BY NED GAGAHE

Choiseul Bay town in the Choiseul province is undergoing transformation in infrastructural development, and the provincial leadership is impressed.

Premier of Choiseul Province, Harison Pitakaka, has welcomed the ongoing road works under the Choiseul Bay Township Project (CBTP), describing the development as a critical milestone now gaining momentum.

Speaking to Island Sun from Taro yesterday, Premier Pitakaka said the project reflects the collective aspirations of the people of Choiseul and their commitment to contribute to national development.

“This is a critical development that is now gaining momentum,” Pitakaka said.

He thanked the national government, the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), for its continued funding support through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) development budget.

“I would like to thank the national government, especially the GNUT government, for its ongoing support through MPGIS in helping my province.

“This development is fully supported by our people and aligns with our many development plans,” he said.

The Premier also highlighted the involvement of development partners in other key areas of the Choiseul Bay Township, including watershed development initiatives.

“Beyond road construction and clearance, we also have important support from our development partners, including The Nature Conservancy, working with landowners and the Choiseul Provincial Government on watershed development within the township area,” he said.

With the Choiseul Bay Township recently elevated to a national project, Premier Pitakaka called on all leaders and people of Choiseul to support the initiative.

“Now that the Choiseul Bay Township has been elevated to a national project, I call on all good people of Choiseul and leaders at every level to fully support this endeavour,” he said.

He also acknowledged the efforts of contractors and their workers on site and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working closely with GNUT and development partners throughout 2026.

“This year, my government will continue to work with the GNUT government and our development partners for both technical assistance and funding opportunities. Together, we can make it,” Premier Pitakaka said.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has confirmed that road construction works under the Choiseul Bay Township Project (CBTP) are progressing well, with significant milestones achieved on key road networks.

Local contractor FT Builders and Civil Works began grubbing and clearance last year and has since undertaken rehabilitation works that will form the foundation for connectivity within the new township. Completion of this unsealed road is expected by June 2026.

At the same time, another local contractor, Central Islands Civil Construction Ltd (CICC), has commenced work on Lot 9 – Tarekukure Road Network, after mobilising machinery to the site earlier this week.

CBTP Manager Isaac Lekelalu said the works are scheduled for completion within a seven-month timeframe.

Funded through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) in partnership with the Choiseul Provincial Government, the project includes road alignments, drainage systems, culverts, and bridge structures to support future township developments.

The road network will connect sites earmarked for a new hospital, light industries, a cemetery, and other planned facilities.

Photo credit : MID

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Ministry of Infrastructure calls on owners to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Vehicle owners have been urged to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), through the Road Transport Board Task Force, made the call in a statement yesterday.

“Get your vehicle inspected. Don’t wait for a check to find out your vehicle isn’t up to code. As the Road Transport Board Task Force continues its traffic checks and patrols across the city, now is the time to ensure you are fully compliant,” MID said in the statement.

MID said the process requires vehicle owners to pay their fees either at the ministry’s cashier or at the finance counter and bring their receipts to the mechanical compound desk officer for their bookings.

“Or you can simply call 23428 for booking and further information,” advised MID.

The inspection fee remains at $138 for a one-time inspection, according to the MID statement.

MID further adds that the venue is at the Mechanical Compound, Mataniko riverside.

“Who needs inspection? This applies to all motor vehicles: Motorbikes & Tractors, Light & Heavy Goods Vehicles and Heavy Plant Machinery.

“Public transport operators, taxis, buses, and pickups.

“A friendly reminder to also visit the HCC Payment Section to settle your annual business operating licenses.

“It is much cheaper to pay for an inspection than to face the consequences of a roadside check,” said MID.

Photo credit: MID

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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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