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Energy scheme could herald good times for SI

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, last week when speaking to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation the Hon Prime Minister Rick Hou reportedly said the fact that ordinary Solomon Islanders had not benefited from the economic growth the country had enjoyed over the last four decades since gaining independence from Britain posed serious questions.

The PM cited the lack of jobs, high inflation and population growth cancelling out any potential growth benefits.

Given that high inflation is greatly influenced by cost of imported goods, especially imported fuel, then a bright spot on the horizon to help lower inflation and add to job prospects in the tourism industry is the fact that in late July this year, the World Bank approved a $19.95 million renewable energy expansion scheme in the Solomon Islands.

Quoting from what I read of this scheme in a newsletter release by MercomIndia this is what it said.

“The project will support the Solomon Islands’ government to boost renewable energy generation and increase access to grid-supplied electricity, while reducing reliance on expensive, imported fossil fuels.

“More than 9,300 Solomon Islanders will benefit from new or improved electricity services, including renewable energy sources such as solar. The Electricity Access and Renewable Energy Expansion Project will deliver renewable energy hybrid mini-grids, electricity connections in low-income areas, and new grid-connected solar power.

“The focus will be on providing electricity connections to households, small businesses, and community infrastructure such as schools and health centers, throughout Honiara and surrounding towns.

“The $19.95 million project will be funded through a $5.55 million credit and a $4.75 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the most in-need countries; a $7.1 million grant from the Strategic Climate Fund – Scaling-Up Renewable Energy in Low Income Countries Program; a $946,750 grant from the Global Environment Facility; and a $1.6 million grant from the Small Island Developing States Initiative.

“Access to energy is very important to increase the quality of life of Solomon Islanders and for the development of businesses,” said Bradley Tovosia, Solomon Islands’ Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification.

“The cost of electricity in Solomon Islands is among the highest in the world – almost double the average for the Pacific Islands region as a whole – placing a massive financial burden on families and businesses across the country,” said Michel Kerf, Country Director for Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands. “

“In Solomon Islands, less than 20 percent of the population has access to power supply, and when electricity is available, it is costly and unreliable. A stable supply of grid-based electricity has the potential to promote economic growth, including tourism industry development, and improve human capital, through better conditions for children to study, and reducing the burden of household work.”

Let us truly hope that the prospect of a stable supply of grid-based electricity will promote the economic growth and create better economic times and conditions for all in the Solomon Islands.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

2017 performance report on development budget shows Ministries needs shaping up

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY GEORGINA KEKEA

IN the 2019 Budge launch last week, a performance report on the country’s development budget was used as an example to show public officers and ministries on what is expected of them and how their spending are being monitored and appraised.

In the performance of the 2017 Development Budget (DB), ministries are rated according to how they implement their DB. The report revealed that the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has nine of its programs needing management attention in 2017, placing them in the ‘orange’ section while Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has 12 of its program gone ‘off track’ with the Ministry flagged in the red section followed by the Ministry of Environment with six of its programs ‘gone off track’ also placing them in the red section.

National Judiciary, Justice and Legal Affairs and Office of the Governor General had not been able to verify their results as there was no submission given to the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination (MDPAC) thus they remain in the Blue section.

Most of the Ministries are placed in the ‘orange’ section, with a number of ministries also placed in the ‘red’ section.

The method used to measure this performance was done using the colours of green, yellow, red, orange and blue.

Green means a ministry is on track and progressing well (80 – 100 percent), while yellow means progressing with minor issues (60 percent), orange signifies not progressing well and needs management attention (40 – 59 percent) while red means a ministry or program is off track and needs management attention (20 – 39 percent) and blue is when a Ministry is unable to verify their spending.

The report revealed that only 16 programmes implemented by five ministries were rated yellow had been able to progress well but with minor issues. These were on-going programmes.

None of the ministries in 2017 are evaluated and rated “green” a poorer result than 2016, yet expenditure is higher in 2017.

27 programmes implemented by 13 ministries were rated orange and have been said to progress with significant Issues that require management attention while 31 projects and programmes implemented by five line ministries were rated red ‘Off-track’ needing urgent management attention.

A total of 13 programmes implemented by five ministries were rated blue, unable to verify results, as no report was submitted to MDPAC.

“Programmes that continued to rated “Red” and “Blue” for a consecutive period of time over must be considered for exiting as they face significant issues showing a likelihood of interventions that will fail without achieving their targets,” it was reported.

The presentation also revealed that one of the main issues highlighted in the 2017 report with “orange” rated programmes (31 percent), is the level of compliance with the SIG Procurement processes and on-going “land issues’ for infrastructure related programmes. These programmes also reported MoFT delays in payments. A number of activities were on-going activities from 2016.

Some key issues also highlighted are the capacity of a ministry to implement its programmes, programme and project appraisal, ongoing delays by Central Tender Board (CTB) to meet as per procurement process but to name a few.

Government officials and Ministries are therefore urged and reminded to improve in how they utilise their budget and report their spending because their budgets and programs and activities are subjected for monitoring and appraisal.

SIDCCG to continue supporting G-province

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare with his key note address.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare with his key note address.

THE deputy prime minister has assured the government and people of Guadalcanal province that the ruling national government coalition remains committed to helping the province grow and prosper.

Deputy PM and finance minister Manasseh Sogavare in last week’s celebration of Guadalcanal province’s 34th second appointed day, “As demonstrated to you in the past years and since achieving your status as a recognised provincial government 34 years ago, the national government through the ministries has been very instrumental and supportive in navigating your way throughout these past years.

“The national government has provided resources and technical assistance to cater for your human resource needs, financial needs, social economic aspirations and guidance in making policy decisions and encouraging active participation and cooperation for our people to ensure that development does take place in this province.”

The deputy prime minister also mentioned that there are issues and problems that need acknowledging – one of them, finding a better way of structuring the economy.

“We are still looking, with close consultations with our people and the provincial government,” he said.

In his speech, he stated that Guadalcanal province’s theme for 2018 is not only fitting but reflects the future directions that a growing nation must take in order to have a better tomorrow.

Sogavare proceeded to stress that shared economic objectives and aspirations must always be the pillars that guide us into the future.

He mentioned that with very little manpower and financial resources, partnership is the way forward.

“As the saying goes, no man is an island,” said Sogavare.

Addressing the premier and people of Guadalcanal who attend the day’s programme, he stressed that while they forge new partnerships they must also ensure that all partnerships are realigned for their growing needs as through partnerships they share each other’s strength and strengthen each other’s weaknesses.

On another note, Sogavare then spoke of how the national government has supported and will continue to support the province.

Sogavare assured the Premier and the people of Guadalcanal province of the Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government’s (SIDCCG) ongoing commitment and support.

He furthered that the national government through the involvement of its various ministries and agencies will continue to work with Guadalcanal’s provincial government and people and support them to achieve their development aspirations.

WIS students off to Mexico this weekend

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Group photo of the WIS students representing Solomon Islands in Mexico in the 2018 First Global Robotic Competition

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Group photo of the WIS students representing Solomon Islands in Mexico in the 2018 First Global Robotic Competition

FOUR students from the Woodford International School (WIS) will be leaving for Mexico on August 11 to participate in the 2018 First Global Robotic Competition.

This is the second time WIS is taking part in a renowned global tech competition.

The event convenes students who have passion in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The WIS team comprises four robotic engineers; Edward Patternot – Designer and team Captain, William Poznanski – Programmer, Renney Sufiona – Builder and     Tanuia Uale – Strategist, the only female in the group.

The team is guided by mentor Mr Rakesh Pandey.

He also led last year’s WIS robotics team last year which placed Solomon Islands on the 35th position among 190 countries which participated – a remarkable and historic milestone event for STEM students in the country.

Pandey said the team will be leaving Solomon Islands on Saturday this weekend, and the tourney starts on August 15, running for three days, ending on August 18, at the Arena Ciudad, Mexico.

He said they will only have one free day to do some sight-seeing before the competition starts. The following day they will run through and polish up on their work before entering the comp the following day.

“What we intend to do here is not just for this kids, but we want to build passion for STEM education in the Solomon Islands.”

WIS students shared its successful stories saying they learned a lot from their failures during its time to build and design their robotic.

Despite challenges encountered they appreciated its team work, determination and leadership they have under the mentorship of Mr Pandey including the school administration.

Speaking for the student Mr Renney Sufiona known as Builder in the group said they have gone through good and bad times but they learn a lot during their time.

“I learn to be responsible person, not only me but we all. We are a team, if I didn’t do my job then they encourages me to go further.

“We work together, put our ideas together which actually made a good robot and it’s because of our team work.”

WIS Head of School Mr Anthony Baron said he is gratified to see the young competitors are from Solomon Islands which are form four students.

He said they still got three-year with the WIS and if they can reach that standard already it’s an excellent and well done job to influence more Solomon Islanders in STEM.

Meanwhile the sponsors for the WIS student to Mexico are; South Pacific Oil, Solomon Airlines, Sape Medical Centre and parents.

Anglican Mothers Union ‘Bring and Buy’ at Pupuku

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

A Bring and Buy fundraising in aid of Pupuku Anglican Mothers Union was held at Pupuku Village, Northwest Choiseul, last week Friday raising more than two thousand dollars.

The aim of the Bring and Buy fundraising according to Choiseul Province Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Hon Nerio Ulemiki is purposely to enable the Mothers Union group to attend the Diocesan Anniversary celebration of Mothers Union at Jejevo Isabel Diocese on the 28th of this month, August.

“The fundraising was a successful one as on sale were cooked and uncooked foods seeing the raising of two thousand dollars plus for the Anglican Mothers Union,” said Hon Ulemiki.

Also holding a fundraising at the same area during last week Friday was St Teresia Tutu Women’s Society of Tutu Zone, purposely to complete their Women’s Resource Centre.

On their fundraising it is reported that they raised around $5,000.

Tutu Zone reminded to abide by laws

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

TUTU Zone Parish parishioners at Choiseul Province have been encouraged to be Christian law abided purposely to avoid destruction from the rising anti-social activities now in communities.

Giving this encouragement was the Parish Priest of Christ the King Parish at Voruvoru Fr Henry Paroiop who made a special trip to Kubokanoko in Tutu Zone yesterday at the request of the Chairman of Tutu Zone, Chrisanto Pitakesa, to celebrate Mass for all the Parishioners there.

“Fr Henry in his sermon encouraged the parishioners to be Christian law abided people and to respect the customs and avoid sinful social activities such as gambling, drinking alcohol, showing disrespect and other anti social behaviours that can destroy the community if not being controlled,” said report.

It is said that fourteen new babies were also baptised after the Mass at Tutu.

No shortcuts to sustainable development: Manu’ari

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Hon Derek Manu’ari.

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

Hon Derek Manu’ari.

MAKIRA Ulawa province was the first to be established as a province in 1983. This was highlighted by the Member of Parliament (MP) for West Makira, Derek Manu’ari who was the key guest speaker during the commemoration of the province’s second appointed day in Honiara on Saturday.

Speaking before the crowd from Makira Ulawa at the museum grounds, Manu’ari says 35 years on, undoubtedly Makira Ulawa have achieved so much. He says economically, Makira Ulawa province has a wealth of resources and they have contributed so much in the areas of agriculture, fisheries as well as in forestry.

“Just last year the quality of Makira cocoa was recognized at the global level when one of our local producers of cocoa was awarded with a prestigious award for high quality locally produced cocoa.”

Manu’ari says however it has not been all glory and splendor.

“We do have our own challenges, some of which have continued to bog us down since 35 years ago up until today.”

He says it is often their people’s way of life to be ashamed to admit their own faults and weaknesses. But he says that if they are to effectively address and overcome their issues, they must acknowledge the challenges faced. He says they must not be ashamed to admit their own failure and their development woes and obstacles to sustainable development are numerous. Manu’ari says Makira Ulawa continued to lag behind in terms of literacy and their efforts to address economic poverty remain slow.

“Today Makira Ulawa province stands at a cross road. We face today many new challenges unlike any other that we may have encountered way back in our short history as a province. We face today new challenges created by ourselves, challenges that have the potential to pose disunity and disharmony among ourselves. These challenges are new because they are fueled by gross misinformation and chronic indoctrination stimulated by the enticement of the monetary world. It is in such times that our solidarity as a people and province can be truly put to the test.”

The MP for West Makira adds that there is no shortcuts to achieve sustainable development and there is also no easy way. Therefore he calls on the people of Makira Ulawa to commit, endure and to be resilient, patient and participate meaningfully while at the same time make a lot of sacrifices in order to achieve sustainable development. He called on the people of his province to cooperate and work in collaboration with each other as land and resource owners. He also pointed out that the people of Makira Ulawa tend to do things their own way with little regard for the formal government apparatus.

“My question is, how conducive is this type of lifestyle to the needs of the modern world and the modern practices and systems of governance? Can this type of lifestyle help us to meaningfully participate in socio-economic development?” Manu’ari questioned.

In 2009, the total enumerated population of Makira Ulawa province is 40, 419. This is eight percent of the country’s total population.

“But just like our founding fathers, we must not falter in the face of adversity. We must stand up and ensure that our people are not mislead nor misinformed into lawlessness by a few misguided elites. We must not be held back by our own human weaknesses but must stand up and face our development woes head on together as one people and province. We must not go back. We must only move forward for there is truly no place for that ‘past’ in the future. The future only has room for ‘good past’, not ‘bad past’,” the MP for West Makira says.

The day on Saturday was a fun time for the people of Makira Ulawa to come together to share their culture, traditions and be together as one people from the province of Makira Ulawa. The official day for the second appointed day was on August 3.

Matangiki defeated

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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HHH Paul Bakeua contesting for the ball with a Matangiki player during their match yesterday. HHH won 18-6. Picture Taromane Martin.

HHH bags first points

By Taromane Martin

HHH Paul Bakeua contesting for the ball with a Matangiki player during their match on Sunday. HHH won 18-6. Picture Taromane Martin.

IT was a tough but pleasing win for the Henderson Hammerhead Sharks as they claimed their first points in the 2018 Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) rugby 15s league.

Hammerheads managed to overcome a stubborn Matangiki side 18-6 in both clubs’ first match of the competition.

Head Coach Philip Campbell said he was satisfied with the win and has already identified areas his side will need to improve on.

“I’m pretty satisfied with the boy’s performance today,” he said.

“Obviously our first game did not go according to plan but as the match went on the boys executed everything we’ve been doing in training for this competition.

“There will be a lot of things to improve on for my boys as the competition goes on but for today’s game we definitely have some defensive issues we will need to address.

“Our discipline will also be needed to improve because I thought towards the end of the game we committed a number of silly penalties that in another game could have been costly for us.

“I’m pleased with the win even though it’s a bit tough and a big ask for the boys to play on Sundays but that is the agreement we made so yes I’m happy the boys managed to perform and get the result for us just like on any other day.

“We are looking forward for our next game,” Campbell said.

Meanwhile other result from the HRUA 15s competition on Saturday saw Islanders beating TIA Warriors by a close margin 25-24.

G-province commended for leadership in development

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Minister of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, Anthony Veke.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

GUADALCANAL province has been commended for their contributions to the country on its Second Appointed Day, August 3, by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance minister Manasseh Sogavare.

He congratulated Premier Anthony Veke and the people of Guadalcanal for the hard work they have done in developing the province.

“Warm greetings and hearty congratulations to you and your good people of Guadalcanal province in the commemoration and celebration of this very important day of your province. It marks the 34th anniversary of your second appointed day and I wish you God’s blessing and all success in the years to come,” said Sogavare.

He stated d that their province’s contribution towards the development of the country is enormous.

In this regard, Sogavare voiced that apart from hosting the country’s seat of government and the only major commercial industrial centre, the province also accommodates major developments that keep the economy running.

Moreover, while thanking the province for taking the lead in opening their land for development to progress, he mentioned that the government had very difficult times in telling this to other provinces which have projects as old as the country that are still not off the ground yet due to land disputes.

Addressing the Premier and people of Guadalcanal province in the National Museum’s auditorium, he said that they have their own issues over land but see beyond their own little disputes with more interest weighed on the national level.

He pointed out that the proposed extension of palm oil development in east Guadalcanal is one example of Guadalcanal’s quest for development to unravel and described the initiative as something big, probably three times bigger than GIPPOL with prospect of providing about 12,000 jobs.

“I want to take my hat off to the people of Guadalcanal for taking that leadership and maybe continue to take that leadership so that other provinces can see that. Because when we open our land, development will happen,” said Sogavare.

Toata calls in Lea’alafa as latest inclusion in national squad

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Micah Lea’alafa will miss the first leg of the clash between Solomon Islands and the New Zealand All Whites in Auckland tomorrow evening

BY ROMULUS HUTA

NATIONAL soccer head coach Moses Toata has called in New Zealand-based attacking midfielder Micah Lea’alafa as the latest inclusion into his 20-man squad for the international friendly against Macau this month.

The friendly will be played away from home on August 28 at the Estádio Campo Desportivo in Macau.

Toata released 19 names of his squad last Friday.

Speaking to SunSPORTS over the weekend, Toata confirms that Lea’alafa is the latest inclusion making up the 20-man team.

“Micah is the latest inclusion. He will join us before we depart for Macau,” Toata said.

Lea’alafa, a member of Auckland City in the New Zealand top league, the ISPS Handa Premiership, is currently playing for Auckland-based club Manuaku AFC in the winter season.

The addition of the sneaky midfielder will help boost Toata’s line-up as Solomon Islands look to record a win against an Asian side in as many years since holding Taiwan to a 2-all draw at Lawson Tama two decades ago in 1998.

The international friendly will also see four new faces making their debut. They are David Tome, Patrick Taroga, Alvin Hou and Atana Fa’arodo Junior.

Solomon Islands last played an international match during last year’s Pacific Mini Games in Port Vila against the hosts Vanuatu.

Meet the members of the 20-man Solomon Islands Squad:

Goalkeeper

Philip Mango and Desmond Tutu

Defenders

Bonnie Pride, Haddis Aengari, Robert Laua, Emmanuel Poila, Allen Pita, John Aeta(U19) and Richard Hiromana

Midfielders

Timothy Bakale, Judd Molea, Atkin Kaua, Patrick Taroga(U19), Micah Lea’alafa

Forwards

Jerry Donga, Alvin Hou, Joses Nawo, David Tome, Atana Faarodo Junior and Benjamin Totori

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