BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA Education Authority through the Ministry of Education and human Resource development has been called on to consider establishing a senior secondary school for ward 12 in Lau region of north Malaita.

MPA for ward 12, Fred Wai Diau recently made the appeal calling on responsible authorities and leaders to work together towards achieving this endeavour.

He said the three primary schools and one community high school in the ward are not enough to cater for the growing population of ward 12.

He said at the moment children have to leave their parents and live in communities close to the school.

He said more primary schools and secondary schools will boost education in Ward 12.

On the same note, a plan to extend classes at Takwa Community High School to form six was mentioned to this paper yesterday.

A senior catechist under Takwa Catholic parish, who was also member of Takwa School board, Mr Eddie Kaia said the school board has put in place plan to introduce form six to Takwa CHS.

He said the school board is currently pursuing establishing a science lab, library and dormitories as part of the plan to include form six to the school.

Takwa CHS was on the edge of Ward 12 and with its plan; it will help address the need for senior high school in ward 12.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

A concerned citizen is calling on the national government to address the decaying state of Su’umoli wharf on Ulawa Island, Makira province.

Robert Hulanga of Su’umoli village told Island Sun yesterday that the wharf, destroyed by an earthquake in 2016 is yet to undergo maintenance work.

He explained that although a contractor had left a sign board at the site, they have not seen any maintenance work take course.

Moreover, Hulanga stressed that sea level rise has already taken its toll on the already badly shattered wharf tearing out nets, thrusting off stones and washing away the very ground it sits on.

On that note, he said that this has left people curious on whether or not the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has taken any action.

He emphasised that the people of Ulawa Island are facing negative impacts of climate change, impacts that will affect their economic, health, education and social welfare.

In relation, Hulanga said another issue also affecting the people is that they are now finding it difficult to travel around their own island.

He stated that the road on the island was not constructed properly thus could not withstand the wrath of last weekend’s heavy down pour which resulted in the destruction of a portion of the road which then led to the disruption of a nearby stream.

As a result of this circumstance, Hulanga said that whilst travelling by vehicle, people now have to travel around the whole island just to get to location that could have been easily reached by a shorter route had the road been properly constructed.

POLICE in Tulagi Central province (CP) successfully mediated a suspected sorcery case at Belaga Village, North East Small Gela on August 12, 2018.

Operation Manager at the Tulagi Police Station Inspector John Sara says, “It is alleged that the family of a 51-year-old man from Belaga Village claimed that the man died of black magic.

“The matter between the parties was tense hence it needed to be promptly addressed to avoid any escalation.

“The mediation ended peaceful with the assistance of three Melanesian Brothers, the Crime Prevention Committee members, village chiefs, elders and the Section Elder Brother of the Church of Melanesia household in Koloti.

“Police in Tulagi want to thank all those involved in the mediation including the immediate relatives of the deceased for assisting the police in the process of resolving the matter.”

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Central province, Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “I am proud of the initiatives taken by all these leaders who are always available to settle matters peacefully regardless of their nature. This is the right direction to prevent crime in our communities.

“I appeal to all the good people of Central province to continue supporting police in fighting against crime in our Province.”

–POLICE MEDIA

POLICE in the Central province have completed high visibility patrols in 11 villages and schools on Savo Island throughout the past week.

The villages and schools included Reko, Kuila, Pagopago, Kalaka School, Paposi School Paibeta School, Bokilo School, Panueli, Bonala, Monago and Kaugele Village.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Central Province, Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “Police in Tulagi were engaged in visiting communities as part of the roll out of the Crime Prevention Strategy.

“Four schools were also visited. During the awareness talks topics discussed included the abuse of alcohol and kwaso.

“Consultations with chiefs were also done with the leaders expressing the need to undergo training on the Crime Prevention Strategy.

“The training will start as soon as funds are available. Savo will be among the priorities for the training.

“The trip was possible with assistance from the Central Provincial Government which provided transport and rations during the patrol. Provincial Government officers also engaged in their revenue collection.

“I wish to thank the Paramount Chief, Crime Prevention committee members, church leaders, village chiefs, women leaders and youth leaders on Savo Island for looking after your communities. We will continue to support each other in fighting against crime in our province.”

–POLICE MEDIA

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THERE are reports that the much dreaded coconut rhinoceros beetle is spreading throughout the northern region of Malaita province.

Initially sighted in Takwa, the pest is now reportedly seen in other parts of the region such as Uru-Uru and Tara’ana which is approximately 10 kilometres from Takwa.

A senior catechist under the Takwa Catholic parish, Mr Eddie Kaia conveyed to Island Sun yesterday the fear that communities in the parish have for the incoming threat posed by the beetle for their coconuts.

He said they have already seen the effects of the beetle’s activities in their coconuts, with many trees sprouting out distorted leaves.

Kaia explains that coconut is one of their main sources of income, and with the presence of the beetle, they are certain that this source will be depleted – if help is not forthcoming from authorities.

He adds that apart from the commercial importance of coconuts, it also constitutes a part of their staple diet.

This paper understands that a team from Biosecurity and Quarantine under MAL offices in Honiara and Auki went to Takwa mid-last week in an attempt to seek possible solution to the beetle issue.

The catechist confirmed their visit to Takwa as awareness was held with communities on the issue as well as the staff set-up materials in various places in Takwa for the control of the beetle.