BY LORETTA B MANELE

The construction of the new Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) at Honiara and Munda International Airports is progressing well under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).

A statement from SIRAP2 yesterday said this project is funded under the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and the towers are being constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, with Egis Asia providing construction supervision.

SIRAP2 said a key milestone has been achieved at both sites with the successful transition from substructure to superstructure works.

Following backfilling, work has continued to the ground and first-floor levels with current activities including masonry block works, reinforcement detailing, and formwork installation for columns and shear walls.

“At Honiara (Lot 1), masonry block wall is being constructed on the ground floor, columns have been cast up to the structural slab. Preparations are ongoing for shear wall casting and reinforcement detailing on the first-floor beams and slabs.

“At Munda (Lot 2), works have advanced to the first-floor level, including reinforcement detailing for shear walls and column, alongside formwork installation for the parapet and stairway structure leading to the second floor,” the SIRAP2 statement said.

Meanwhile, close monitoring and coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) works are concurrently on the roll at both sites to ensure compliance with project specifications and quality standards.

SIRAP2 said the procurement of key building components such as doors and windows is also being finalised to support upcoming stages.

Alwyn Danitofea, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) highlighted the strategic importance of the towers.

“The construction of these new ATCT at Honiara and Munda International Airports will significantly enhance air traffic management, improve operational efficiency, and support safer aviation services for both domestic and international operations,” he said.

SIRAP2 said the contractor aims to accelerate progress in the coming months, focusing on reinforcement detailing, MEP installations, and casting of first-floor beams and slabs at both sites.

Also noted is that once completed, the towers will strengthen aviation safety, improve operational efficiency, and support the continued growth in the Solomon Islands aviation sector.

Photo credit: SIRAP2

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A team from YouSave and TrigaCash in Honiara is currently touring parts of Malaita Province this week to share significant talks and raise awareness about their climate risk insurance and financial inclusion initiative. 

The money-saving scheme aims to empower families and communities with accessible financial services, protection, and opportunities for a more resilient future. 

According to the team, they hosted the awareness event in Auki and the Lilisiana community earlier this week and have moved to North Malaita. 

“Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the discussion as we continue working together to build stronger and more climate-resilient communities across Malaita.

“TrigaCash is a climate-risk parametric insurance product that provides automatic payouts based on verified weather data, without the need for traditional claims processes.

“It can also help to protect farmers, fishers, and micro, small, and medium businesses from climate risk events such as heavy rainfall, drought, and strong winds,” the team said. 

Island Sun understands that the registration of any interested individuals for membership in the scheme is $50. 

The outreach was supported through a strong partnership between the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund, YouSave, Transpacific Assurance Limited, M-SELEN, and World Vision Solomon Islands.

Photo credit: YouSave online page

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A discussion was held with the rural root crop and vegetation market vendors and farmers in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, on Sunday, May 17. 

This session was part of the STODAS Project (Component 1 Activity), which is based on challenges validation and verification, and creating good market linkage opportunities. 

Deputy Director (Supervising) of the Department of Planning and Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Jules Damutalau, explained that through the activity, a report will be compiled for consideration. 

While one of the focuses during the activity was the avenues available in the provinces, Damutalau raised that one challenge is the process to link the market and the farmers.

“Now as we have seen, there are market opportunities, but the problem is that there is no linkage between the market and farmers.

“We have marketing opportunities, such as institutions, hospitals, and schools that need fresh crops and vegetation. However, because there is no link, this barrier becomes a challenge for us,” he said.

Damutalau said discussions have also been made with institutions like correctional services, hospitals, and schools.

He said there is a gap, and they will look for alternatives to establish a connection.

“I have discussed with the principal of Aligegeo PSS and Kilu’ufi Hospital, as well as Auki Correctional Services, and they have seen and understood,” he said.

He said that the Ministry will try to find alternatives to connect the link to at least help and support farmers and institutions.

Damutalau said connecting the market link between the institutions and farmers will give hope to the struggling farmers in the province.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The China Aid Auki Road project in Malaita Province continues to engage more local workers as construction progresses.

The increase in local workers reflects the project’s ongoing commitment to support local participation in road projects and to contribute positively to the local economy. 

To date, the China Aid Auki Road project has engaged 280 local workers in and around the Auki Township. 

One of the local workers, Donald Kwate, acknowledged the project for providing employment opportunities to the local people of Malaita Province. 

“This is a great opportunity and privilege for us local laborers to support our families and meet our essential daily needs,” he said. 

Kwate said the project not only creates jobs, but also brings indirect opportunities for local farmers and fishermen.

“Local farmers and fishermen are also benefiting by bringing in their livestock and produce, including cows, pigs, fish, and fresh garden food to sell to the camp and workers,” he said.

He said newly recruited workers have been engaged in various departments within the project, including construction, drainage, pavement works, traffic control, surveying, laboratory operations, machinery support, and general labor activities.

Photo credit: China Aid Auki Road project

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]  

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

CONSULTATION on the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP) has highlighted that Solomon Islands is regarded as one of the most biologically rich archipelagos in the world, with many animal and plant species found only in the country.

These endemic species play a vital role in the cultural identity, livelihood and daily survival of communities across the nation.

Through its lead ministries, the government is now aligning its biodiversity strategies with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), an international agreement that aims to protect nature and reverse biodiversity loss.

According to a presentation, the NBSAP is part of efforts to mainstream biodiversity interventions, activities and programs across sectors to ensure development initiatives protect the environment while supporting the wellbeing of communities.

To achieve both global and national targets, the NBSAP focuses on 10 thematic areas.

These include improving knowledge and participation, strengthening conservation efforts, halting environmental degradation and restoring ecosystems, reducing species extinction risks, and controlling invasive alien species.

Other priority areas include promoting the sustainable use of biodiversity, managing waste and pollution, supporting agro-biodiversity, addressing climate change and building ecosystem resilience, mainstreaming biodiversity across all sectors, and mobilising financial resources and partnerships.

Consultations on the NBSAP are currently underway in provinces around the country to gather feedback from stakeholders and key players.

The consultations aim to ensure that the strategic action plan reflects relevant priorities and ambitions from communities and organisations involved in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Photo credit: Loretta B Manele

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Besi Youth Association in North Malaita, Malaita Province appreciates the Chinese Embassy in Honiara for recognising them and sending one of their representatives to attend training in China. 

Besi Youth Association representative, Kelly Gilead, was among four other representatives from youth associations and councils who departed yesterday for Jiangsu Province in China. 

Chairman of the Besi Youth Association, Abel Wanesuia, described the opportunity given to their association as a true recognition of their association internationally. 

He said it is a milestone achievement that proves their leadership, vision, and determination. 

“This is more than just a trip to China; it is a sign that rural youth voices are recognised at the international level.

“From the bush of Besi Village to the globe, this milestone proves that leadership, vision, and determination can open doors for young people anywhere,” he said.

He said the journey that the Besi Youth Association has gone through will inspire the new generation.

“We hope that the journey that we have gone through will inspire our youths to think beyond limitations, build connections, and transform our communities,” he said.

The team that left for China yesterday is being led by President of the Malaita Provincial Youth Council, Phillip Subu and they will spend two weeks for training in Jiangsu province, China.

Photo credit: Malaita Provincial Youth council

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in collaboration with Central Province  Provincial Emergency Response Team (PERT) officially commenced a coordinated five-day Initial Damage Assessment for Central Province on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

The Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) in a statement yesterday said the operation began in Tulagi where NDMO officers arrived to conduct a formal briefing with the local PERT members.

MECDM said a key component of the preparation included a specialised training session for the response team with the use of the Kobo Collect Application; a digital tool designed to enhance accuracy and efficiency of field data collection during disaster evaluations.

After orientation, teams were deployed to Savo Island and the Russell Islands on Sunday, May 17th and field assessments were carried out extensively across both locations from Monday, 18 May through Wednesday, 20, May 2026.

MECDM said these assessments are important to identify local needs and develop informed recovery strategies.

The PERT teams will return to Tulagi today for a thorough debriefing and to finalise the official assessment data and reports.

The mission will conclude tomorrow as NDMO officers travel back to Honiara.

MECDM said this assessment represents an important step in the government’s ongoing response to TC Maila to identify impacts, priorities and for the development of an informed recovery strategy to get affected communities back to their normal way of life.

Photo credit: MECDM

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Around 50 passengers who booked with Solomon Airlines were reportedly stranded at Brisbane Airport last week after the airline cancelled its Monday Honiara-Brisbane flight on Thursday last week.

Reports reaching this paper on Tuesday claimed that some passengers had to use extra money to pay for accommodation after learning of the cancellation.

It was also alleged that while some passengers were informed about the flight cancellation, others did not receive any notice.

In an email sent to this paper yesterday, Solomon Airlines said the cancellation of some Australia and New Zealand services during May and June was largely caused by the ongoing global fuel crisis affecting airlines internationally.

Solomon Airlines Manager Commercial, John Wopereis, confirmed that the situation had resulted in the unavoidable consolidation of several scheduled flights across the airline’s international network, including the Brisbane to Honiara service.

“Several weeks’ notice was provided to affected passengers, with customers contacted via email, SMS, alongside system notifications issued to their respective travel agents,” Mr Wopereis said.

He said Solomon Airlines strongly encourages passengers to ensure their booking contact details are current and accurate in the event of unforeseen operational changes.

He adds that passengers are also able to check their booking status through the “Manage My Booking” feature available on the airline’s website.

Mr Wopereis acknowledged that some passengers experienced delays to their travel plans but said the airline has been assisting affected customers with revised travel arrangements and onward travel coordination wherever possible.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience caused to affected passengers and sincerely apologise for the disruption experienced, this is a unique global situation and we are not immune to it.

“The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain Solomon Airlines’ highest priority, and all operational decisions are made with safety, compliance, and service reliability in mind.

“Solomon Airlines continues to work directly with affected travellers while operational and commercial teams assess the global situation and review services to minimise further inconvenience,” Mr Wopereis said.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Public buses operating on the Honiara main road resumed services yesterday after authorities mediated to calm tensions over rising fuel costs that prompted drivers and conductors to temporarily halt operations and demand higher fares.

Dozens of buses gathered at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) bus stop yesterday morning as operators voiced frustration over the increasing cost of fuel, which they say is severely affecting their daily income and ability to continue providing services.

Chairman of the Honiara Bus Association, Jimmy Carter, said the protest was driven by concerns from bus owners, drivers and conductors over the financial pressure caused by fuel price hikes.

“They said the rising fuel price has really affected their work,” Mr Carter said.

He explained that the gathering was organised without formal notice to the Bus Association, but discussions with drivers and authorities later resulted in an agreement for buses to resume normal operations while formal processes continue.

Mr Carter said the association will now prepare a petition to be submitted to relevant authorities, while discussions continue on a possible review of bus fares.

“In the meantime, buses should return to normal service and should not charge extra fares for now,” he said.

Carter met with the Bus Association yesterday and he will present their recommendations to the Road Transport Board next week.

Road Transport Board Secretary and Land Transport Department Director Leslie Nate confirmed that authorities are already discussing possible fare adjustments in response to the fuel crisis.

Mr Nate said consultations involving MID, the Prime Minister’s Office and Honiara City Council are underway to determine a fair and sustainable fare structure for both buses and taxis.

He said authorities are also exploring legal provisions under the Road Transport Act to fast-track the gazetting of new fare rates if approved.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]