THE Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) held an organisational restructuring workshop at the Town Ground complex yesterday.
The workshop under UNDP and SIMCAP’s (Solomon Islands Meteorology Capacity) development project, paved way for the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, division officers, Ministry of Public Service’s officers and MECDM’s consultant to discuss and exchange ideas on organizational restructuring of the ministry to boost efficiency, effectiveness and competence in the delivery of its services.
Among speakers at the workshop was MECDM’s consultant, Mr Peter Forau who spoke about the criteria for the design of the ministry’s new structure.
Whilst explaining the first component of the criteria he stressed that the principles of effectiveness, efficiency, clarity, simplicity and flexibility must be visible and mentioned that working on the structure is like mapping up the work of the ministry thus, it must be clear and simple.
In addition, he said that the structure must coordinate the work of the divisions without breaking any law or act with the inclusion of exercising the flexibility of additional services.
Referring to the second criteria requirement, Mr Forau stressed that the new design must reflect the hierarchy within the country’s Public Service as this hierarchy is based on established superior subordinate relationships and reflects a vertical line of command.
As he proceeded to discuss the criteria’s third component which emphasised on the design of the new organisational structure, he said that it must illustrate a clear division of labour based on a span of control that is at least more than one staff to one supervisor.
Mr Forau said that the new design should avoid the creation of loops that would describe the existence of multiple supervisors for one subordinate thus every subordinate must have only one supervisor.
MECDM and MPS Partcipants at the Organisational Restructuring Workshop.
BY MAVIS PODOKOLO
MECDM and MPS Partcipants at the Organisational Restructuring Workshop.
MINISTRY of Environment, Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) underwent an organisational restructuring workshop yesterday, mainly for technical capacity support targeting planning and restructuring.
The workshop was funded by United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) under the Solomon Islands Capacity Development Project (SIMCAP).
Its current restructuring is based on the previous structure which was also funded under the SIMCAP project.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop was Permanent Secretary for MECDM Dr Melchior Mataki, who said that the organisational restructuring contributes to government policy.
“It must be critical but at the same time must be constructive in order to bring change. Its process must be solution oriental,” said the permanent secretary.
Mr Peter Forau the consultant for MECDM outlined three objectives which are; to assess the efficiency of MECDM’s current organisational structure in achieving its mandate, mission, and goals, to outline and assess the costs and benefits of potential options for a suitable new organisational structure and to recommend and describe in detail a new organisational structure for (MECDM)
“The structure must be able to help ministry deliver these three pillars,” he said.
Rivers and bushes are being used as toilets everywhere in Solomon Islands.
Stop open defaecation and purchase cheaper toilet today
BY PRIESTLEY HABRU
Live and Learn staff and some journalists outside the Henderson demonstration toilet house.
WHEN you fail to notice blue flies swarming your uncovered food after feasting from human wastes disposed carelessly in nearby bushes or beaches; then you know very well what you will be eating and the consequences thereafter.
Apologies for the vulgar description but that is how ignorant we can be as Solomon Islanders who seem to treat open defaecation as normal.
White sandy beaches near our coastal villages are used as toilet. Tall grasses behind betel-nut markets in Honiara are already no-go zones. Even the concrete sea wall at Honiara Central Market seaside is a familiar scene of human poo deposited everywhere as if to show-off their previous day’s fresh consumption.
Lack of public toilets in our local urban cities and villages; and public displaying of human wastes in nearby bushes and public areas is a national disgrace. To add to the national shame is our ignorance to prioritise sanitation and hygiene. We tend to leave this responsibility to the government and aid donors to build the toilets for us.
This ignorant attitude has intruded permanently into our brains which led us to think that even spending our time and energy into digging holes in the ground to deposit our own waste matter is a total waste of time.
However there are some communities and provinces whose cultures prioritise owning of toilets by each family and ban open defaecation in the bushes and beaches. For instance, open defaecation especially on the beaches is totally disrespectful in the culture of Renbel Province people.
Live and Learn staff and local journalists visiting the Henderson Community Sanitation Enterprise office area.
So it should be time we take the onus to prioritise toilets in order to deposit properly what we previously consume. In doing so we respect ourselves with pride and dignity in allowing our wastes to be properly disposed away from the prying flies, cockroaches and insects that love to prey on human waste and in return give us diseases that could have been easily prevented.
The task ahead to eventually have all communities and households own toilets is still a difficult one but can be achieved if we take the bold step forward now.
Solomon Islands Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (RWASH) National Base Line Survey in 2015 indicated that only 13 percent of the population have access to basic sanitation facilities, the rest is open defaecation. This means a staggering 87 percent of our population still use the bushes, beaches, rivers, mangroves, mountains and so forth as latrines.
Proper toilets alone will not solve the problem but we also need to have access to clean water as well in consideration of our women, children, older people and those with disabilities.
According to RWASH, access to safe water is important in the reduction of diarrhoeal diseases and many other ill health conditions as well as improved livelihoods.
“Access to safe sanitation also eliminates many diseases and health conditions and is a very important indicator of human progress,” RWASH stated.
It was against this backdrop that Live and Learn Solomon Islands is embarking on a four year Community Based Sanitation Enterprise piloted in Henderson in East Honiara and Namoliki in Central Honiara since 2014.
Solomon Islands Live and Learn WASH Project Manager Mrs Hilda Tango said under the Western Pacific Sanitation Innovation Programme (WPSIP) the two peri-urban communities of Henderson and Namoliki have been engaged in constructing two types of toilet raisers namely the Ventilated Improved Pits (VIP) and Pour Flush. The third one is the normal slabs.
The Pour Flash toilet
Services provided by both Henderson and Namoliki community sanitation enterprise are construction, installation and maintenance of the toilets.
“They also assist customers to identify safe and right spot to locate toilet to ensure that water points are far enough from the toilet. The two sanitation enterprises are now operating and should you wish to contact or visit the offices they will be more than happy to receive you,” Mrs Tango said.
She noted that within the 11 zones in Henderson, 49 percent are still without toilets and 20 percent of people within the four zones of Namoliki are still without proper toilets.
Mrs Tango reiterated that since its mini-launching in February this year, seven have been sold by the Henderson Community Sanitation Enterprise and one prospecting with some interests already been coming in from Uhu Village, West Are’are.
Namoliki Community Sanitation Enterprise has just started constructing the two types of toilet raisers and will soon start selling their products.
Stephen Alick, Centre Manager of Henderson Community Sanitation Enterprise said he and his Finance Officer Julie Sau operate from their small office at Henderson and those interested in purchasing the toilet raisers can contact them to make their orders.
Those from Namoliki, Aekafo and nearby areas can contact Joana Kwalea to purchase your toilet raisers.
Samples of the toilets constructed by Namoliki Community Sanitation Enterprise.
Money raised from selling these toilets are deposited into bank accounts set up by these two communities’ enterprises to keep the sanitation business flowing.
The VIP toilet type costs $339 each whilst the Pour-Flush raiser is selling at $651 each. The slab type is only $110.
The good thing is that when you make your order for the toilet raiser, the staff from the two enterprises will help you identify the proper location to build your toilet house and they would also provide construction and maintenance services.
Prices of the toilets are very reasonable compared to smart phones which are so expensive that accumulates and drains your wallet each time you top-up credits to make calls, texting and browse the internet.
The flipside is that it is disgraceful a sight when you are using and showing off with your smart phone but do not have a proper toilet at home. Even so embarrassing is seeing yourself squatting in the nearby bush or beach whilst texting or commenting ‘lol’ on Facebook.
We all should be ‘lols’ or ‘Laughing Out Loud’ to ourselves for not owning or having proper toilets back in our villages or where we live in town where we retire each day for the night.
So wake up now and contact Solomon Islands Live and Learn staff at their office in New China Town to connect you with Joana of Namoliki and Stephen of Henderson to purchase a brand new cheap toilet facility for your use at home.
Having proper toilets would reduce our chances of contracting preventable diseases like diarrhoea and never attract dirty blue flies to ever feast on our delicious food again.
Rivers and bushes are being used as toilets everywhere in Solomon Islands.Stephen Alick, left, and Joana Kwalea are Centre Managers for Henderson and Namoliki Sanitation Enterprises respectively.
Manager Radio Operations of SIBC Mr Ronald Buaoka made his presentation
BY BEN BILUA
Manager Radio Operations of SIBC Mr Ronald Buaoka made his presentation
SOLOMON Islands Broadcasting Corporation is keeping up with the digital world.
Speaking during the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) awareness programme yesterday, Manager Radio Operations of SIBC Mr Ronald Buaoka said SIBC is coping with the technology and is aiming to go into full digital platform by 2020.
He said SIBC was first introduced to ICT in 1990 when SIBC’s Newsroom was computerised and later launching of SIBC’s website.
Mr Buaoka recalled that it took SIBC 10 years to realise the importance of digitising its programmes and in 2000 SIBC produced its first digital content and play out to its programmes.
He said SIBC made another step in 2014 streamlining its programmes online for users in the country and also abroad.
Mr Buaoka stressed that SIBC is planning to improve its Internet Protocol solution by 2018 to accommodate needed requirements to live up with the transforming world.
He said the development are crucial in maintaining SIBC’s services and at the same time limit the current expenses affecting their operation.
Mr Buaoka said SIBC has developing plans to maintain its service however the existing challenge is getting people to be part of the development programmes.
SOLO Icon 2017 has now approached its finale with much well-rehearsed performances that will surely continue to set the bar high for future contestants.
Speaking with the Team Leader for the Global Youth Leadership Nexus Mr Jeffery Alacky yesterday, he confirmed that a total of 14 contestants from all three categories have made it to the finals.
With some of the big names in our local music industry taking the lead in judging the grand finals, Mr Alacky is optimistic in the outcome of the upcoming finale.
“Finalists have proven themselves perfectionists and it will be a tough competition where the outcome is unpredictable.”
According to the panel of judges and Mr Alacky, the contestants are all talented and good performers and if any of them happen to fail, it will not because he or she isn’t good enough but because of the song choice.
“This is how good the contestants have become as they mature within the show, hitting all the right notes and their only downfall will be their song choice.”
Chealsea Saliga
Mr Alacky also stated that since 2006, Global Youth Leadership Nexus have been actively involved and have always been a major sponsor since the programme started 10 years back.
Asked if there have been some help from the Government or ministries, Alacky said that so far only the Ministry of Women and Youth and Australian High Commission that have offered assistance.
Government has also promised to pitch in anytime soon but so far still no positive feedback forthcoming.
The Finale will be held at the Multi-Purpose Hall on the Sunday October 8 with a panel of judges made up of well-known local artists.
Naio Bass guiterist during one of their show in Honiara.
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
REGGAE fans in Honiara will have the opportunity to witness two shows by the two reggae giants in the Pacific.
The shows are scheduled for September 30 and October 1 at the Art Gallery in Honiara.
Managing Director of the two-day event, Mr Allan Siau told this paper that the name of the event is “Pacific Giant Reggae Music Concept”.
He said the event will be a first of its kind in the Pacific for the two reggae bands to arrange for a combined show.
Mr Siau said during the shows other country’s famous reggae bands such as Jah Roots will also feature together with Jaro Local, who is famous for his two local hits “Half Malaita and Daki ni Tangarare.”
“I advise all the funs in the country especially in Honiara that this event is a first of its kind to give you the kind of reggae staff you want.
“One good thing about the event as well is the money raise will use some of them to support the Labour Ward at the national Referral Hospital
“So I call upon everyone to come along and support as we’ll offer to you the best as we can with the reggae music in the Pacific,” he said.
Mr Siau said tickets for the shows are now on sale in front of the Museum office along the Mendana Avenue.
He said people intending to be part of the shows must get tickets now before the sale closes on the 29th of this month.
Mr Siau said buying tickets during the show will be expensive, however people ask to grab tickets now.
He shouts out to reggae fans in the country to come and support the event to support the Labour Ward at the NRH.
IN its 4th consecutive year, the Business Excellence Awards returns on Saturday, November 5 at the Coral Sea Resort and Casino from 6pm.
Now a fixed event in the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) annual calendar, the Business Excellence Awards (BEA) continues to grow and in 2017 a record amount of nominations were received, with over 60 businesses from a diverse range of industries entering to win one of the 16 plaques awarded over the various categories.
The 2017 BEA will be an entertaining and exciting event aimed at celebrating, acknowledging and honouring the success and contribution of local business to the community and is a celebration of all that is best in Solomon Islands business and it defines the standard for good practice in business.
Looking to again increase entrant numbers and to reach the wider business community, in particular smaller businesses, SICCI has revamped the award categories and have added a number of new categories to the list in 2017.
This year 10 businesses and/or individuals will be honoured at the award ceremony in the following categories: Entrepreneur of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Medium Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Business Contribution to the Community Award, Innovation & Technology Award, Special Awards, Agribusiness of the Year, Tourism Business of the Year and the Prime Minister’s Business Excellence Award. A selected panel of independent experts will again judge the awards.
SICCI is pleased to be once again be partnering with the Solomon Islands Government to host this event with this year’s theme being “Unity in Leadership”.
Leadership remains critical in our journey and quest for growth and economic development and the recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government and the private sector reaffirms the ongoing need for partnership, collaboration and unity in leadership between these two important sectors.
Equally important, the theme reflects the pressing need for us as a country to unite at all levels of society to work together towards our common goals involving our stakeholders in the process.
The highly esteemed Business Excellence Awards recognises and rewards the exceptional work and the results gained by the trail blazers in the Solomon Islands business domain, in the face of an ever-increasing competitive market.
Continuing the search, the 2017 Business Excellence Awards will seek out the leading lights of the business industry, looking for those whose creativity, commitment, experience and strong leadership has helped them achieve success in an increasingly challenging corporate climate.
In addition to an engaging award ceremony, you can once again expect an entertaining evening with performances by local entertainers.
Nominations are now open, and SICCI is calling on all businesses to enter all categories and compete for up to two awards.
The Prime Minister’s Business Excellence Award will be the only category your business cannot enter.
To nominate your business or another brilliant business you know of please contact the SICCI office on 39542 and speak with Ernest Ta’asi or email [email protected]
Nominations close Wednesday Friday, October 20, 2017.
Applications can also be downloaded from our website www.solomonchamber.com.sb
Tickets to the Business Excellence Awards are on sale now for $500 per person for SME Members, $600 per person for Members, $750 per person for Non Members and corporate tables are available for $13,000. All tickets can be purchased through the SICCI office by calling 39542.
A total of 26 officers from the Ministry of Health (MHMS) and other organisations recently received training in contract management.
“Contract management is the process to successfully execute a contract according to the specifications and to the mutual benefit of the parties involved,” a statement from the Ministry said.
Put simply, “a contract is a legal agreement between two or more parties with one party providing goods, works or services or a combination thereof, in return for the other party providing something, usually money. Contracts contain the details of the goods, works or services to be provided and also the responsibilities and obligations of the parties involved”.
While most contracts are managed effectively and without issue, some do run into problems resulting in the products not being provided to satisfaction, also with often financial consequences to the parties involved. Good contract management minimises the risks.
A robust procurement process is crucial to the execution of the eventual contract: accurate specification, sound tender process, full tender evaluation and life cycle costs all influence the contract and the end result.
“MHMS has recognised the importance of good contract management and administration for all of its departments including the National Referral Hospital, its health facilities both at headquarters and in the provinces and RWASH.
“Recognising the importance of contract management, the Ministry requested support from MOFT and its Advisers to deliver this course.”
Officers from ICTSU, DFAT and SIRF also participated in the training.
The course was developed by a technical working group including Timothy Watekary, Manager Procurement – Technical MOFT with the support of several colleagues and advisers including those from the EU funded RWASH programme.
This training course follows an earlier course in which 17 government officers were trained.
All procurement and contract management training is oversighted by the SI Procurement Training Working Group which consists of procurement professionals from government with representatives of IPAM, SICC&I and donors.
The training was very well received and covered contract requirements, contract planning, commencing, managing and completing contracts.
Specific emphasis was placed on managing contract performance, receipt and testing of deliverables and managing final inspections.
The course will be again run in 2018, coordinated by IPAM.
DEAR EDITOR, according to late evening news bulletin from Radio New Zealand (RNZI) tonight, 20 September 2017, Fiji has been lauded for taking on COP23 presidency.
Quoting RNZI the bulletin said:
“A German government official, Jochen Flasbarth, says Fiji’s decision to take on the presidency of COP23 was a bold move for a small island developing state that is also affected by climate change.
“Germany is hosting the UN climate change meeting this November in Bonn.
“At a side event this week at the UN General Assembly in New York, Mr Flasbarth linked the possibilities that can be derived when two different nations work together to build awareness on climate change.
“At the same event, the Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama reiterated the importance of working closely with Germany.
“He said “addressing climate change is at the heart of our common future. This is why the Paris Agreement is so important. We all must continue to create prosperity and to ensure the wellbeing of the nations and ecosystems of the world. To do this, we must work together”.
The Prime Minister Acting, Hon Manasseh Maelanga, MP (centre) standing with RICOH CEO of RICOH Pacific CEO Shiv Narayan (Left) and Managing Director of Ricoh New Zealand, Michael Pollok. Photo from PMO Press Secretary
The Prime Minister Acting, Hon Manasseh Maelanga, MP (centre) standing with RICOH CEO of RICOH Pacific CEO Shiv Narayan (Left) and Managing Director of Ricoh New Zealand, Michael Pollok. Photo from PMO Press Secretary
THE Prime Minister Acting, Hon Manasseh Maelanga received a courtesy call from the Managing Director, Michael Pollok of RICOH New Zealand Limited, accompanied by CEO of RICOH South Pacific, Shiv Narayan on Wednesday this week at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
During their discussions, Michael Pollock expressed his observation of how the country has changed since he visited five years ago.
“Thank you for the environment that this country have provided for us to do our work,” says Mr Pollock in reference to his observation of a stable and safe business environment in the country.
Michael Pollok also highlighted certain communication initiatives that RICOH is behind and can deliver.
He said that while it is a misconception that RICOH is only a photocopier provider, it must be noted that RICOH is a market leader in print and document management technology.
“The technology that Ricoh can provide can assist the Government to reduce spending money on unnecessary materials,” says Mr Pollok.
In his response, the Prime Minister Acting, Hon Manasseh Maelanga expressed his gratitude for investors like RICOH for keeping and showing their interest to do business in the country.
He also stated, “The Government welcomes and always look at ways to have the up-to-date and efficient Communication Technology systems in place to facilitate its activities and especially within its Ministries.”
The PM Acting also stated that apart from facilitating cutting-edge technology to support activities with the Ministries, an advanced and reliable communication initiative will also support our remote Provincial Governments to effectively engage in their activities to support the National Government.
The Prime Minister Acting commend the courtesy visit by the RICOH boss and suggested for the company to avail time to do a thorough presentation regarding their products in the near future.
