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World Bank to help Malaita improve roads

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Malakai Kaufusi during the consultation meeting in Auki on Wednesday.

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

Participants during the consultation meeting with the World Bank on Wednesday in Auki

THE World Bank is stepping in to help Malaita province improve its roads, airport runways, terminals and bridges, it is reported.

A short consultation meeting between the World Bank and the Malaita provincial government and stakeholders was held at the Malaita provincial conference room in Auki yesterday.

The consultation meeting is mainly about the Malaita road improvement and maintenance programmes.

During the consultation World Bank’s Malakai Kaufusi said the World Bank has been working with this project for almost six years in the Solomon Islands.

He said for Malaita province the World Bank will focus on roads, including airport runways, terminals, and bridges.

“Our proposed plan is to upgrade the Auki road to Dala and to be sealed with tar.

“Other roads that connect from Dala to Fouia in north east Malaita and the Atori road in East Malaita will be upgraded and properly gravelled.

“Same as the Bina road in the south road and all the way to Hauhui in west Are’are will also be upgraded and do proper graveling on those roads.

“We will focus on the seven kilometer road from Gwaunaru’u to Dala with quality and proper tar sealing.”

Kaufusi added they will also be looking at re-tarsealing the Auki road and do proper patching on bad sections along the Auki roads.

Malakai Kaufusi during the consultation meeting in Auki on Wednesday.

This project will commence with its operations next year and is estimated to cost over $60 million.

Speaking on behalf of the Malaita provincial government and on behalf of the Premier, Mr Rodney Fono from the planning division department in Auki thanked the World Bank for their plans for Malaita province through infrastructure.

“Infrastructure is one of the basic needs and issues that really affecting Malaita province regarding poor conditions of roads especially for travelling public

“If we have better roads our people will travel safely and enjoy riding on smooth surfaces comfortably.

“The Malaita provincial government is looking higher to work together with the national government and the World Bank for this major infrastructure development in Malaita.

This is the first consultation meeting held in Auki by the World Bank with the Malaita province government and other stakeholders in Malaita.

The next consultation meeting will be organised later this year.

NTF responds to Solomon Star’s ‘Huge Request’ article

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

THE National Transport Fund (NTF) Board and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development responds to the “Huge Request” headline article in the Solomon Star recently stating it is erroneous.

NTF in their Press Release yesterday to media outlets said the article erroneously noted that the Ministry is seeking $112M from the supplementary budget to go into the NTF.

The article further provided a limited breakdown of expenditures that the NTF is not mandated to incur under the NTF Act including costs associated with the Melanesian Arts Festival, election preparedness and electronic passport.

Currently there is no supplementary proposal made by MID for NTF activities.

“We wish to clarify the legal framework, nature and composition of the NTF Board. The NTF Act 2009 (No. 3 of 2009) was passed by the National Parliament on 19th March 2009 and received Royal assent on 8th May 2009.

“NTF was established as a special fund for the purposes of maintaining, developing and managing transport infrastructure in Solomon Islands.

“It serves as a mechanism for the government and development partners to fund the transport sector. In 2010, NTF Regulation 2010 was made in accordance to NTF Act 2009 Section 7 for the establishment of NTF Board and Secretariat.

“The NTF Secretariat role was to provide administrative support to the NTF Board. NTF priorities are guided by the National Transport Plan (NTP) 2011-2036 that sets out the strategic and policy framework for maintaining and developing physical infrastructure and transport services, and improving the capacities of government agencies and the private sector in the delivery of services in the transport sector.

“The ultimate decision-making organ is the Board that approves the NTF activities and its funding. It is chaired by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. The Deputy Chairperson is the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure Development,” said Jimmy Nuake the Head of NTF Secretariat/US Technical under MID.

According to NTF’s Press Release, other members are the Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries of Development Planning and Aid Coordination, Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, and Communications and Aviation.

A process is underway to enjoin the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology into the Board.

One seat at the Board is reserved for development partners contributing to the Fund. Currently, these are the Government of Australia (GoA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

“We wish to advise members of the public, the press and all interested stakeholders to reach out to the NTF Secretariat for any clarification on the NTF and its current priorities,” said Nuake.

‘MID strives for quality road maintenance’

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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(Second from right) MID Permanent Secretary, Stephen Maesiola with participants from the training.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

(Second from right) MID Permanent Secretary, Stephen Maesiola with participants from the training.

THE Ministry of Infrastructure Development says it is committed to providing quality roads for the country.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Stephen Maesiola said there is a training underway which involves experts from Australia training local personnel on road work.

“The purpose of this training is for contractors to understand the quality of roadwork construction the ministry wants.”

Speaking to the paper yesterday, he said experts from Australian’s Performance Training organisation are currently carrying out a training programme for staff of local and private contractors and MID project managers.

He explained that they are being trained important road ethics such as on how to manage construction on roadworks and how to identify the type of gravel suitable for use on the road.

Maesiola added that they are currently at the practical stage of the training where they are putting to use what they have learned from the training which began in February.

He said they will also be awarded certificates which will qualify them to assess and manage roadwork carried out in the country.

The permanent secretary furthered that the ministry is strengthening its Central Projects Implementation Unit (CPIU) to make sure that road maintenance is done according to the standard MID wants.

“The ministry is happy with this engagement which will ensure that the quality of road maintenance is improved to the standard we want,” he said.

Changes to election law

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Election

Parliament accepts amendments, passes Constitutional Amendment Electoral Reform Bill 2018

By Gary Hatigeva

THE Government’s electoral reform laws have passed through both houses of parliament, after politicians spent more than two weeks debating the changes in the chamber.

This was done after the bill came through slight turmoil due to disagreements from members of the Independent and Opposition groups, who thought certain changes that were included in the bill are unacceptable.

The nine clause (section) bill (Act) is to amend the Constitution in relation to electoral matters, and had proposed to regulate the registration of electors and the election of members of the National Parliament and for related purposes.

Its objects and reasons are to repeal and replace the National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act (Cap.87), to improve the registration system of electors, to further regulate nomination process of candidates, to further improve the conduct of voting, to improve the counting process and to ensure there is a comprehensive range of electoral offences with appropriate penalties.

Additionally, it intends to provide an additional requirement that a candidate for election be a registered elector and to allow an Act to prescribe the term “ordinarily resident”; furthermore, to provide for a 12 month stand down period for a member of the Electoral Commission or staff to involved in the election process if he or she intends to stand as a candidate.

The Bill also caters for the increase of membership of the Electoral Commission to five members who will also deal with registration of political parties currently undertaken by the Political Parties Commission under the Political Parties Integrity Act 2014.

Other areas that however received heavy opposition from those from the other side of the house includes the merger of the Political Parties Commissioner, which exists under the Political Parties Integrity Act, and the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission.

Opposition and Independent groups have also rejected proposals for the establishment of a new position of Commissioner of Elections as the administrative head of the merged office that was projected to be responsible for elections and will also act as the Registrar for Political Parties under the Political Parties Integrity Act 2014.

A division was put to order for the final voting of the bill after its third reading and the speaker pointed out that based on the constitution, and requirements are too be followed in order to vote on any changes into any section of the national constitution.

The bill was then passed after it was again put to vote and the house used section 61 of the constitution to get a three quarter of the house, with an equivalent of 38 members, which was just the exact number received in the end, and the bill was passed.

In its second reading before it was committed to the Committee of the Whole House for its proceedings, a similar vote was ordered and 39 votes were received in support of the bill.

PM responds to Solomon Games postponement claims

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM Hou takes a tour around the swimming facility July this year.
PM Hou takes a tour around the swimming facility July this year.

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has come out to clarify the issue surrounding the postponement of the Solomon Games in Rennell/Bellona province.

This is in response to an article in the Island Sun yesterday and concerns raised on social media claiming that the Prime Minister sent a text message to the Member of Parliament of Rennell/Bellona Dr Tautai Kaitu’u, stating that the Solomon Games in Renbel has been postponed and moved to Honiara.

“I wish to clarify that my text to the MP for Renbel was in response to his query regarding the Caucus conclusion in regards to the Solomon Games. The MP for Renbel was not present at Caucus that time and requested an update on that matter,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the decision made by the MP to post it on Facebook was unfortunate and unintended which only the MP himself can answer.

However, the Prime Minister further clarified that the Caucus decision was not final and to be decided by Cabinet.

The statement said that the Prime Minister and his delegation were at Rennell for the second appointed day celebrations in July this year, including some Cabinet Ministers that visited Rennell earlier, which all have raised concerns regarding the preparations on the ground.

The Prime Minister’s statement said Caucus was very concerned with reports that preparations for the Solomon Games is very slow.

Members of Caucus were also disappointed that NOCSI were not able to appear before Caucus to report on their assessment on the progress of preparations.

“The decision taken by Caucus is based on a report by NOCSI. It would be necessary for NOCSI to come out clear and inform all sportsmen and women in Solomon Islands, if the facilities and all preparations are ready for the Games in November this year. That report is necessary for Cabinet to make its final considerations,” the Prime Minister said.

–OPMC PRESS

Renbel looks good to host games: Maitaki

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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NOCSI Events Commission Chairman Mr Morris Maitaki says Renbel looks good to host the Solomon Games as work is progressing well according to reports received.

BY TAROMANE MARTIN

NOCSI Events Commission Chairman Mr Morris Maitaki says Renbel looks good to host the Solomon Games as work is progressing well according to reports received.

CHAIRMAN for Events Commission Mr Morris Maitaki says all the necessary facilities to host the 2018 Solomon Games in Rennell and Bellona Province looks good.

Mr Maitaki told SunSPORTS yesterday that NOCSI is planning to visit the province again end of September for their second round assessment on the provinces’ preparations.

Maitaki said the recent announcement that the Solomon Games has been postponed and moved to Honiara for 2019, comes as a surprise because they have not received feedback from caucus or the government after delivering their first assessment early this year.

He said NOCSI has been planning to visit the province for their final assessment on their preparation end of September and believes the province has everything it needs to host the games.

“It was a surprise to us because we did not had or hear any feed back after handing our first report from caucus,” Mr Maitaki said.

“It was shocking decision. There should have been a joint collaboration between the government, Ministry of Home Affairs, NOCSI and the local organizing committee for the games.

“Our first visit was good. The swimming pool, touch rugby, rugby beach volleyball and football venues are almost finished, only about 20 percent to be completed

“NOCSI has an arranged visit to the province end of September. Already about 70 percent of the ground work has been completed.

“But we want to visit them end of September to see the progress, come back and then finalize the report for the games. That was always been the plan

“After our visit end of September then we will continue to advise authorities on what should be done.

“But the LOC still have six weeks to finalize the preparation for the games after our proposed visit next month.

“Otherwise seeing and currently hearing what is currently going on the ground from the LOC there we assured Renbel can host the games,” Maitaki said.

Meanwhile NOCSI President Mr Martin Rara is expected to arrive in the country today after attending the Asian Games held in India.

Scoping awareness workshop on Reparation Bill at Buma

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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US Admin for MNURP, Mr Gregory Rofeta making his remark during official opening of the scoping awareness for Reparation Bill yesterdat at Buma village, Malaita province

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

US Admin for MNURP, Mr Gregory Rofeta making his remark during official opening of the scoping awareness for Reparation Bill yesterdat at Buma village, Malaita province

A two-day scoping awareness workshop towards the preparation of the Reparation Bill officially started on Tuesday at Buma village in West Kware’ae, Malaita province.

Malaita province is the third province to conduct with the awareness after Guadalcanal and Choiseul provinces.

Under Secretary Administration of the Ministry of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation, Mr Gregory Rofeta said yesterday the awareness is to enlighten stakeholders on the reparation policy framework and get feedback from them.

“As you may aware the exercise was important to collect information and data that will form the basis of a Reparation Policy which is an important component of the TRC recommendation,” he said.

Adding that views and opinions discussed during the programme will be helpful for documenting the reparation policy into bill.

Rofeta said for Solomon Islands the need for this dialogue is not only to deal with issues relating to the tension, but also any injustice that may have taken place prior to the ethnic tension.

He assured that the process will not only stop at the policy level, but will continue until the country has developed a legal framework for all reparation claims.

“Thus, I call on all stakeholders in Malaita province to support the government in the process in preparing the bill to the end.

“We need to be at the forefront of the discussion to find the policy very helpful for the stability and peaceful existence of our nation,” Rofeta said.

He reiterated his call to the participants that their contribution is very important as it will help address the targeted goals of the bill.

The programme is funded through the United Nations Peace Building project and implemented by UNDP and UNWomen with the supported of the Solomon Island government.

‘Old laws must be reviewed’

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Participants attending the Reparation Bill Scoping Awareness Workshop at Buma village in Malaita province.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Participants attending the Reparation Bill Scoping Awareness Workshop at Buma village in Malaita province.

FORMER Member of Parliament for East Are Are, Mr Dickson Warakohia has expressed the need to review old laws of the country.

Warakohia made the appeal when contributing during the scoping awareness workshop in preparation towards the Reparation Bill underway in Malaita province.

Warakohia said many laws are outdated and need to be updated.

He said application of old laws tend to conflict with how people live, do things and think today.

“Those old laws showed the hard-work of our old men, and they made them suitable for the situation of the country during those times.

“Now it’s another generation and law must be designed according to the currently standard of living.

“Some of our old laws had been adopted from the British colonial laws during the independence, and definitely they need overhauling,” Warakohia said.

He said if the old laws still exist, they will continue to pull back the newly drafted laws because of the fact that every law relates to each other.

“So no greater change will expect from the laws of the country if old laws not overhaul or updated,” Warakohia said.

He also pointed out that another important area law makers and government should consider is to make laws in advance for the future.

Meanwhile, Warakohia applauded the MNURP for the great initiative to carry-on this bill as it look at healing long standing issues people faced with injustice in the country.

Malaita supports reparation policy

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Participants attending the Reparation Bill scoping awareness workshop that will ends today.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Participants attending the Reparation Bill scoping awareness workshop that will ends today.

THE first day of the scoping awareness workshop towards the Reparation Bill has seen great support from the participants.

The two-day workshop is being held at Buma village in West Kwara’ae, Malaita province.

The participants shared sentiments on experiences during the past ethnic crisis and the need to address issues associating it.

As a province directly involved in the disagreement, participants shared views and opinions that truly come from their heart for the implementation of the reparation bill.

One participant said pursuing this Bill is no mistake, as it’s time to heal every outstanding injustice issue in the country.

The person said despite how old some issues may be, wounds have not yet healed, and this mechanism is the only way that healing can be achieved.

Yesterday a brief introduction was made on the execution of the bill and explanation of the legal policy framework set for the bill.

Today, they expect an in-depth explanation of the policy framework, as participants expect to go deep into the comprehensive policy.

Almost 100 participants attended the workshop represented various organisations or groups within the regions of Malaita province.

Lucrative money in agriculture, only needs willpower

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Patrick Nati from Savo island usually stays in town for a month to sell his melons.

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

Slippery cabbage selling at $5 with fewer stalks.

AGRICULTURE is said to be the backbone of the country. The same sentiment was raised by a local farmer from Savo Island, Patrick Nati.

Patrick comes from Pokilo village. He was selling watermelons at the Honiara’s central market and his watermelons ranges from the price of$30 to $130.

Speaking to Island Sun, Nati says money earned from this produce is far more than the expenses he had incurred.

Though it caused him $800 to get his melons to the market, at the end of his sell, he still have a lot of money left to sustain him and his family.

All his life he had been a farmer. A job he is passionate about and continues to share with people in his community.

He said farming and agriculture is good money and people only need to have the will power to labor in the gardens.

He said his farming techniques are organic in nature and he uses chicken manure as fertiliser.

“Once upon a time, Taiwan organised a competition and I won first, second and third prize and so they gave me a certificate,” he said.

He said he was happy to receive that certificate from Taiwan and looks forward for more competitions of this sort for farmers.

Patrick Nati from Savo island usually stays in town for a month to sell his melons.

Being a farmer most his life, Nati had been helping the people around his community on how to make fertilizers and how to look after their gardens. The melons that he sells are evidence of how he had looked after his gardens.

“I wrap them in a bag before placing them in a box so as not to spoil them so that when we come in the boat, it is intact and will not roll around.”

Nati said he is happy to assist and share his knowledge with his people because only through farming and agriculture will one in the rural area will be able to earn money.

Perseverance and dedication are values that needs to be practised if one wants to survive.

“Big money here. I spent $150 for melon seeds. $800 for transportation, $60 storage fee and a little more money on market fee but the returns are huge. I usually get around $10,000 after I sell my water melons. I do the labor as well so there is no labor cost involved.”

Nati says for a packet of seed, he can get around 150 seeds.

He said as a farmer, he is happy and content and there is nothing much he would like to ask for. Except to work hard and be willing in order to earn a living.

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