BY JUNELYN KELLY

Road work at Mendana avenue at the Heritage Park Hotel roundabout is underway after commencing on Wednesday this week.

The road work follows the commencement of initial underground drainage works in late 2025, a statement from the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP) on Wednesday this week said.

The project aims to enhance road safety, improve traffic flow, and strengthen the roads foundation and early stages are critical for the long-term durability and performance of the upgraded infrastructure, the LMCP statement said.

Future work will include concrete road surfacing along the Mendana Avenue corridor, alongside other roadside improvements.

MID said the aim is to minimise disruptions, with essential services are being coordinated with Solomon Water, Telekom and Solomon Power by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), ensuring utilities are integrated and protected throughout the project.

The overall upgrade spans approximately 1.7 kilometres, connecting the Town Ground and City Council (HCC) roundabouts.

Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Mike Qaqara emphasised that the Heritage Park Roundabout is a critical traffic node.

He said upgrading this intersection, alongside drainage and road improvements, will enhance safety, reduce congestion, and deliver long-term benefits for road users and the city.

The public is asked to exercise caution around construction areas, follow traffic signs, and be mindful of workers.

While some traffic congestion is unavoidable, measures are in place to mitigate impacts, LMCP statement said.

The project is jointly funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) under LMCP.

Photo: LMCP

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By RODRICK DESURI

Auki

Malaita’s Premier Elijah Asilaua has reassured clothes vendors of Auki town that his government is working to build a venue for them to sell their items in.

He adds that they will have their venue soon.

Asilaua’s statement follows a consultation between the vendors and the provincial government over the vendors’ plight in not having any venue to trade in after the closure of their former venue, which was re-claimed by the owner – the National Provident Fund (NPF).

He said work on the new clothes market venue next to the betelnut market is underway and will soon complete.

“The work on your new market area is underway, so I need your patience. I know you might be frustrated, but please just bear with me that your area will soon complete.

“Moving you from the betelnut market area to the temporary area is to stop and get rid of street sell of betelnut in our Auki,” said Asilaua.

Meanwhile, he said once the backfilling at the new market area is complete, there will be fencing and building of houses for shelter.

“Backfilling of rubbishes at site is underway, and when completed there will fencing and a house to shelter everyone.

“So, I will not say anything about when it should be complete or the timeframe, but as work is progressing, it will be completed very soon,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, Solomon Islands (SI), has announced that the 60^th Telecommunication tower under the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project was successfully commissioned.

A statement from the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project (SINBIP) said SINBIP reached a key milestone with the successful commissioning of its 60th telecommunication tower.

This landmark tower, designated as Site ID: M49, stands in Temarae, Western Province, and marks the project’s first commissioned site in 2026, according to China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, SI.

China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd SI said the achievement highlights the robust and sustained collaboration among China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), Huawei, the Solomon Islands Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), and Solomon Tower Company Ltd (STL).

Funded by the People’s Republic of China, SINBIP remains steadfast in its mission to bridge Solomon Islands’ digital divide, said China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, SI.

CHEC Ltd SI said the activation of this 60th site significantly expands wireless network coverage across the region, bringing critical access to online education, telehealth services, and e-commerce opportunities to underserved rural communities.

CHEC Ltd SI and its partners remain unwavering in their commitment to delivering the remaining infrastructure, with 60 sites now fully operational.

CHEC Ltd SI said that their shared goal is to foster universal, inclusive digital connectivity that empowers every citizen across Solomon Islands.

Photo: The China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, Solomon Islands

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Small boat skippers in Malaita province are advised to prioritise the safety of their passengers before planning any trip to distant destinations. 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea made this call as the country currently faces unfavourable weather conditions. 

Ramosaea said skippers must take precautionary measures before traveling. 

He emphasised that skippers and boat owners need to carry lifejackets, sufficient fuel, and stay informed about weather updates before embarking on their trips. 

“Our country is experiencing changeable weather at the moment. It can shift to wind and rain at any time.

“Most importantly, boat owners and skippers need to have lifejackets, enough fuel, and be aware of the weather updates before traveling,” he said.

He also warns that boat loading must be limited.

“Don’t overload your boat before traveling. You don’t know when we might meet with a tragedy; if we encounter any tragedy, lives and property can be lost,” he said.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Lanelle Tanangada, wife of Minister of Police and National Security, Jimson Tanangada is off for further studies in Australia under an Australian government scholarship.

The Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PIMEU) within the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet farewelled Lanelle recently who is departing for Australia to further her studies, a statement by the Government Communications Unit (GCU) yesterday said.

Lanelle is the wife of the Member of Parliament for Gizo-Kolombangara and Government Minister for Police, National Security & Correctional Services, Jimson Tanangada.

Lanelle was the education minister under the previous government, the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) and member of parliament for Gizo-Kolombangara in the 11th parliament.

She has played a critical role in PIMEU in her capacity as Policy Secretary for the Social Sector, overseeing six sector line ministries, the GCU statement said.

Among the highlights of her tenure at PIMEU is her leadership of the Social Sector team in overseeing the rollout of the newly legislated Education Act 2023, the statement said.

Coincidentally, the Act came into force during her tenure as Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, the GCU statement said.

Prior to her posting at PIMEU, Tanangada served two terms as the member of parliament for Gizo/Kolombangara.

She first entered Parliament through the 2018 by-election and successfully retained the seat in the 2019 National General Elections.

Tanangada will pursue a Master’s degree in Public Policy at the prestigious Australian National University (ANU), with her studies fully funded by the Australian Government, GCU said.

In her parting words to colleagues, she encouraged them to “continue serving the Government with diligence and respect”, the GCU statement said.

Under her leadership the historic Education Act 2023 was passed and enacted, a legislation which has been described as ‘comprehensive, modern framework that updates the education system for the first time since Solomon Islands’ independence’.

The Act provides clear guidance for administration, teacher registration, and quality standards across all education levels.

Under Lanelle’s leadership, the education system experienced reforms and improved planning, such as the launching and implementing of major reforms like the ICT Master Education Plan 2019-2023 and the National Education Action Plan for the 2022 to 2026.

Also, during Lanelle’s tenure as Minister of Education, Solomon Islands saw an unprecedented increased access to education.

This was seen in the increase in operational schools and ECE centres to a total of 1708 across the country, demonstrating a commitment to expanding educational opportunities nationwide.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

North West Guadalcanal Constituency (NWGC) is working closely with the national government on the Greater Honiara Concept to improve infrastructure and basic services for communities behind Honiara.

Member of Parliament for NWGC, Francis Sade, made the announcement during the festive season while handing over several Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) projects to communities, schools and churches in the constituency.

Sade said once the constituency takes delivery of its machineries, road rehabilitation and construction will begin across NWGC, including the back road areas behind Honiara.

“I am also working with the government on the Greater Honiara Concept to make sure areas behind Honiara have better roads, electricity and water supply,” he said.

He added that these developments form part of his ongoing commitments with the national government.

“It might not be big, but these are ongoing processes that I am working on with the government to deliver for our people,” Sade said.

During the handover ceremony, the MP also announced plans for the constituency to take over land under the former Livestock Development Authority (LDA) land at Poha and develop it into a growth centre for NWGC.

He said the constituency is working with the national government to bring in five national projects through the Ministry of Commerce, valued at approximately $200 million, to be established on the LDA land.

Sade said the proposed developments will create economic opportunities and support long-term growth for the constituency and surrounding areas.

Photo: Supplied

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua has rejected accusations that he is favouring outsiders to take over business opportunities in the province over Malaitans.

A concerned Malaitan, William Koti, expressed his dissatisfaction of Premier Asilaua’s leadership, alleging him of allowing foreigners to interfere in businesses in Malaita Province. 

Koti said Asilaua was swayed by foreign interests when he should be acting for indigenous Malaitans. 

He alleges that opportunities meant to empower his people, strengthen local livelihoods and build a sustainable future for Malaita Province have been given away, leaving Malaitans sidelined in their own land. 

“Premier Asilaua has failed to act in the best interests of the people of Malaita Province,” he said. 

On the other hand, Asilaua emphasised that top priority business opportunities have been made available for local Malaitans.

He said that one thing that local people lack is seriousness and commitment to doing business.

“To be clear, the top priority has been placed on our locals to start whatever business they want to do.

“And this is why we welcome the Development Bank of Solomon Islands into our province, so that our people can take out loans and start businesses,” he said.

Asilaua calls on locals who have the money and intelligence to start a business to come forward and work together with the province.

“I appeal to our people who are very smart in starting a business in Auki to come forward and consult with the province. You can start whatever business you want if you come and consult with us,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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BY GREGORY HAKA

Work on upgrading Lot 2, sealed roads in West Honiara is underway covering specific routes.

The specific routes that this project covers are; Mud Alley, Tsilm Street, Matavale Crescent, Tavio Ridge, Rifle Range, and the White River road network, a statement by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) yesterday said. 

Before the end of December last year, the local contractor first progressed with construction of the Tavio Ridge Road as they prepared key sections and sealing in accordance with the quantities specified in their term of contracts.

MID also said following the break for the end-year festivities, work has resumed.

The team is now mobilised to start conducting some initial work on the Rifle Range Road by drainage, overgrown vegetation clearance, and next will be sealing of specific sections.

MID said the contract for this Lot 2 of sealed road maintenance experienced delays because of revised scope of priorities over the past two years. The Central Tender Board issued an approval in the last quarter of 2025.

The upgrading of West Honiara roads is funded by the National Transport Fund by the Solomon Islands Government, MID said.

It is channeled through the Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division as the overall supervision and quality control and assurance for these local contracts as mandated by MID.   

Photo: MID

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