BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Construction of the new air traffic control towers in Honiara and Munda international airports has officially commenced.
Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), this development marks another significant milestone under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).
The new towers will enhance aviation safety, operational efficiency, and air traffic management at two of the country’s key airports, a statement by SIRAP2 yesterday [Jan 29] said.
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) was awarded the design and build contract and mobilised at both project sites, according to SIRAP2.
The CCECC has completed and occupied the construction camp, with workers undertaking preparatory and site establishment works ahead of major construction activities at Honiara Airport, while foundation works are progressing steadily at Munda Airport.
Awareness activities were also conducted last week to inform Communities of the scope of work, construction schedule, safety considerations, and anticipated benefits.
Permanent Secretary of MCA, Alwyn Danitofea, welcomed the commencement of works.
“The construction of these new ATC towers is a critical step towards strengthening aviation safety and operational capacity at Honiara and Munda International Airports. These facilities will provide our air traffic controllers with modern, fit-for-purpose infrastructure that meets international aviation standards and supports the continued growth of air services in Solomon Islands. We appreciate the support of the World Bank through SIRAP2 and the cooperation of local communities during construction and continue to ensure that safety, environmental management, and community engagement remain key priorities throughout implementation,” he said.
SIRAP2 is delivering a wide range of critical transport investments across the country, including construction of Noro Roads, four new bridges in Malaita Province, upgrades of Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield in Temotu Province and Suavanao Airfield in Isabel Province, investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu provinces, ongoing maintenance of regional airports, rehabilitation of 21 kilometres of East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and sealing of 12 kilometres of North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.
These investments form part of the Government’s broader commitment to improve transport connectivity, enhance safety and climate resilience, and support economic growth and service delivery across Solomon Islands, SIRAP2 said.

By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Malaita Province has held its first meeting for the heads of division at the Malaita Provincial Chamber.
The meeting yesterday [Jan 29] was for the division heads to update and report on their quarterly work plans, strengths and weaknesses.
In an interview with the paper, a source within the youth division, Malaita Province, said it is an annual preparation for their budget planning for the new financial year of the province in March.
The source said that during the discussion, each division shares what their strengths and weaknesses are and what needs improving.
“Yes, the meeting is held specifically to look back at what needs to be improved and what has been achieved.
“It is also a time to look at the preparation of the annual budget planning for each quarter.”
The source said that the police and correctional, forestry, finance, lands, disaster and climate change, health, and environmental health divisions are yet to present theirs.
During the meeting yesterday they were also thinking of forming another division called the legal advice division.
The source said that the division will oversee the legal issues in the province, as it is facing many unsolved legal issues.
“We almost have 20 divisions. So now we are thinking of creating and forming another division to look after the legal issues in our province.
“We hope that this legal division will help tackle the huge legal issues in the province.”
The meeting started on Thursday, Jan 29 and continues today (Friday, Jan 30).

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Guadalcanal Province (GP) Premier William Atu has held talks with Gold Ridge Mine representatives following the burning of more than 30 heavy machines at the Gold Ridge mining site on the night of January 20 by frustrated protesters.
Mr Atu listened to all those who were affected in the first dialogue with representatives from the Gold Ridge area on the unfortunate situations, longstanding concerns, and the mining development in general.
The representatives expressed their concerns and sought the province’s support in addressing their ongoing plights, a statement by the Guadalcanal province this week said.
During the dialogue, Premier Atu acknowledged their willingness to accept the invitation to have talks with the Executive Government, describing their presence at the meeting speaking volume of their willingness to work with his government to resolve this ongoing matter.
He told the representatives that his government would address their issues through lawful procedures in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines, the Wanguo Gold Group company, and other stakeholders.
Premier Atu said that GP reaffirms its dedication to dialogue, partnership, and ensuring that the voices of its communities are heard and respected throughout this process.
“As your provincial government, we acknowledge and appreciate your willingness to engage in this dialogue so far. This shows your commitment to resolve these matters to restore law and order within your communities,” he said.
He said that it is unfortunate that what transpired on the night of January 20 should not have happened in the first place.
He adds that whatever happened at the Gold Ridge mining site cannot be undone, except that parties must work together to prevent any future problems.
Premier Atu said that the Executive Government is committed to ensuring that any grievances are addressed through amicable cooperation among all parties involved.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
A theft incident at the Inland1 site at Hiliki in North Malaita, Malaita Province, has resulted in a network service outage in North Malaita.
A statement issued on the Our Telekom official facebook page yesterday said network services in North Malaita and surrounding areas are experiencing an outage because of this.
The statement said a generator battery and six solar panels were stolen from the site.
The network outage is impacting connectivity across to other North Malaita sites, including Adaua, Malu’u, Fu’u, Ofatabu, Dala, Afufu and surrounding areas.
Our Telekom said that such acts of theft directly affect essential communication services that communities rely on to communicate with one another, including access to vital information and emergency communications.
The company said that their technical team are working to address the matter.
“Be assured that our technical team is actively working to restore services at the Inland1 link site at Hiliki, which will, in turn, restore network access to affected areas. We are treating this matter as a priority to minimise inconvenience to our customers.”
Further updates will be shared as restoration progresses, the statement said.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding,” Our Telekom said.

By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The national disaster office in Auki, Malaita Province, is yet to receive any report of major damage caused by the current strong winds and heavy rain.
Pearson Simi of the Malaita Provincial Disaster Office confirmed this to the paper yesterday afternoon.
Mr Simi said reports received so far only indicate minor damage to houses in the Lilisiana community, near Auki town.
“Until now, we have yet to receive any reports from people of any major damage and destruction caused by this bad weather.
“This is for the whole of Malaita Province.
“Except for just minor reports from the Lilisiana community, where their house roofs were blown off,” he said.
Meanwhile, Simi said the Auki disaster office, along with its stakeholders, is on alert to help and support any community that experiences major damages caused by this bad weather.
He also appeals to the communities in Malaita Province to report any significant damages.
“Yes, the office, along with our stakeholders, is ready and alert to respond to any major damages in our communities.
“So, I just appeal to any community whose homes or gardens have been damaged by this current bad weather to send us a report, and we will assist you and your community,” he said.