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Construction work of new agriculture building underway in Auki

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Construction work on the new Agriculture office building in Auki, Malaita Province is underway.

JQY is the contractor and has now reached the profiling phase after clearing and flattening the area since January.

According to a media report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), the project is funded under a partnership between MAL and the World Bank through the Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project.

Once complete, this office will be a significant milestone achievement for MAL in continuing its efforts to strengthen its presence and service delivery in the province.

MAL Permanent Secretary, Dr Samson Viulu said MAL is focusing on ensuring that agriculture becomes attractive to young people at all levels of society.

“It has become obvious that our young people are going overseas to work in the agricultural sector in other countries, and that is why we want to make the agriculture sector in the Solomon Islands attractive for our people.

“We must also realise that agriculture is not only the backbone of the country but also the economic backbone of the Solomon Islands,” he said.

Photo: SIART

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CCECC begins construction work in Auki CBD

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has begun construction work along the main road branches in Auki town, Malaita Province, this week. 

A notice issued by CCECC said that the construction work will proceed along the main branch roads, including in front of premises and offices. 

CCECC said that the construction work is part of the Auki roads project, and they apologise to business houses, SOEs and residents of Auki for any inconvenience and disturbance it may cause. 

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and disturbance caused during this period. We understand the importance of your daily business and office operations, and we are committed to minimizing the disruption whenever possible,” the CCECC said.

In the meantime, the CCECC looks forward to working closely with businesses, SOEs, and residents to ensure the project progresses well.

“CCECC looks forward to working closely with you. We also welcome your views, feedback, and deliberations to ensure that the project progresses smoothly while respecting the needs of the community,” the statement said.

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Concept design for Bina Harbour project completes

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The concept design covering planning and technical work for the much-talked-about Bina Harbour project is now complete.

Following this, actual physical work can begin at the site.

This is according to West Kwaio MP Claudius Tei’ifi’s advisor, Walter Maesugea, when answering questions requesting updated information about the Bina Harbour project development during a sub-committee meeting on Monday this week.

Maesugea said that 30 percent of the concept design for the Bina Harbour project, which includes the planning phase and technical work, features how the project will be implemented without any issues.

He said the total estimated amount for the establishment of the Bina Harbour project is around USD203 million, which is equivalent to SBD 1.6 billion.

“Many of us will have questions to ask about when the actual Bina Harbour project development will start, and when the implementation will begin on the ground. But without knowing that it has actually started,

“In fact, it has already started, and that is with the planning phase and technical work that is required before the actual work on site,” he said. 

MP Tei’ifi assured that if the design work and other requirements for the project hadn’t started and the first budgeted amount of 30 million for the project had not been allocated, he might have withdrawn from the GNUT long ago. 

He said that because the GNUT government prioritizes the Bina Harbour project and marks it as one of the major flagship policy priority projects of the GNUT, he chooses to stay with the GNUT.

“I assure you that I was behind this project, which is progressing with concept design, and the government has budgeted the first 30 million SDB for the project.

“Also, 1.5 million has been given to trustees in preparation for themselves while waiting for this project,” he said.

He mentioned that he will advocate for more benefits for the trustees.

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MID undertakes relief work on Honiara’s road network

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has announced a series of relief works across several road networks in Honiara.

These efforts aim to maintain road conditions and address ongoing congestion issues within the city.

The relief work is also a response to infrastructure damage caused by the current adverse weather, affecting both Honiara and surrounding areas.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Deputy Secretary Technical of MID, Mike Qaqara, outlined the ongoing and upcoming relief projects.

He confirmed that the ministry is actively addressing the situation at Kohi Bridge, where a team has already been mobilised.

The team is working with procurement staff to secure a contractor for immediate repairs.

For the Honiara road network, Qaqara highlighted relief efforts along Hibiscus Avenue, specifically from the Town Ground roundabout to the Point Cruz Hot Bread Kitchen.

He mentioned that the permanent repairs for this stretch of road will be funded by DFAT under the National Transport Fund (NTF) and that the ministry is currently finalizing tenders for this project.

Qaqara explained that the current relief work on Hibiscus Avenue is designed to improve traffic flow in the short term, as MID is also managing other ongoing projects through the Land and Maritime Cooperation Project (LMCP), including work along the main road.

Additionally, the ministry is mobilizing local contractors to carry out grading work on the road segment from the Honiara City Council to Point Cruz Hot Bread Kitchen. This effort aims to ensure the road remains passable and help prevent congestion.

He emphasized that the relief work will continue until the LMCP project that now reaches Commonwealth Street to HCC roundabout is completed.

The Deputy Secretary also noted that the ministry is working on securing a contractor for relief work on the Mbokonavera Road and is prioritizing the Vura Road network.

Relief work on the Vura Road is already underway, and permanent repairs will be carried out by CAUSE, starting from the Vura roundabout to the Naha Birthing Centre and extending to the Police Station.

Qaqara further outlined plans for improvements on several feeder roads in Honiara, both sealed and unsealed.

The roads have been categorized into three zones; West, Central, and East Honiara, to help streamline monitoring and management of road works. Each zone has different traffic loads, and the ministry is focusing on specific roads within these areas.

In West Honiara, there are four unsealed and two sealed roads. The same applies to East and Central Honiara.

While some contracts for 2025 are in place for these roads, Qaqara mentioned that the allocated quantities for most roads have already been used up.

Still in Honiara, he also pointed out that the Lekapoli Road, which stretches from ITA to Chief’s House and down to the HCC, is being funded by DFAT through the National Transport Fund.

Additionally, ongoing projects include the Chinatown drainage, where a contractor is actively working, and the Kolale junction, which is part of the same contract. Another project, the Tasahe feeder road, is nearing the awarding stage.

These projects are part of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s efforts to improve Honiara’s road network and provide relief for commuters.

Photo: Supplied

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RSIPF acknowledge and farewells six CPLT members

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) recently held a ceremony to farewell six China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) members at Rove police headquarters.

RSIPF in a statement said the occasion was attended by members of the RSIPF Executive and CPLT.

RSIPF Acting Commissioner, Mathias Lenialu acknowledged the six CPLT members for their profound impact on RSIPF’s capacity development.

He also congratulated them for the outstanding job they have done during their deployment in the country.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to CPLT Commissioner and your team for your outstanding work and dedication shown through the numerous different projects that have led to the continued development and cooperation between our two countries,” Lenialu said.

CPLT Commissioner, Liu Shenghuang in his remarks at the farewell ceremony, expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the RSIPF for their unwavering support of the team’s work.

He also shed light on key achievements of the six outgoing CPLT members, a major one being the establishment of the first RSIPF SWAT Team, which is currently participating in the international SWAT Challenge in Dubai.

“The six CPLT also played a pivotal role in assisting RSIPF with combating new-emerging crimes, like cybercrime, establishing the first drug testing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), strengthening community policing strategies, and providing livelihood and Crime Prevention Committees (CPC) training,” he said.

Commissioner Liu said the CPLT is also expanding cooperation to Honiara City Council (HCC) Law Enforcement Agency and universities.

RSIPF said these milestones signify a new level of collaboration and enduring friendship.

Commissioner Liu said as the Chinese New Year approaches, the Year of the Horse, symbolizing energy, speed, prosperity, and fortune, the CPLT wishes everyone a happy New Year, with hopes of racing ahead like the horse and reaching new heights of success.

Meanwhile, spokesperson for the outgoing six CPLT members, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Yang Jian, said they have no doubt RSIPF will continue to thrive.

“As we move forward, we have no doubt that the RSIPF will continue to thrive and evolve, building upon the strong foundation we have helped to establish together.

“We are confident that the future of law enforcement in the Solomon Islands is bright, and we wish all of you the very best as you continue to serve and protect this beautiful country,” he said.

To recognise their hard work and outstanding service, RSIPF awarded the six CPLT members with medals.

“The medals were presented as part of the farewell ceremony, symbolizing their dedication and the lasting impact of their contributions to policing in the Solomon Islands,” said RSIPF.

Photo: RSIPF

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MID prepares to implement building code act

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Minister for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Ricky Fuo’o has announced that the ministry will begin implementing the Building Code Act 2025 by the end of this year.

This follows the passing of the Act last year.

In preparation for its enactment, the ministry is in the process of setting up a board to oversee its implementation.

Fuo’o shared these details during a press conference held by the ministry on Tuesday.

“As you are aware, the Building Code was passed and enacted last year. Now, we are finalising the board members to oversee its execution,” Fuo’o said.

The minister also noted that the ministry is receiving technical support from DFAT, with a technical advisor being assigned to assist with the implementation of the Building Code.

“We are making good progress, and we hope to begin the implementation of the Building Code Act by the end of this year,” he said.

As part of the implementation process, the ministry will start inspecting buildings, issuing notices, and taking other necessary actions to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Photo: MID

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HCC clarifies high school students’ enrolment in schools

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Honiara City Council (HCC) Education Provider (EP) has clarified concerns surrounding the high number of student enrolments in its schools, following public complaints about overcrowded classrooms, limited resources and allegations of financial misconduct.

Concerns have been raised that the increasing enrolment numbers are deliberate and financially motivated.

However, HCC has strongly refuted those claims, saying that the situation is driven by the new education act and growing urban migration rather than financial gain.

In an interview with Island Sun, HCC City Clerk, Justus Denni said overcrowding is not something the council encourages.

“We do not want to overcrowd our schools because we are mindful of the limited resources and facilities available.

“However, when parents and students come to us seeking space in Honiara City schools, we cannot simply turn them away. Every child has the right to access education,” Mr Denni said.

Denni explained that access to education is a key pillar of the Education Act, which obligates education providers to ensure that no child is denied schooling.

“While we are aware of the challenges that come with high enrolment, we must uphold the principle that education is a right. Many of these students travel from the provinces to Honiara in search of better opportunities. As an education provider, we have a responsibility to accommodate them,” he said.

HCC Chief Education Officer (CEO) Ellison Mane said enrolment numbers are determined by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), through its National Education Assessment Division.

“The allocation of student numbers is handled by MEHRD. HCC does not control those figures. Our role is to assess our facilities and resources and work with the Ministry to find solutions that ensure students continue to access education despite capacity challenges,” he said.

HCC Principal Education Officer Luke Maefiti said rapid urbanisation is a major contributing factor to overcrowding in city schools.

“Honiara hosts people from all provinces of Solomon Islands. As a result, our schools inevitably face pressure from increasing enrolment. MEHRD’s policy is clear no child should be left behind. Every citizen has the right to education,” Mr Maefiti said.

Maefiti added that enrolment pressures on HCC schools would ease if development and education opportunities were strengthened in the provinces.

“If provincial and mission schools strictly limit their enrolments, the burden shifts to HCC schools to absorb those students,” he said.

The HCC officials said that while overcrowding remains a challenge, their priority is ensuring equal access to education for all children, in line with national policy and the Education Act.

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MID targets free school bus service by 2028

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) is working on a proposal to provide free school bus services for students in Honiara by 2028.

MID Minister, Ricky Fuo’o shared this goal during a press conference on Tuesday, describing the initiative as part of the ministry’s broader support for the citizens of the Solomon Islands.

Fuo’o said recently the ministry donated four school buses to Honiara City Council (HCC).

He noted that this donation marks the beginning of a long-term plan that aims to provide free bus services for students in Honiara.

Fuo’o said MID does not have the mandate to charge fares, make a profit, or operate transport services and that’s why they partnered with HCC.

He said an agreement has been signed with HCC to operate the bus service for students. For now, students will pay a fare of $2 per trip while the interim arrangements are in place.

Fuo’o added that the ministry will closely monitor how HCC implements the service to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement. He stressed that if HCC overcharges students, there will be consequences.

Looking ahead, Fuo’o said the ministry’s plan involves HCC managing the bus service while MID assesses the operational costs and determines how many buses are needed to meet student demand.

He said as part of the ministry’s plan, they hope by 2028, they will incorporated plan into the recurrent budget.

Fuo’o said it is one of the ministry’s targets, and they are confident to meet this goal. By 2028, the ministry aims to provide free school bus services for our students.

Additionally, the minister highlighted a collaboration between MID and the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Programme (SIIP) under DFAT to support people with special needs with similar assistance.

“Work is ongoing, and our Director for Transport is overseeing the procurement of this bus, which we hope to deliver by the second quarter of this year,” Fuo’o said.

He emphasised that this plan is part of a comprehensive approach to support both students and individuals with special needs, a key priority for the ministry in fulfilling its mandate to serve the people of the Solomon Islands.

Photo: MID

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MID secures grants from ADB for design of major road projects

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has secured grants from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support the design phase of two major road infrastructure projects in Honiara and Guadalcanal Province.

The grants are part of the Project Readiness Financing programme, and will be used to review the design of the White River to Lambi Road, as well as to design an alternative feeder road using the existing road network from Lunga to White River.

Deputy Secretary Technical of MID, Mike Qaqara made this announcement during a press conference on Tuesday. He confirmed that work on the first grant is already underway.

He said of the two secured two grants from ADB under the Project Readiness Financing programme, the first grant focuses on reviewing the design work previously done by another consultant for the White River to Lambi Road project.

Once the design review is complete, the ministry will move forward with procuring contractors to implement the infrastructure work.

The second grant, which became effective on February 4, will fund the recruitment of a design consultant for an alternative feeder road in Honiara. This new road will utilize the existing road network to connect Lunga to White River.

Qaqara emphasised that the goal of the project is to alleviate congestion in Honiara by providing an alternative route.

Once a consultant is secured, work on the design will begin. The ministry aims to complete the necessary designs by 2028, with hopes to begin implementation shortly thereafter.

Minister for Infrastructure Development, Ricky Fuo’o also confirmed the receipt of the grants and expressed his support for the two projects.

He added that once the design work is completed, the ministry will seek additional funding for the construction phase of these crucial road initiatives.

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SINU boarding, meal applications open

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has confirmed that student boarding for Semester 1, 2026, will commence on Sunday, March 1, at both the Kukum and Panatina campuses.

SINU in a recent statement issued said the university’s kitchen will also open on the same day to serve dinner and will continue operating throughout the semester to provide meals for students.

The statement further said that applications for boarding and meal services opened on Monday, 3 February 2026, and students are urged to submit their applications as early as possible to secure accommodation and meal access.

“To complete the application process, students must provide several documents, including two passport-sized photographs, enrolment confirmation, and for SIG-sponsored students, an award letter. Privately sponsored students must submit a sponsor letter,” the statement said.

The university further adds that timely submission of these documents is crucial to ensure smooth processing and to avoid delays.

SINU in the meantime encourages students to visit the Business Investment & Commercial Services (BICS) Office for guidance or contact the university on 42691 for further information.

The university reiterates the importance of early application to avoid last-minute challenges and to ensure students have access to accommodation and meals from the start of the semester.

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