By Tanny.E.Vahi.

THE Live & Learn and the water authority will be celebrating the World Water Day today at the ITA Hardware area.

The World Water Day is about focusing attention on the importance of water with the theme, ‘Nature for Water’, explores nature-based solutions (NBS) to the water challenges we face in this century.

The campaign is called ‘The answer is in nature’ and raises awareness of NBS.

The central message is that NBS, such as planting trees to replenish forests, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, and restoring wetlands, is a sustainable and cost-effective way to help rebalance the water cycle, mitigate the effects of climate change and improve human health and livelihoods.

By using NBS to help meet the water needs of a growing population, we will contribute to the creation of a circular economy, at the same time as helping to protect the natural environment and reduce pollution – both key targets in Sustainable Development, which commits the world to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

The global demand for water has been increasing at a high rate per year over the past decades as a function of population growth, economic development and changing consumption patterns, among other factors, and it will continue to grow significantly over the foreseeable future.

Industrial and domestic demand for water will increase much faster than agricultural demand, although agriculture will remain the largest user overall.

The vast majority of the growth in demand for water will occur in countries with developing or emerging economies.

At the same time, the global water cycle is intensifying due to climate change, with wetter regions generally becoming wetter and drier regions becoming even drier.

The United Nations World Water Development Report, Nature-based Solutions for Water, launched March 19, 2018 during the 8th World Water Forum, and in conjunction to the World Water Day, demonstrates how nature‐based solutions (NBS) offer a vital means of moving beyond business as usual to address many of the world’s water challenges while simultaneously delivering additional benefits vital to all aspects of sustainable development.

NBS use natural processes to enhance water availability, groundwater recharge, improve water quality, riparian buffer strips, and reduce risks associated with water‐related disasters and climate change.

Currently, water management remains heavily dominated by traditional, human‐built infrastructure and the enormous potential for NBS remains under‐utilised.

NBS include green infrastructure that can substitute, augment or work in parallel with grey infrastructure in a cost‐effective manner.

The goal is to find the most appropriate blend of green and grey investments to maximise benefits and system efficiency while minimising costs and trade‐offs.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

GHOMBUA Community High School in East Guadalcanal are pleased receive a $508,022.32 from the Embassy of Japan to Solomon Islands in aid of the project to build its classrooms.

The Grassroots and Human Security Project grant contract signing was done between the Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands Mr Kinichi Kimiya and Head teacher of Tenakoga Primary school Mr Noel Saghapoa at the Embassy of Japan office 4th floor, Tongs building Point Cruz in Honiara.

Speaking during the signing yesterday, Mr Kimiya said supporting basic education through has been a priority of the grassroots and human security scheme in Solomon Islands though the construction of school facilities such as classrooms for students.

“I would like to congratulate you [Ghombua Community High School] on this official approval and wish to see the successful completion of your project together in the near future resulting in composing cordial relationship between Japan and Solomon Islands,” he said.

Representative of the school thanked the people and government of Japan for the assistance, which is described as historic for the community – the first of its kind.

“We are prepared to carry out the full task of building the classroom and to complete within the time frame given not merely because the project requirements but it is our urgent need to ensure our high school starts next year 2019.

“Therefore we would like to give a very big thank you to your [Embassy of Japan to Solomon Islands] office and the government of Japan for making our dreams come through,” he said.

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

A two-week training for catechists within Malaita’s central region has ended successfully yesterday at Dala north community in west Kwara’ae.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, central region mission secretary (RMS) Mr Matthias Basale said more than 100 catechists serving in the central region under the Anglican diocese of Malaita attended the training known as block-two courses.

“Catechists from Buma parish in west Kwara’ae to Sisifiu parish in West Fataleka were attending the two weeks of training at Dala.

“The catechists were also completed block 1 courses last September at Sisifiu and they are preparing to undergo block three by September this year.”

The courses include, leader and his prayer life, leader and his caring and healing ministry, leader and teaching ministry, making disciples through the cell groups level 2, biblical preaching Lagham approach level 2, biblical stewardship level 2, mindset transformation and leadership level 2 and good governance leadership level 2.

Basale thanked the diocesan staffs and the diocesan Bishop, Sam Sahu, for facilitating the training.

Secretary of the Anglican diocese of Malaita, Anthony Maelasi highlighted that the central region is the first to undergo both blocks 1 and 2 training.

He said the courses train the catechists on their roles and responsibilities in their communities.

Maelasi said, “You will carry out what you have learnt here and do the same work that the apostles have done in the early church ministry.

“You will be responsible to work and preach the word of God to all people you are serving and bring them God.

“You will face challenges but seek God first in all your missions and your pastoral care as a catechist in your communities, parishes, region and the diocese as a whole.”

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

SOLOMON Islands students of the Australia scholarship alumni celebrated their achievements on Tuesday this week.

The gathering at the Heritage Park Hotel brought together the Prime Minister and his office staff, Australia High Commissioner and alumni students.

The event also coincided with the launching of Professor Clive Moore’s book.

The event is celebrated under the theme “Leadership”.

Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela in his remarks said Solomon Islands over the years has benefitted much from the Australia Scholarship Awards scheme.

He said the scheme has enhanced long term development needs of Solomon Islands through opportunity to undertake studies, research and professional development in Australia and the Pacific.

PM Hou is also a member of the alumni, having been a scholarship recipient himself 27 years ago to undertake studies in Australia.

Hou encouraged the group that leadership is not only necessary in the government sector, but in all social institutions, spheres and levels of society.

“All of you sitting here tonight are a leader in your own right inclusive of your social standing, career path and place of residence,” Hou said.

“Therefore, granted that this is the case today in Solomon Islands, the question arises as to what kind of leadership then do we need for Solomon Islands today?

“For me the ideal national political leader for Solomon Islands in the twenty-first century is characterised by three essential qualities which are visionary, tactfulness and modesty, and I would summarise these qualities as ‘strategic leadership’.

“To me politics is all about negotiations, and this entails being sharp with your negotiations skills, but most importantly being prepared to compromise.

“So whether at the party Caucuses or in Cabinet or on the floor of Parliament, this principle remains.

“Whether in introducing a policy or a new legislation, it requires negotiation skills.

“In the case of Solomon Islands introducing new policy can be quite difficult to forge the necessary support.

“Upon my appointment as the Prime Minister I was advised that my primary role is to coordinate the line ministries and their functions.

“As young emerging leaders you will agree with me that Solomon Islands is calling for new national political leadership.

“Be the agent for change that is needed now, and be the solution that tomorrow needs. You cannot be the game changer by watching as a spectator. You cannot cause the necessary change by complaining from outside.”

Hou thanked the Government and people of Australia for their continued generosity in providing such an esteemed opportunity.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

SIX visiting individuals from the United States of America (USA) through the Plan International Programme in Solomon Islands are pleased to see the Solomon Islands Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) engaged in the recycling programme.

The visitors, three males and three females, are here for the YWCA recycling programme called the ‘Y’s Eyes’.

Speaking during a one-hour session with YWCA staffs, they expressed being impressed that some organisations in the country are paying attention to the importance of recycling in combatting a struggling environment.

General Secretary of SI YWCA Mrs Jocelyn Lai welcomed the visitors, saying that the country’s YWCA is pleased to receive them.

“I would say as far as I know this is the first cohort of foreigners who have interested and curios to know the ongoing recycling programme YWCA has in place.

“It is good to have this kind of activities practiced in our Ministries, organisations, societies and family because it did contribute to the positive impact of our environment,” said Lai.

POLICE at the Naha Police Station in East Honiara are investigating a stabbing incident at Green Valley on March 18, 2018 involving two females.

“It was alleged the suspect attacked the victim and stabbed her on her stomach and she sustained injuries. She was then transported to the National Referral Hospital for medical treatment,” says Provincial Police Commander, Honiara City, Chief superintendent Alfred Uiga.

“Investigations are currently underway and I call on both parties not to take the law in their own hands but let the Police do their job.

“I call on the suspect to surrender herself to Police and for any witnesses to the incident to come forward and assist police.”

Naha Police can be contacted on phone 39608 or 39647.

–POLICE MEDIA

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

ONE of the main activities of the Malaita Provincial Council of Women is home-care for victims of all forms of abuse in the province.

Vice President Ms Martha Rurai shares this with Island Sun yesterday as they are gearing to elect the council’s new executive today.

She said since the establishment of MPCW in 2014, providing “safe home” for victims has been one of the organisation’s priorities.

“As far as I know we provided care for victims of rape, child abuse, negligent of child and other forms of abuse.

“But most of the victims we dealt with are women and children who have been wounded of domestic violence.

“We liaise with the Family Support Centre in Honiara and together we provide areas like counseling and almost all care for the victim until recovery,” Rurai said.

She said the work is really challenging and women to deal with those sensitive issues.

“With the challenge we faced in the work our call is for all people in the province to have great care to their families and other people,” Rurai said.

She pointed out that people must try to understand their responsibility and work together to address issues relating to abuse and domestic violence in the community.

Rurai thanks the inter-denomination groups, donors, communities, families and individuals for their support towards the organisation.

She also acknowledged the police for recognising the role they play in executing their work, and the provincial government for support.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

ELDERLY people of Guadalcanal Plains do not have to worry about having to travel to a clinic anymore thanks to Sape Private Medical Clinic which is bringing the services to their doorsteps.

Director and owner, Dr Paulson Bosawai Popora of Sape village in North Guadalcanal stated that they provide high quality medical services and free community services for the much older group of people and those with special needs.

He stressed that they have taken up a specialty called “Geriatric Medicine” which focusses on the health care of elderly people.

On that note, Mr Popora explained that the medical centre aims to promote health by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in older adults.

“This includes visiting older and special needs to their homes to provide health care. The team understands that geriatric medicine is complex in its approach, but we would want to start making a difference for the lives of our older people who cannot physically be present to our clinic,” he said

Popora explained that the objectives of providing this service is to enrich their older people with high quality health and well-being, bring their quality health care practice to the doorsteps of the older adults and special needs, to create a medical practice that will exceed older patients expectations, to provide high quality health care to elderly adults around Guadalcanal Plains and Solomon Islands and lastly to create a wider health care for the older people as part of the clinic community service.

He furthers that the approach they taken in this service includes collecting names and locations of older adults, visiting communities once a month and hosting health talks followed by visits on Sundays.