided a turning point for his community to protect their forest resources for present and future generations.

He said that the bylaw will not only safeguard their declining forest, but it will also protect and preserve their ancestors’ memories.

“Our forest is our life. Today, we have chosen a different future while witnessing our forests decline.

“This bylaw is our commitment to protect what our ancestors left to us, which our children need to inherit,” he said.

The Malaita Province police force has also shown interest in backing the initiative, which will benefit everyone in the community.

This initiative was developed in partnership with World Vision Solomon Islands (WVSI), the Ministry of Forestry and Research (MoFR), and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu, has expressed full support for the amendment of the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2025, advocating for severe penalties, including the possibility of capital punishment to address the growing issue of drug trafficking.

Siapu made these statements in light of the alarming impact that drugs are and will have on the country’s population.

He emphasized that provinces, which collectively house 80 percent of the country’s population, have a unique responsibility to address these issues head-on, especially as leaders who are closely connected to the communities.

“I support the amendment of the Dangerous Drugs Act, sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, which is currently under hearing by the Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC),” Siapu said.

The Premier highlighted that Makira Ulawa province has had its share of encounters with illegal drugs, many of which have been linked to transnational drug trafficking.

He recalled several notable incidents in the province’s history, starting with the 1990 discovery of cocaine at Three Sisters Islands.

“Seven years ago, a yacht drifted ashore at Ulawa Island, carrying drugs. Locals took the drugs, which confirmed to be cocaine and sold them in Kirakira, with some reportedly trafficked to other parts of the country.

“Additionally, a narco-submarine, commonly used for drug transportation, was discovered in the Namuga area of Star Harbour,” Siapu explained.

Siapu also mentioned that just recently, police questioned students from a local secondary school who were found in possession of methamphetamine, locally known as ICE.

He also noted that drugs such as marijuana and copen were being planted and processed in the province.

In light of these incidents, Siapu called for stronger laws to protect the youth of Makira Ulawa and the country at large from the dangers of illegal drugs, urging better monitoring of provincial borders, which are often used as routes for smuggling.

“The current weaknesses in the country’s drug laws allow for drug activity to flourish, putting our young people at great risk.

“I firmly believe the Dangerous Drugs Act needs to be amended to include harsher penalties for offenders. Our laws must be updated to reflect the severity of the situation.

“We must safeguard our provinces and the country from these dangerous substances.

“If we don’t act now, it will destroy our population especially our youth, who are the future leaders of this nation,” he said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

Japan has expressed strong interest in expanding private sector investment in Solomon Islands but says a more predictable and transparent business environment will be key as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status next year and approaches its 50th Independence anniversary.

Speaking at a reception marking the 66th birthday of Emperor Naruhito on Monday, February 23, 2026, Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi said several Japanese companies are keen to explore investment opportunities in the country.

However, he said that potential investors have raised concerns about land tenure arrangements and the strength of commercial mechanisms.

“Many of the potential investors in Japan asked me whether Solomon Islands provides a high degree of predictability in terms of environment for investment,” Ambassador Higuchi said.

He adds that companies with past experience in the country have specifically inquired about the status of customary land issues and whether reliable commercial systems are in place.

The Ambassador said that he was not assigning blame, but rather voicing support for efforts to overcome existing challenges.

“There are Japanese companies who are interested in investing in Solomon Islands, and are interested in bearing these challenges if they are to invest in this country,” he said.

His remarks come at a pivotal moment for Solomon Islands as it prepares to graduate from LDC status, a significant development milestone that signals economic progress but also means the gradual loss of certain international trade concessions and development benefits.

Ambassador Higuchi said strengthening the investment climate would help Solomon Islands “successfully set its sail” after LDC graduation and position itself strongly ahead of its 50th anniversary of independence in 2028.

He said that partnerships with the private sector, not only for financing but also for technical expertise — will be increasingly important.

He said there is need for cooperation among donor countries, international organizations such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, United Nations agencies, NGOs and businesses to avoid duplication and maximize development impact.

Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), continues to support Solomon Islands in areas ranging from rural health and education to forestry, unexploded ordnance clearance and human resource development.

While acknowledging fiscal constraints facing Japan domestically, Ambassador Higuchi reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to remain a “steadfast partner” of Solomon Islands for years to come.

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Road maintenance work on the Fulisango-Afio Road in the Central Kwara’ae constituency officially kicked off on Monday, February 23.

The project follows a tender issued last November by the Transport Infrastructure Management Service Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID), which was awarded to Trades and Transformative Company (TTC), a local contractor based in Auki.

A statement from Malaita Issues confirmed the commencement of the maintenance work, based on information received from TTC Site Engineer, Mr Randy Tafiako.

Tafiako explained that the scope of the work includes road cleaning, drainage improvements, re-gravelling, compaction, and widening the road to a width of eight meters.

He noted that the road developed large potholes since last year, making it nearly impassable for trucks and other heavy vehicles.

The initial phase of the work will focus on clearing and backfilling sections along the entire stretch of the road to restore traffic flow. This will be followed by resurfacing and compacting the road to ensure its durability and safety for road users.

Tafiako also highlighted that unstable weather conditions could present challenges and potentially slow down progress.

A local resident, Mr Silas Kasiramo, who lives along the Fulisango Road, expressed his appreciation on behalf of the communities in the area. He said residents are thrilled to see the long-awaited roadwork finally underway.

“Our people have been hoping for this road to be fixed since last year. We are very happy to see this development,” Kasiramo said.

He extended community gratitude to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) and the Member of Parliament for Central Kwara’ae for supporting the rehabilitation of Fulisango Road.

Kasiramo also noted that the road had reached a critical state of deterioration last year, severely affecting road users and the transportation of goods to the Auki Market.

The completion of the road maintenance project is expected to boost economic activities within the Fulisango communities, helping to revitalize the local economy in the interior of the constituency.

Photo credit: Malaita Issues

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]