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Strata Bill passes second reading, now goes to Committee of the Whole House

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

FOLLOWING thorough debates on its general principles with strong support for it, the Strata Titles Bill 2017 has gone through its second reading in parliament yesterday, and is now set to go down for scrutiny of the Committee of the Whole House today.

The principle reason for the over 150 paged document, with a total of 171 Clauses, the Bill according to the government, is to address the issue of affordability in residential accommodation within Honiara city and other urban areas throughout the country.

It aims to make possible for higher density developments in countries to protect the interests of the people who bought units from what is known under the concept, as a strata building.

The bill introduces a strata title scheme similar to what is practised in Australia, Vanuatu and other Asian countries.

The scheme according to records, will divide building plots of land into what is also known under the strata concept as, Strata Lots and Common Property ownership.

Meanwhile, during the debate segment of the Bill, Members shared worries and fears over its impact, which many thought would just enable the rich to become richer while the majority, including local Solomon Islanders will just become spectators from the side.

Apart from the Bills and Legislation Committee’s recommendations, members have also made recommendations on what they thought is needed to strengthen it.

Others suggested additional designs, which they also think better suit Solomon’s context where they say can be more applicable to the rural settings of the country.

Members from the Opposition and Independent groups have also suggested for the responsible minister to consider making the simpler as it is too technical, and shared that even some responsible officials who will be implementing it, are left in total darkness due to its complexity.

The bill is now committed to the committee of the whole house since debates on it was completed yesterday, and in winding down debates on the bill yesterday evening, the responsible Minister for the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, Andrew Manepora assured MPs on both sides of the house that their concerns are being noted for review.

In a brief summary respond to all the contributing debates, Minister Maneproa added that the government through his ministry have also noted and agreed to a lot of the recommendations made on the bill, which he assured and confirmed that his ministry will look into them.

Parliament resumes at 9.30am this morning, and it is expected to start its scrutiny into the Strata Titles Bill 2017.

When will poor road condition in Auki be addressed?

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The poor road condition currently experience in Auki town.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

The poor road condition currently experience in Auki town.

A resident in Auki has requested responsible authorities and leaders to let public know if they have any plans at all to address the serious road problems in the province.

Travelling public in Auki are crying out their suffering of this particular problem, which is affecting them in many fronts.

The man, who requests anonymity, says this appeal for authorities to come clean with their intentions is an age-old request, and that he is just merely echoing what many in the province are asking of their leaders.

He said the current poor road condition experienced in Auki is getting worse by the day, and more and more people are falling victims to it.

The man said potholes are everywhere on the road and more roads are becoming impassable to even large vehicles such as three-tonne trucks.

He said the serious status of roads currently faced in Auki came about after weeks of rain recently experienced in the provincial town.

Thus, the man said the issue seems traditional to roads in Auki and nothing tangible so far made to address the issue as yet.

He said people’s alarm was if the bad weather currently experience in Auki continues, it will get the road to its worse.

The man appealed to responsible authorities and leaders not just to be ignorant to this very important issue, but do something about it.

He said the travelling public in seems to be tolerant with the issue now as they continue to face, but that’s not the quality service they deserve.

Clinic space concern

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

CONCERN has it that Tulaghi Clinic in Central Islands Province (CIP) might face problem in the future in terms of expansion in development of buildings.

The clinic’s land size for expansion is observed as a fact to face hiccups.

According to Mr John Kaekale speaking to Island Sun on behalf of few concerned CIP locals, a suggestion is that the clinic developments should also be extended to where residential homes and business houses built around the clinic are.

“Our population is increasing, sicknesses adding new ones are also occurring and increasing so we hope there are good plans along the pipeline to address the future of healthcare servicing our people,” said John.

Recently, a member of the clinic wishing anonymity did not deny the fact that the clinic area needs to be expanded over which he also suggested for the Central Provincial Government and medical team in Tulaghi to work together in addressing the issue which will be more serious in the coming future.

The essential steps to better democracy, trust and progress in SI

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, the very recent passing of the all important raft of anti-corruption legislation in the Solomon Islands Parliament not only reflects credit on the Members of Parliament, the Prime Minister and the now Deputy Prime Minister, but to me is a clear indicator of Solomons society in change with more calls from all levels at the grass roots for openness, honesty and transparency, being the essential pillars for democracy, trust and progress.

In renewed efforts to tackle corruption I very much hope we will soon see a more open government that will accede to the calls for the people and recently the IMF for much greater transparency in the use of the CDF funds the Members of Parliament receive annually from the Government of the Republic of China (on Taiwan).

TSI, the people and several lending agencies have all called for a better level of transparency and to be able to see tangible evidence of constitutional development money that has contributed to rural infrastructure, job creation and better livelihoods for the 80 percent of the rural electorate throughout the country.

Social media, the print media, broadcasting and greater use of mobile phones has significantly improved the opportunities for the electorate to be better able to communicate and to demand change is instituted by their elected members of parliament.

Grasping the nettle as demonstrated by the bold, but long needed, passing of anti-corruption legislation needs to be followed up by the Solomon Islands government because the demand for change (and action) is growing stronger and the international community, including donors and lending partners, are watchful and hoping to see more open government and transparency come about by the present administration and by any that will follow with the possible election of new Members of Parliament in 2019.

It is my wish to see the Solomon Islands succeed in pursuing the greater ideals of democracy, truthfulness and economic progress and success for its entire people.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Social benefits of music training and participation in band concerts

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, following the successful fund raising concert on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the chairman of the Honiara Band Association (HBA) assures live music band lovers in Honiara that they have plans to host more live concerts in the near future.

“Benjamin Afuga, made the statements when acknowledging the great support and working together towards the recent HBA 4 NRH live concert, which he described as a successful campaign.

“Mr Afuga said if any bands wants to participate should start and prepare and organise themselves ahead.

”He added the association has a lot of plans and big objectives for live performing bands in Honiara especially as part of its revival initiatives.” Source Solomon Star news.

I am pleased to read of this further initiative of the Honiara Band Association because those that like playing music, especially the younger members of the community, will find enjoyment from participating in the live music performances and aid better social cohesion.

In 1998 I initiated a programme of music training with help from the then members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Band and was greatly encouraged by the wholehearted support of the many local youths willing to learn how to play the instruments they owned.

It was a great pity that the security situation that unfolded in late 1998 prevented the continuation of the training that heralded so much potential for good in the community.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Come forward with evidence

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR EDITOR, this is a response to the media statement by the acting police commissioner titled ‘come forward with evidence’. Relatives of the person that burnt the police ray-boat and 40Hp engine at Karie village, East Wainoni, San Cristobal on June 6 will present evidences of reckless harming and physical abuse in due course at timing convenient to us.

The impartiality of your Police Professional Standard and Internal Investigation is doubtful after RAMSI left, seeing your aggressive media cover up of mistreatments on suspects.

How independent and neutral will the Police Professional and Internal Investigation you laughably recommended us to forward our evidences to, when this case involves burning of your ray-boat and engine? However, it will be handed to your good office once it is ready.

We respect the police’s duty to arrest suspects and bring them to court, that’s the job you are being entrusted and paid to do from public purse.

The suspect cannot just burn police properties like that, he has his own reasons.

Case one. The suspect was not happy with Kirakira Police because they failed to carry out a court decision for the people who killed his pigs pay him compensation if not police to confiscate their properties to sell to cover the cost of his pigs.

Kirakira police failed to carry out that order. He made all attempts by writing letters to the PPC, sending verbal request about that case and appeared in person at Kirakira police but with no respond.

Case two. The suspect was so concerned about one of his relatives who went missing in a canoe trip from Waimapuru to Kirakira station in February 2018.

The incident happened on a fine day at about 11am to 12 midday.

Surprisingly the two persons who travelled with the missing person were never questioned by the police because the driver come from the PPC’s village.

In fact the case needs further investigation because the other two person had some land issues with the missing person regarding logging operations in our area.

The most complex issue was the announcement by the PPC when the elders gathered in Kirakira that the Solomon Islands government is responsible to meet the life of that missing person.

Case three. This is the recent case which triggered the suspect to react since he is known for his psychiatric illness.

The unprofessionalism of the PPC and Kirakira police who confiscated their 070 STIHL chain saw, worsened the situation and increased distrust.

The chain saw is owned by the suspect’s brother and he is the custodian of the saw.

The chainsaw was hired by the Seventh Day Adventist Church to cut their logs for their church building at Naokeke village.

Mr Samson Weao collected the saw from the suspect and left with the saw to Maniono village.

Kirakira police received a report that someone stole chain saws from Nana logging camp.

Namuga police went to Samson and forcedly took the saw from him even though he was trying to explain the ownership of the saw which he is using.

Namuga police took that saw to the logging camp to prove that the saw is one of the stolen ones from the camp.

The camp manager told Namuga police that it was not theirs, the serial number was different.

However, police instead of returning that chain saw to the suspect, they returned to Kirakira police station with it.

After numerous attempts by the suspect’s brother Josiah Gapu Hasi and Samson Weao begging police to return that saw they kept it in kirakira without any good reasons at all.

The Nana logging camp’s stolen chain saws were collected from Harry Weape of Wetate village on June 6, 2018.

The thieves who actually stole Nana logging chainsaws were arrested and kept in Kirakira police cellar.

The suspect told police that they should return his chain saw since they have arrested the thieves who stole the logging company’s chainsaws, PPC failed to return that saw and kept it unnecessarily at Kirakira police station.

Kirakira police should be blamed for the burning of their OBM and rayboat because they are ones who intimidated the suspect.

The above incidences have forced the suspect to act in that way by burning the police OBM and rayboat.

The PPC Kirakira and his officers should not excuse themselves because they knew very well that he is a psychiatric patient.

It is worth mentioning that whenever logging companies report incidences of stolen or damages done to their properties, police always act promptly compared to when ordinary citizens of Makira Ulawa province reporting theirs to police.

Furthermore, relatives have the right to question police on the disproportionate force applied, brutality, reckless harming and abuses that followed upon and after arrest.

The denial to immediate medical attention after arrest for wounds inflicted during police arrest is violation of Human rights.

He was refused medical attention even though a medical vehicle was waiting outside the police station for about 45 minutes.

The doctor and eye specialist waited all day for the suspect. He was released for medical check after 11 days.

Did police acted within the law? Relatives have the constitutional right to question police and bring their side of the arrest story to light.

This is what made both acting Police Commissioner and acting Makira Ulawa PPC irritated – the truth from our point of view.

The truth must be revealed so that such ill treatments to suspects destroying or damaging police properties be dealt with fairly, according to law, Human rights must be uphold and respected at all time.

We do not want to see police force acting like a mob of undisciplined gang manning the country’s law and order.

Law abiding citizens must not remain silent because silence breeds corruption in RSIPF and all government institutions, if left unchecked.

What acting Police Commissioner and acting Makira Ulawa PPC were not smart enough and could not hide from the world was when the suspect arrived at Kirakira Seafront Landing Area, hundreds of people from within Kirakira Township and nearby villages; present, witnessed his swollen blackened face, bruises on forehead, red eyes and torn trousers – that appearance to his sister was heartbreaking and the reason she was using the media to protest against the police.

This is what the two most senior policemen could not and will never be able to censor from the world.

The truth is always painful and will remain rock solid no matter what happens.

It is shameful, worrying and irresponsible for these two most senior policemen to behave and act the way they do, trying desperately to deceive the world.

Thank God, the suspect was taken to Kirakira during broad daylight otherwise police will be successful in suppressing the truth from the world.

They must be reminded that the truth will hold and will prevail no matter what, to God’s judgement day. Surprisingly, people taking photos at Kirakira seafront area then, using mobile phones had their mobile phones confiscated by police, an action that prevents free press and pushes to limit our freedom of expression through photography.

Were these “Australian trained and equipped RSIPF” taught to hide the truth?

His two relatives that visited him on the day of his arrest referred to by the acting Police Commissioner were his two sisters.

They made their complaints through SIBC world blo iu mi dated 06/07/2018 and Solomon star dated 11/07/2018 because they knew raising their complaints to Kirakira police would fall on deaf ears and unfortunately is also paralysed.

Stagnancy resulting from being too long in Makira Ulawa province is an urgent agenda for your postings in 2019, so that the reputation of police is respected and trusted once again in Makira Ulawa Province.

Our intent was to stand up strong and bring the dark side of their “good story” to light so that readers, listeners and followers have a fair presentation that, during execution of their duty to arrest and bring to justice our relative, police committed atrocities that were unlawful.

They must be prepared to hold those responsible for tainting police reputation answer for their dirty actions.

In doing so, we relatives hope to have a more HONEST, accountable, impartial, transparent, responsible, respectable and dignified RSIPF, carrying out national security, law and order duties for our country – Solomon Islands.

 

Wesley Heramate,

Nakuhu Village, East Wainoni,

Makira Ulawa Province

‘Technical audit’ will deal with flaws in health ministry: PM Hou

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela with the FSII executives at the meeting on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela with the FSII executives at the meeting on Wednesday.

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has met with the Executive of the Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) at the Paul Tovua Complex, Parliament, on wednesday.

The meeting was in response to a letter sent by FSII to the Prime Minister last week concerning the medical drug shortage in the country.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister has acknowledged the concerns raised by FSII in the letter, with the Prime Minister agreeing that “the shortage of medicines in the country is an indication of a Ministry performing well below par”.

The Prime Minister informed the FSII Executive that as a result of the seriousness of the issue, he convened an Urgent Meeting of Caucus on Sunday, July 15, to initiate a plan of action that has now seen the stabilisation of the situation.

An ‘action plan’ was put in place to address 5 objectives and that is to:

  1. Urgently quantify the size of the drug shortage situation;
  2. Put in place processes to locate, procure, mobilise essential and life-saving drugs into the country with utmost priority, using all avenues available to government;

iii.            Stabilise the drug shortage problem;

  1. Identify the causes of the problem and take appropriate action;
  2. Ensure this incident never repeats itself

“The drug shortage situation has now stabilised, and the country should be back to full supply by September. This full stock will last us until June / July 2019,” he said.

The Prime Minister assured FSII and the country that the drug shortage situation will not happen again under his watch.

“Our procurement process for 2019 is already well advanced, and our tender will be put out to pre-qualified suppliers by September this year, meaning our full stock will arrive by March / April 2019 – 3 months before our drugs stock are expected to run out,” Prime Minister Hou said.

The Prime Minister also informed the FSII Executive that he has directed an urgent enquiry, by way of a ‘Technical Audit’ on the whole drug procurement system.

“This situation must never happen again and that is why I have directed a technical audit. A Commission of Enquiry is likely to take a much longer process so as a matter of urgency I have directed an urgent ‘Technical Audit’ instead, on the whole drug procurement system with a critical assessment of the various steps in the procurement process for 2018 essential drugs and consumables,” he said.

This audit will assess:

  1. the whole procurement system and the process followed for this year’s supplies – from beginning to end;
  2. the people involved in the process within and outside of MMHS – their roles, responsibilities, acts of omissions and commissions;
  3. other factors that may have contributed to the problem; and
  4. Make recommendations for appropriate actions and interventions that will need to be taken to hold people responsible accountable, and ensure this event is never repeated in future;

Prime Minister Houenipwela also expressed his gratitude to FSII for raising the issues of national concern with him.

President of FSII, Mr John Kwaita also thanked Prime Minister Houenipwela for the opportunity to meet with them and listen to their concerns.

–OPMC PRESS

Two-4-One gives cash to HBA towards NRH

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Two4One Band Leader Mr Donald Bato with members on the background hands over $5000 to HBA Chairman Mr Benjamin Afuga on Wednesday.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Two4One Band Leader Mr Donald Bato with members on the background hands over $5000 to HBA Chairman Mr Benjamin Afuga on Wednesday.

THE Two4One band donated $5000 cash to the Honiara Band Association (HBA) on Wednesday towards the National Referral Hospital’s drug shortage crisis.

The donation was officially handed over to the HBA’s Chairman Mr Benjamin Afuga and the handover ceremony convened the band members and supporters.

The donation came after Two4one participated in a live band performance to raise funds towards the NRH’s drug shortage which was held recently at Rove Police ground.

Band leader Mr Donald Bato said after they participated in two shows at Rove the band decided to look more seriously to providing more support.

He said the donation is what the band had agreed for to support NRH to help sick patients in response to the situation.

“Band members are excited about the initiative HBA take the lead of which we involved in, and we are happy to pledge $5000 towards the hospital.

“We show our support because the hospital belongs to us and our brothers, sisters and children access the facilities and currently NRH is facing drug shortage, at least we do something.”

HBA’s Chairman Afuga thanked the Two4One band for the donation, which he said will go towards the charity concert in aid of NRH’s medical drug shortage.

“We hope this donation will put together and paid the much needed medicine hospital need to save life and I believe the medicine will safe life someone really need medicine.

“This is the beginning of many more charity work we will do and as musician we have big influence to raise funds, not only in Solomon, everywhere in the world musicians can use their talent to raise funds for charity.”

Meanwhile, the Two4One band comprises of eight members.

Their first come back live performance was during the Melanesian Art and Festival recently and this is their first donation – plans are underway to do more as part of giving back to the community.

Bus short routes still continues

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Buses

By Ezekiel Talatau

EIGHT months on since the implementation of the new bus routes by the Honiara City Council, and we still see a few wayward bus drivers running short routes.

Honiara City Council (HCC) city mayor Andrew Mua had announced earlier this year that any bus that fails to follow the bus route will be fined a penalty of $20,000.

Mr Mua also said an interim task force will be monitoring the short bus route and report to the town council executive.

“Commuters will also monitoring the bus as part of to enforce the new bus route,” he said.

Meanwhile, some concerned citizens believe that the HCC is weak to enforce its laws.

Sharing via social media, members of public say that short bus routes are still being run every day from Kola Ridge to Kukum SDA church, and others from Lungga to Kukum.

One person, who wanted to remain anonymous, tells Island Sun that HCC needs to re enforce and take strategic action to those bus owners and bus drivers who breach HCC laws.

He added that HCC’s interim taskforce needs to step up in their monitoring of the short bus routes issue.

“The public also need to address any issue related to short bus route and report to HCC monitoring team so that they can do something about it,” he said.

TSI lauds PM for passage of whistle blowers bill

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands (TSI) congratulated Prime Minister Rick Hounipwela for the passage of the Whistleblowers Protection bill 2016 through the parliamentary processes into an Act.

Parliament passed the Whistleblowers Protection bill 2016 into an Act on Tuesday afternoon.

Transparency Solomon Islands says the passage of the bill is a clear demonstration of Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) government to roll back corruption in Solomon Islands. “Thank you for listening to the cries of the people of Solomon Islands.”

It is encouraging to note that the new Act was passed with amendments to clauses relating to Interpretation and Protection from Liability and ‘Victimisation’ after a long of deliberation at the Committee of the Whole House and Third Reading.

During the bill’s debate this week, the country’s only two female MPs were quite vocal in supporting it.

They told Parliament that maladministration and misconduct will be reduced when the Whistleblowers policy is passed and enforced.

The Whistleblowers Protection bill 2016 aims to protect people who come forward with information on corruption.

–TSI PRESS

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