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WATER RATIONING WARNING

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-Solomon Water Authority signals impact of El Nino, calling on consumers across country to begin conserving water as it monitors situation

-Ongoing supply disruptions due to factors unrelated to El Nino, says SolWater

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Solomon Water warns that temporary water rationing could be introduced if water sources continue to decline during the current El Niño period.

The warning came in a media release issued yesterday in response to an Island Sun inquiry on Thursday about the impact of the El Niño declaration on water supplies and the recent water disruptions affecting customers in Honiara.

In the statement, Solomon Water urges customers in Honiara, Auki, Noro and Tulagi to begin conserving water after the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) declared an El Niño event, which is expected to bring prolonged dry weather and reduce water availability.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ray Anderson said the utility is currently experiencing some water supply disruptions due to factors unrelated to El Niño but is closely monitoring water source levels and weather conditions across its service areas.

He said if water levels continue to decline, Solomon Water may need to introduce temporary water rationing measures to responsibly manage available supplies and maintain essential water services for all customers.

Mr Anderson said Solomon Water has stepped up preparations by working closely with the Drought Advisory Group, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

The utility has also increased monitoring of water sources and is carrying out routine inspections and maintenance of critical water supply infrastructure to strengthen system reliability.

Mr Anderson urges households, businesses, and institutions to conserve water now, saying every customer has a role to play to reduce demand and protect limited water resources during the prolonged dry period.

Solomon Water said it will continue to monitor conditions and provide regular updates on water supply, as well as any water conservation or rationing measures that may become necessary as the El Niño event continues.

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CRUCIAL ROUND

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Puaikura FC and Drehu Athletico Club clash in must-win encounter as Group A remains finely balanced ahead of final round matches in Honiara

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

OFC competition standings and fixtures released in Honiara confirm a crucial round of matches in the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 this weekend, with Group B action taking centre stage this evening at the National Stadium.

According to the official Group A and Group B tables and fixtures, defending momentum remains firmly with Auckland United FC, who have already secured a perfect start with two wins from two matches and an outstanding goal tally of 18 scored and just one conceded. They sit top of Group B on six points and are virtually assured of a semi-final berth.

The focus now shifts to the battle for the remaining qualification spot in Group B when Drehu Athletico Club meets Puaikura FC on this evening at 7:00pm at the National Stadium in Honiara.

Both sides are still searching for their first points of the campaign, with Drehu having conceded 11 goals in their opening match against Auckland United, while Puaikura also fell 7–0 to the same opponent.

The Friday night encounter is expected to determine who stays in contention for a semi-final place as the group stage nears its conclusion.

In Group A, the standings remain tightly contested at the top, with both Tafea Women FC and Hekari Women FC level on four points each after two matches. Tafea lead on goal difference (+6), closely followed by Hekari (+2), while Ba Women FC sit just a point behind on three.

At the bottom of the table, hosts Henderson Eels FC are yet to register a point, having conceded 12 goals in two matches, and are already out of semi-final contention.

The Group A teams will complete their round-robin fixtures on Saturday, where final semi-finalists will be confirmed. However, attention among fans in Honiara will first turn to Friday night’s Group B clash, which could shape the knockout stage picture.

The tournament continues to showcase high-scoring encounters and growing competition across the region, with Auckland United setting the pace and the remaining sides now battling for survival and progression into the semi-finals set for July 7 at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek

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Telekom joins fundraising drive as companies rally behind Commonwealth Games team

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BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Corporate support for Team Solomon’s campaign to the 2026 Commonwealth Games continues to gather momentum, with more businesses stepping forward to back the National Olympic Fundraising Committee’s (NOFC) fundraising drive.

The National Olympic Fundraising Committee and the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) have acknowledged a growing list of corporate partners supporting Team Solomon through cash sponsorships, in-kind assistance and corporate table purchases ahead of this weekend’s fundraising dinner and live music show.

Leading the sponsorship drive is Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company Ltd (SISCC), which has signed on as the event’s Gold Sponsor. Solbrew Company Ltd is supporting the campaign as Silver Sponsor, while SolRice Company Ltd as Bronze Sponsor.

In a further boost, Our Telekom has also provided an in-kind sponsorship, contributing promotional merchandise and event support to assist with the fundraising programme.

National Olympic Fundraising Committee chairman Michael Chan said the committee is grateful for the growing corporate backing.

“We sincerely thank Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company Ltd for coming on board as a Gold Sponsor of Team Solomon. This generous partnership will make a meaningful contribution to our athletes’ preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

“The support of SISCC highlights the important role our corporate sector plays in helping our athletes pursue excellence while proudly representing Solomon Islands,” Chan said.

Chan also acknowledged Our Telekom’s additional in-kind contribution.

“We sincerely thank Our Telekom for standing with Team Solomon. Your generous in-kind support strengthens our fundraising efforts and reflects your commitment to helping our athletes proudly represent Solomon Islands on the international stage,” he said.

The committee also thanks SolRice Company Ltd for supporting Team Solomon as a Bronze Sponsor.

“We are truly grateful to SolRice Company Ltd for standing with our athletes. This generous support will directly assist Team Solomon in its preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” Chan said.

Beyond sponsorships, companies are also showing their support by purchasing corporate tables for Saturday night’s fundraising dinner.

Lamana Development Limited, Tongs Company Limited, Our Telekom and SolRice Company Ltd have each purchased one corporate table, further boosting the fundraising drive and demonstrating their commitment to Team Solomon’s journey to the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The Corporate Dinner and Live Show will be held this Saturday at Cowboys Grill Bar and Restaurant, featuring regional artists Justin Wellington and Demas Saul alongside local performers.

Organisers expect the event to play a key role in raising funds to support Solomon Islands athletes heading to the Commonwealth Games.

Meanwhile, NOCSI representative Simon Chottu said during Monday’s media briefing said  the fundraising committee is continuing discussions with potential partners, with a Platinum Sponsor still being sought to further strengthen Team Solomon’s preparations.

Organisers remain optimistic that additional sponsors and corporate partners will join the fundraising campaign further strengthening Team Solomon’s preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The National Olympic Fundraising Committee was established by NOCSI to coordinate fundraising initiatives in support of Solomon Islands athletes competing at major international events.

Its current campaign is focused on helping Team Solomon prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, with funds raised to go towards athletes’ travel, preparation and participation.

Photo: Supplied

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Parliament moves to strengthen ethics for Press Corps

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BY NED GAGAHE

The National Parliament held a two-day consultation that aims to strengthen professionalism, ethical journalism and accountability among journalists reporting from Parliament.

Held under the theme “Solomon Islands Parliamentary Press Corps: Code of Ethics,” the consultation brings together media representatives and parliamentary officials to discuss the establishment of a comprehensive framework to guide parliamentary reporting.

The opening day focused on the proposed Code of Ethics for the Parliamentary Press Corps, with participants examining its scope, application and the ethical responsibilities of journalists covering parliamentary proceedings.

Participants attending the consultation yesterday. Photo by Ned Gagahe

Speaking at the opening, Clerk to Parliament Jefferson Hallu highlighted the important role the media plays in strengthening democracy, promoting transparency and ensuring the public remains informed about parliamentary affairs.

Clerk to Parliament Jefferson Hallu making his opening remarks. Photo by Ned Gagahe

Manager of the Parliament Communications and Media Unit, Duane Baiabe, said the consultation is an important step towards developing a clear and professional framework that will guide media coverage within Parliament while maintaining high standards of journalism.

Manager of the Parliament Communications and Media Unit, Duane Baiabe leading the consultation. Photo by Ned Gagahe

Discussions during the consultation yesterday covered the scope and application of the Code of Ethics, ethical journalism standards, rules governing parliamentary reporting, and media practices relating to photography, filming, media conferences and professional responsibilities.

Participants also took part in an open forum where journalists and parliamentary officials shared views, raised concerns and provided recommendations to improve the draft Code of Ethics.

Director of the Committee Secretariat, Mr Wilson Orisi, making a point during the consultation. Photo by Ned Gagahe

President of the Media Association of the Solomon Islands (MASI), Ofani Eremae, described the initiative as timely and long overdue.

MASI President, Ofani Eremae making his brief remarks. Photo by Ned Gagahe

He said the Parliamentary Media Initiative, developed through collaboration between Parliament and MASI, aligns with the association’s broader efforts to strengthen professionalism, accountability and cooperation between the country’s media and Parliament.

The consultation also encouraged contributions from parliamentary Heads of Departments and staff, with discussions focusing on improving communication and information-sharing within the parliamentary environment.

The second and final day of the consultation, today will focus on developing and reviewing the Parliamentary Press Corps Policy, which will complement the proposed Code of Ethics and provide operational guidelines for accredited parliamentary journalists.

The National Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to support a free, professional and ethical media environment that serves the interests of the people of Solomon Islands.

The consultation is being supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

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Harbours to manage new digital shipping platform

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BY TONY IROGA

Ports’ Harbours Department will take the lead in managing and monitoring Solomon Islands’ new digital shipping schedule and booking platform through the Shipping Schedule Hub (SSH).

Speaking during the launch of the new Shipping Schedule Hub application at the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) conference room in Honiara earlier this week, Harbour Supervisor Toni Levi said the department will oversee the day-to-day operation of the platform to ensure shipping information remains accurate, reliable and up to date.

“The overall operation of the Shipping Schedule Hub will be managed by our Harbours Department team.

“We will oversee vessel bookings, monitor arrivals and departures, and ensure the shipping schedule is updated in real time,” he said.

He said the department’s core responsibilities include maintaining maritime safety, coordinating vessel movements and providing navigational support within port waters.

He said the new digital platform will enhance those responsibilities by enabling officers to process vessel bookings, track estimated and actual arrival and departure times, and update schedule changes instantly.

“If there is a delay or any change to a vessel’s schedule, we will update the system immediately so everyone has access to the latest information,” he said.

He added that the Harbours Department will also verify booking details, approve requests and communicate directly with shipping operators through the platform.

“Once a booking has been processed and approved, a confirmation will be sent to the shipping operator. We will continue monitoring every vessel’s movement and update the system with its actual arrival and departure times,” he said.

He said the Shipping Schedule Hub has been developed to strengthen coordination between shipping operators, the Harbours Department and passengers by providing timely, reliable and transparent information.

He said the digital platform is expected to streamline booking procedures, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the monitoring and management of domestic shipping services throughout Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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Australia’s PM to grace Solomons’ 48th anniversary celebrations

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to visit and celebrate Solomon Islands 48th independence anniversary.

This is part of PM Albanese’s three-day visit to the Pacific from July 5-7 where he will first visit Fiji before heading over to meet his counterpart, Prime Minister Matthew Wale in Honiara on July 7.

PM Wale will be leading the nation in celebrating its 48th independence anniversary on July 7.

The PM Press Secretariat confirmed this to Island Sun yesterday. The Australian high commission could not comment when sought yesterday.

During his visit to Australia from May 31 to June 6, PM Wale met with PM Albanese on June 3 at the Parliament House in Canberra, where the two leaders held bilateral talks, the highlight of which was securing a new bilateral comprehensive treaty on security and economic growth.

Wale officially welcomed Albanese’s intent to visit the Solomon Islands after Albanese expressed his formal intent to visit Honiara in the near future.

PM Wale warmly welcomed the upcoming visit, noting that a direct leader-level trip to Honiara will serve as a crucial step towards further cementing the newly elevated partnership and comprehensive treaty negotiations between the two nations.

Australia being Wale’s first country to visit in his inaugural international engagement signalled a positive direction in the two countries’ relations, with PM Wale describing it as a necessary ‘reset’ to repair a relationship that had fallen into a state of distrust over the past few years.

July 7 will be PM Wale’s first anniversary celebrations as Solomon Islands’ prime minister.

Photo credit: SIG

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Thanksgiving service for 48th independence anniversary

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BY JOSES SAREN

Government will hold a National Thanksgiving Church Service this Sunday, July 5, at St Barnabas Cathedral ahead of the country’s 48th independence anniversary.

This years’ service carries the theme “Our Nation, Our Responsibility and Accountability – Building a GREAT Solomon Islands”, marking 48 years since Solomon Islands gained independence from Britain on July 7, 1978. Members of the public are welcome to attend, with arrivals beginning from 2:15pm ahead of dignitaries and Members of Parliament.

Church leaders involved in the service say this year’s theme carries a message that extends beyond marking the anniversary.

Reverend Wilfred Kekea, Dean of St. Barnabas Cathedral, said the Christian body as a church has a role in the nation’s independence commemorations because it exists for the same people the country serves.

“The church is part of the country, and just as Independence Day is a national day for the people, the church is also for the people. This symbolises that as a country, we put God first before everything,” Kekea said.

Rev Bishop Eric Maefonea, who will deliver this year’s sermon, echoed that theme of national purpose, saying the service is a call to unity as much as a commemoration.

“This celebration is not only a commemoration of our history on God’s faithfulness but also a call to unity, renewal, and commitment to building a stronger Solomon Islands. May it inspire our leaders and communities to uphold the values of peace, respect, and shared responsibility as we journey into the future,” Maefonea said.

Lionel Dau, general secretary of the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA), said the program is organised by the 48th Independence Anniversary Organising Committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with SICA represented on the committee.

Dau said this year’s theme reflects language consistent with the Government’s GREAT Coalition policy direction.

Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale will follow the sermon with a 15-minute reflection on the nation’s journey since independence.

Governor-General His Excellency Sir David Tiva Kapu, GCMG, Speaker of the National Parliament Patteson John Oti, Chief Justice Sir Albert Rocky Palmer, CBE, and Mayor Edward Siapu are among the dignitaries expected to attend, alongside Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and members of the public.

The service runs from 3:05pm to 5:00pm and will include hymns, intercessory prayer for the nation, performances from local church women’s ministries, and the national anthem led by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force band. Mr. George Herming and Mrs. Moddie Nanau will serve as Masters of Ceremony.

The service will be broadcasted live on SIBC Radio and streamed online for those unable to attend in person.

The thanksgiving service has become a regular fixture ahead of Independence Day in recent years, with a similar service held ahead of the 45th anniversary in 2023, also at St Barnabas Cathedral.

Independence Day falls on Tuesday, July 7.

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Strong wind warning current for SI waters

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A strong wind warning remains current for all Solomon Islands waters according to the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS).

SIMS issued Strong Wind Warning Number 55 at 4:00pm yesterday, saying the warning is due to a trough lying just north of the Solomon Islands while a general southeasterly wind flow persists over the country.

The weather office said southeasterly winds of 20 to 25 knots are expected over most Solomon Islands waters, with gusts reaching up to 30 knots.

SIMS said seas will be moderate to rough, with southeasterly swells of 2.5 to 3.0 metres, while showers and thunderstorms are expected to reduce visibility in some areas.

SIMS also issued an Orange Alert in relation to the strong wind warning. An Orange Alert means hazardous weather conditions are expected and people should be prepared to take action to protect lives and property.

The meteorological service urges people to take precautionary measures, warning that the strong winds have the potential to impact lives and property.

Sea travellers, particularly operators of small boats, have been advised to exercise extreme caution as the winds and rough seas could produce dangerous wave conditions.

The weather office further urges the public to share the warning with people living with disabilities to ensure everyone is aware of the hazardous conditions.

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Fuel prices drop as July rates take effect

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Consumers in Honiara will pay significantly less for diesel and kerosene starting Wednesday this week following the release of the latest wholesale and retail fuel prices effective July 1st, 2026.

However, the price of petrol has increased slightly compared to the rates that took effect on June 1st 2026.

According to the South Pacific Oil Limited (SPOL) new fuel price notice, the wholesale bulk price of petrol has increased marginally from SBD10.4396 per litre in June to SBD10.4891 per litre in July.

With these new rates, the wholesale price of diesel has dropped sharply from SBD14.5770 per litre to SBD12.1691 per litre, while kerosene has fallen from SBD14.5269 per litre to SBD11.6506 per litre.

The revised wholesale prices have also resulted in lower retail prices at service stations across Honiara. Unleaded petrol will now retail at SBD11.2391 per litre, a slight increase from SBD11.1896 per litre last month.

Meanwhile, diesel has fallen significantly from SBD15.3270 to SBD12.9191 per litre, while kerosene has dropped from SBD17.4322 to SBD13.9808 per litre.

The notice also revises the cost of 200-litre drum refills. A full drum of petrol, including GST, now costs SBD2,147.82, while diesel costs SBD2,483.82 and kerosene SBD2,380.13.

When the SBD800 drum charge is included, the total purchase price rises to SBD2,897.82 for petrol, SBD3,233.82 for diesel and SBD3,130.13 for kerosene.

The notice further states that an empty drum is charged at SBD800, with a SBD750 credit available when the drum is returned in good condition.

The latest price adjustments represent a substantial reduction in the cost of diesel and kerosene for motorists, businesses and households, while petrol users will see only a slight increase under the July pricing schedule.

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Rennell and Bellona residents reminded of El Niño period

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Rennell and Bellona Acting Premier Collin Tesuatai urges people in the province to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as the current El Niño conditions continue to affect the country.

Speaking to the Island Sun, Mr Tesuatai said one of the biggest challenges likely to face Rennell and Bellona is the ongoing El Niño, which is expected to have significant impacts on the province.

He said the Rennell and Bellona provincial Government is working closely with the Rennell and Bellona stakeholders to prepare for the prolonged dry season, which could adversely affect agriculture, water supplies and other key sectors.

“One of the biggest challenges for our province is the current El Niño. The Government is working together with the provincial authorities to address the impacts of the dry season, which could affect agriculture and other sectors,” Mr Tesuatai said.

He said that the provincial authorities are also collaborating with relevant stakeholders to monitor the situation and strengthen preparedness measures.

“Currently, I am working with the provincial stakeholders in relation to the current weather conditions so that we are prepared for any impacts,” he said.

Mr Tesuatai said while El Niño is expected to affect the entire country, smaller provinces such as Rennell and Bellona are particularly vulnerable because of their limited resources and geographic isolation.

“Although the smaller provinces are among the most vulnerable, the larger provinces will also experience the impacts of El Niño,” he said.

He calls on residents to take every necessary precaution to minimise the effects of the prolonged dry conditions and ensure their daily activities are not seriously disrupted.

Mr Tesuatai also said the provincial government is strengthening its coordination with the National Disaster Council (NDC) and relevant government ministries to ensure timely information sharing and effective response measures.

“We want our provincial government to be well connected with the National Disaster Council and the responsible ministries so that our people have a clear understanding of the current El Niño situation and the measures that are being taken,” he said.

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