Members of Parliament for West Are’Are, John Maneniaru and Small Malaita, Rick Hou have raised the concern of having more constituencies to cater for the huge growing population.
Both MPs spoke about this during the Sine Die Motion in parliament last week.
Small Malaita MP Rick Hou said he has raised this matter of constituencies boundaries over the years, but he will say it again, that the government must take action to review current constituency boundaries.
“With the appointment of the Commission now completed, government must ensure resources for them to do their work.
“This is a long overdue matter for many of us, in the case of small Malaita. It has been recommended in the report of 2008 to split small Malaita into two constituencies.
“However, this is yet to be done. My constituency is a very large one, both geographically and demographically. That makes service delivery very challenging,” he said.
MP for West Are’are John Maneniaru added to Hou’s sentiments.
“Some of our constituencies are being populated and they are definitely struggling and facing a lot of challenges. And it is sad to say 15 years ago, we did not come up with any report or any active work as the last report was in 2009, and that takes too long thus, now is the high time to address it.
“We call on the Parliamentary Commission to meet to debate this matter as soon as possible, as I already alluded to. It is very, very important, so it means we need fairness in mind.
“We are just having funding and other resources for people in the local constituency. Whilst we are in waiting, it is indeed, to me, very unfair and brings a lot of injustice to the populated constituencies of our country,” he stressed.
Maneniaru said if the government continues to share its resources to the 50 constituencies equally across the board, then constituencies with larger populations will have portions of their populations miss out on development opportunities because they are just too many.
He pointed out that this is because our 50 constituencies are not the same and this really needs to be addressed rather than letting our people struggle and be poor in our beloved country.
A technical team from the World Bank visited Solomon Islands from December 1 to 5, to support the ongoing second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) implementation and to see how SIRAP2 are progressing.
The team met with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT), Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited, Solomon Airlines, the SIRAP2 Project Support Team, the design and supervision consultant, and the contractors, a SIRAP2 statement last week said.
Speaking during the meeting, Permanent Secretary of MOFT, McKinnie Dentana, emphasised the importance of the mission in ensuring strong oversight and accountability in government-led projects.
“SIRAP2 remains a flagship investment that directly supports our transport sector and wider economic goals. The Implementation Support Mission helps us maintain transparency, strengthen project delivery, and ensure that public funds and development finances are used effectively for the benefit of our people,” he said.
MCA and MID also acknowledged the constructive engagement provided by the World Bank and highlighted the mission’s role in supporting major infrastructure works.
SIRAP2 continues to deliver transformative improvements to airports, bridges, and road networks, supporting safer travel, climate resilience, and economic development across Solomon Islands.
The mission reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the Solomon Islands Government to deliver safer, climate-resilient, and more reliable transport services for communities across Solomon Islands. It also provided an opportunity for ministries and partners to address outstanding challenges and streamline coordination ahead of next year’s activities, a statement from the meeting said.
During their visit, the World Bank team also reviewed implementation progress of the ongoing works for the Honiara Airport rescue fire services station, Honiara Airport aviation complex building, Honiara and Munda airports air traffic control towers and equipment, Santa Cruz Airfield upgrading, Noro Roads improvement, and Malaita four bridges replacement.
The team also reviewed implementation progress of the ongoing design consultancy for Suavanao Airfield and Malaita Roads improvement, regional airport asset maintenance, technical assistance to Solomon Airlines, activities to address gender-based violence, and road safety capacity improvement.
Without reliable data and clear reporting, government plans are in the dark.
Member of Parliament (MP) for South New Georgia/Rendova- Tetepare Constituency, David Gina, said this when he delivered his speech during the Sine Die Motion in parliament on Monday 15, last week.
He told the house that citizens cannot depend on parliament debates without evidence on matters of concern.
Gina said accountability weakens when results are not measured and published.
“Data system remains fragmented and poorly integrated into budgeting and oversight. Important national work has been completed, including the mid-term review of the national development strategy for 2016-2035 and the 2024 voluntary national review of the SDGs.
“These are solid achievements and they prove the technical capacity exists. The problem is that these tools are not embedded in day-to-day decision-making. Monitoring results rarely drive budget choices or program adjustments,” he said.
Gina further said that the consequences are visible.
“Auditor-General reports continue to highlight poor record-keeping, incomplete documentation and delayed audits, including for the economic stimulus package, COVID-19 funds and now the Pacific Game 2023 funds. Data gaps also undermine physical control,” he said.
He said that the development budget in 2024 contracted by 44 percent, from about $1.17 billion planned to roughly $657 million, projected without any warning of timely correction.
He said that revenue agencies report meeting targets, yet cash flow problems persist, pointing to gaps in how revenue, exemptions, debt servicing and expenditure data are brought together.
“Accountability is not about reports after the fact. It is about making performance visible as it happens. Until monitoring systems are operationalised and enforced across government, Parliament will continue to debate promises rather than results,” he said.
Gina adds that a modern state must know itself before it can serve its people well.
He said that investment in data reporting and accountability is not a luxury but it is the foundation of discipline, trust and effective governance.
“This is the standard this House must insist on as we conclude this House,” he said.
“This has been a demanding year, but also a meaningful one. I hope and pray that 2026 will continue to work together with us with mutual respect and shared sense of duty in service to our country and our people through our legislative responsibilities,” Gina said.
Member of Parliament (MP) for South New Georgia/Rendova- Tetepare Constituency, David Gina, said that repeated capitalisation of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) demands honest reflections.
Delivering his speech during the Sine Die Motion in parliament on Monday, December 15, 2025, Gina said that while public funds flow into these entities annually yet tangible returns remain thin or difficult to see.
He said that capital injections should drive growth and market access and not serve as life support.
“When Parliament approves capitalisation, it expects clear benefits to the economy and the public. Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) continues to receive government support as a key vehicle for financing farmers, small businesses and productive sectors,” he said.
He said that DBSI secured $50 million from the National Provident Fund, a significant sum, approved on the understanding that it would expand access to credit and support production on the ground.
“Yet, when we look at the evidence, our concern emerges,” Gina said.
He said that recent growth in agriculture has been driven largely by high world price and donor funded projects, not by a noticeable expansion of domestic credit.
“This leads to a simple but important question for Parliament. Are repeated capital injections into DBSI translating into real lending to farmers and small businesses? There is also a practical constraint that cannot be ignored where many rural farmers face serious challenges in providing loan security.
“The CBSI loan guarantee scheme has now been fully utilised. Once that safety net is gone, what options remain for farmers who are productive but lack assets? If DBSI is to fulfil its mandate, government must explain how credit will reach rural producers in the absence of guarantees,” he said.
He said that capitalisation risks benefiting the balance sheet, not farmers otherwise, an issue Parliament must confront honestly.
“CEMA presents a similar concern. It is regularly cited as a Centre of Export Marketing Authority and market access. Yet, Parliament receives little clear reporting on volume benefits or financial returns. If public funds are used to capitalise CEMA, we must be able to see whether it is adding value beyond what private traders are already doing,” Gina said.
He said that in a context of rising debt, servicing and tight development budget, capitalisation with a clear performance benchmark is a risk the country cannot afford.
He said that support to SOEs must be tied to measurable outcomes, transparent reporting and consequences for underperformance.
Member of Parliament for West Guadalcanal, Mary Daniella Zae Garu has called for stronger support for agriculture, women and youth and coordination.
She made call whilst contributing to the Sine Die Motion in parliament last week.
Garu stressed that there needs to be stronger support in the agricultural sector given that it is the backbone of the country’s economy.
“If government can help our rural people, people can be financially stable even at the rural level,” she said.
Garu also raised that women and youths need to be empowered for they are drivers of growth, noting the social issues young people involve in and the need for improvement in this area.
She added that there also needs to be improved coordination between the government, provinces and communities, including strengthening chiefly systems and community policing to maintain peace in the village
Garu further recommended the establishment of an agriculture bank to support farmers, fishermen and foresters, saying access to affordable finance remains a major challenge.
“Commercial banks do not suit rural realities, and an agriculture-focused bank can help farmers move from subsistence to commercial production,” she said.
She said this investment can empower people, strengthen food security, create employment and build a resilient economy.
“To the people of West Guadalcanal, I reaffirm my commitment to continue working with you, listening to you, and advocating for a development that truly improves lives.
“I am proud to say that the GNUT Government have included the Lambi road for tar sealing in the 2026 national infrastructure budget. This is a great achievement for West Guadalcanal,” she said.
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) through Rural Sustainable Development Programme (RSDP) handover road machineries worth of SBD 1.5 million to East Central Guadalcanal Constituency (ECGC) on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
The handover ceremony of machineries marks a new era for the people of East Central Guadalcanal Constituency (ECGC) after decades of experiencing deteriorated road conditions, a statement by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) last week said.
During the handover ceremony, Member of Parliament for East Central Guadalcanal Constituency, Lazarus Alfred Rina expressed deep gratitude to the PRC government and its people for their generous support through the RSDP.
He emphasised that the machineries will play a crucial role in transforming road conditions within his constituency.
“Our people have long cried for improved roads, and today, we celebrate this milestone,” said Rina.
He further highlighted that partnership and collaborations with the communities is key to achieving tangible development outcomes.
Rina also acknowledged resources owners for allowing their resources during emergency repairs on roads especially gravels which demonstrate community cooperation.
The handover ceremony was also attended by counselor Li Qinghua from the Chinese Embassy in Honiara.
In her remarks, she highlighted China’s commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ socio-economic development through projects like RSDP.
Li emphasised that road infrastructure is one of the most fundamental factors in economic and social development, one which is highly recognized in the Chinese proverb: “If you want to be rich, build roads first”.
She said the RSDP is not just a development project but a partnership rooted in empowerment, with the aim to enable local communities to become self-reliant.
“China’s support extends beyond infrastructure; it includes capacity-building and training programs designed to transfer knowledge and skills to Solomon Islands’ citizens, thus fostering sustainable development,” she said.
Counsellor Li reaffirms PRC’s dedication to strengthen the country’s infrastructure and socio-economic resilience through its various development support in Solomon Islands.
The ceremony was witnessed by chiefs, community leaders, men, women, youths and MPAs within ECGC, reflecting broad community support for the project.
Ten police investigators from White River police station have received criminal investigation training from the China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) on December 9, 2025.
CPLT provided expertise and conducted practical sessions on crime scene sketching and introduced modern criminal investigation technologies such as forensics, a statement by police media yesterday said.
The statement said the training covered the full investigative process, including crime scene protection, preliminary investigations, evidence collection, investigative techniques, interrogation methods, and case documentation.
RSIPF said the criminal investigative training is to strengthen the capabilities of investigators to deal with changing reality in dealing with crimes.
An investigator who participated in the training said it boosted their investigative knowledge and critical thinking.
RSIPF expresses their gratitude to the CPLT for supporting the initiative, acknowledging that it effectively addressed gaps in investigation.
RSIPF looks forward to continue cooperation with CPLT in the future.
Abandoned for years and facing demolition, Kalenga Clinic in Gao-Bugotu Constituency, Isabel Province, will be reconstructed driven by the determination of young people who refused to accept neglect as their community’s future.
Island Sun travelled to Isabel Province in late October as part of the Voices from the Rurals project, which documents the lived realities of people in remote communities.
After a four-hour outboard motor ride from Honiara, I arrived at Suva – one of the communities near Kalenga on the evening of Friday October 24, 2025.
Following meetings with chiefs from Suva village, one issue repeatedly surfaced: the alarming condition of Kalenga Clinic. It quickly became clear that the clinic’s deteriorating state was not just an infrastructure problem, but a human dignity issue affecting thousands.
A Community Left Behind
Kalenga Clinic serves an estimated population of 1,700 people from four communities of Sepi, Suva, Thathaje and Kalenga Secondary school. Built nearly 25 years ago with funding from the Australian Government through the former AusAID program, the clinic has long outlived its intended lifespan.
Its last major refurbishment was more than a decade ago under the Australian Direct Aid Program (DAP). Despite assessments by the Ministry of Health in 2018 highlighting serious service gaps, little improvement followed.
Communities clearing the area to make way for the new clinic building. Photo SEPI Forum.
Situated close to the seashore, the clinic was constructed on high posts. While practical at the time, the design created new challenges. The elevated structure is inaccessible to women, the elderly, and people living with disabilities, who must climb steep stairs to reach healthcare.
A Nurse’s Daily Struggle
Nurse Roronu inside the storage area
Registered Nurse and Midwife, Elizabeth Roronu has been stationed at Kalenga Clinic for three years. She describes working conditions that fall far below basic health standards.
The rundown buildingA tap with no running water
“The building is too old. The ceiling is falling apart, and there is no running water.
“There is no light at night. When patients are admitted, we use our own flashlights. There are no toilets or washrooms. If patients can walk, they go to the seaside to relief themselves. If they can’t, we use buckets and throw the waste into the sea,” she said.
The clinic also lacks transport. Without its own outboard motor (OBM), staff must hire boats from the community to collect medical supplies, leading to additional burden to patients and community.
“Sometimes medicines don’t last the full three months. Transport and fuel are our biggest challenges. Our Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) can take up to six months to process. Meanwhile, businesses here require cash,” Nurse Roronu explained.
As a result, communities and patients often shoulder the cost themselves. Some LPOs, she said, have remained unsettled for up to three years.
Rising Malaria Cases
Malaria is on the rise in Kalenga and surrounding villages. Nurse Roronu reports that on some days, up to ten patients test positive, with weekly numbers reaching 30 cases.
“We often run out of Coartem and Primaquine. When we test patients positive and have no medicine, we just send them home,” she said.
Island Sun understands that some patients resort to sending money to relatives in Honiara to purchase medicines. There are also allegations of medicines being sold privately in the community—claims that remain unsubstantiated.
Youth Step in Where Government Fell Short
For years, the community suffered in silence. But the younger generation decided enough was enough.
Led by youths from the communities, discussions began on how to replace the failing clinic. These conversations gained momentum through Sepi Empowerment & Progress Initiative (SEPI), a Facebook Forum, which became a hub for ideas, planning, and collaboration.
Recently, the application for funding was submitted through the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships Program. Then in May this year, the project was approved and signed for building the new clinic.
The project is a collaboration between the donor, the community, and the constituency driven largely by youth leadership.
Community members helping out to carry the materials for the new building. Photo Sepi Forum
Following the signing, materials were shipped to the community, with freight costs included in the funding. The constituency assisted by chartering a vessel to transport materials to the site. Meanwhile, the community contributed gravel, sand, and labour, identifying skilled individuals to help construct the building.
Community Leadership Speaks
Kalenga Clinic Chairman Jonas Nohe said medicine shortages have plagued the community for over a decade.
Kalenga Clinic Chairman Jonas Nohe
“We travel to Susubona – an Area Health Centre in another constituency using nine gallons of fuel just to collect supplies, but often the medicine runs out within days.
“The population here is too big for the supply we receive,” he said.
As shortages persist, people increasingly rely on traditional remedies or purchase medicine privately—something unheard of in the past.
“Malaria has increased. In the 1980s and 90s, health officials came for spraying and awareness. Now, you hardly see them.
“Our ears are tired of hearing about millions of dollars on the news. We don’t feel it here,” Nohe said.
He welcomed the new clinic project, thanking the Australian Government and all those involved.
“My vision is simple: I want my people treated like human beings. Government services must reach us fairly. Enough is enough.”
A New Clinic, A New Beginning
Bags of cement for the new clinic building Photo: Sepi Forum
All materials for the new clinic have now arrived, and construction is set to begin. Nurse Roronu believes the new facility will address many of the challenges they face daily.
“Honestly, this clinic should have been closed already because it does not meet health standards. But we continue out of compassion for our people,” she said.
Government Response
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele recently acknowledged in Parliament that access to healthcare in rural areas remains a major challenge due to inadequate infrastructure, staffing, and medical supplies.
Meanwhile, Minister for Health Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai said an increased health budget for 2025 will help ease longstanding issues with drug security and medical supplies.
“These challenges have long affected our people. With the increased budget, we are addressing bottlenecks in procurement, payment, storage, and distribution,” Bosawai said, while admitting more work remains.
He also highlighted recent clinical governance training completed by senior clinicians as a step towards improving accountability and patient safety nationwide.
Hope Rooted in Youth Action
Communities of Sepi, Suva and Thathaje clearing the site in preparation for the construction of the new building Photo: Sepi Forum
While policy promises continue at the national level, the story of Kalenga Clinic shows that real change often begins at the grassroots—driven by young people who refuse to accept neglect.
*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS)
A small-scale dam was built in Sughu community, Wanderer Bay, West Guadalcanal in 2009 by World Vision, easing access to water supply for people of Sughu.
The small-scale dam is situated far from the village and further up near the water sourceOne of the standpipes at Sughu community
But today, as the population increases over the years, with a greater number of households in the community, getting access to water through standpipes is now an issue.
Joshua Bulolo of Sughu community
Joshua Bulolo from Sughu, said the small-scale dam built far from the village was constructed along with a tank from which water is supplied to the village through standpipes.
At the time, standpipes located in the village prior to being built were estimated to be one per 5 households.
He stressed that as there are more people in the community than before, people are finding it hard to share water, especially when there are less than 10 standpipes in the community of more than 10 households.
This has caused the people of Sughu to experience shortage of water more especially because some people have resorted to creating their own water connections, causing disruption in the flow of water supply.
The small dam since being built has not been maintained as well and one of two pipes from the dam leading to the tank for water supply to the village was broken from flooding.
A front view of the small-scale damWater flowing from one of the broken pipes from the dam
“The flooding was so strong it broke one of the pipes at the dam so the broken pipe needs to be changed,” said Bulolo.
He pointed out that there should be a full rehabilitation of the whole water supply system which includes the small dam, tank, pipes, and standpipes.
“What should be done as well is recalculation of how many households there are in the community at present to know how big the dam should be to provide more water for the community.
“There should also be an increase in the size of the storage tank so that it has enough water to supply people of the community,” he said.
Bulolo mentioned that the dam also needs to reconstructed.
He emphasised that no maintenance of the water supply system has been done, hence the challenge of water supply usage in the village.
Bulolo said although the community does not have enough money to do this, they should work together for a start, adding that assistance from the government and aid donors would greatly assist them in curbing this challenge.
Women and young girls of Sughu who use water more often everyday than everyone else are also feeling the impact of unequal access to water supply.
Clera, a young woman from Sughu community
Clera, a young woman from the community shared her experience about this.
“We use the water supply to prepare food, for drinking, washing cooking utensils, to bathe and to wash clothes,” she said.
Clera added that the issue of not having enough standpipes is that when they go to fetch water to drink, or bring their clothes to wash them or when they go to bathe, they have to wait because people are already at the standpipe.
“This affects us women and girls, because everyday we have different tasks to do which all involves the use of water.
“So, when we go to use water from the standpipe but it is already occupied, we have to wait which means we will delay whatever task we had planned to do throughout the day” she stressed.
Like Bulolo, Clera also concurrs to the fact that the growing population in their community has impacted access and use of water from the now limited standpipes they have.
“So, we need more standpipes,” she said.
*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS)
Unlike government schools that have access to grants, Kiu Community High School in Malaita Province survives and thrives only by financial contributions from parents.
Kiu Community High School
The lack of access to school grants, aid donors and constituency funds is still a major setback for Kiu Community High School as it faces challenges in accessing them.
The motives behind the halt of funding, such as school grants, aid donors, PCDF, and constituency support for Kiu School, are not clear.
Kiu Community High School Deputy Principal, Amos Tafea’ataramae
However, the Deputy Principal of Kiu Community High School, Amos Tafea’ataramae, said so far, they have shown community resilience in holding up the school to run without these external supports.
One of the school’s staff preparing for her class
But, the reality is without these external supports the school can only manage to develop very slowly.
Tafea’ataramae said they can only carry out minor renovations and maintenance.
“In terms of school development, this is one of our main difficulties. So, with the only small amount that we receive from the tuition fees, we managed to do minor developments like renovations and maintenance work in the school,” he said.
The absence of funds not only disrupts school development, but also contributes to a lack of resources and required facilities for students.
“Since we have a growing population at the moment, we need more development in the school. Currently, we have a library, but it doesn’t cater to every student, and there are also scarce resources like reading books and others,” he said.
Form four students during one of their classes
The learning environment for the students is also a grave issue, which the Deputy Principal said almost all their classrooms need to be extended to have more space and to accommodate new classrooms.
The school is also in dire need of a school hall for end-year programmes, like the graduation ceremonies.
A classroom normally used for graduation ceremonies and school activities
“We also need a school hall. Every year during our graduation, we just use a classroom, which doesn’t accommodate everyone. At times, every parent stays outside of the classroom when they should be in the room witnessing their children graduating,” he said.
Other barriers faced at Kiu School are road access to Auki township and school boundary expansion.
Tafea’ataramae appeals to national and provincial leaders to visit their school and see for themselves what the school is facing.
He urges the provincial education authority, which is the body that oversees and is responsible for assessments of all schools in the province, to make an urgent assessment of their school to see for themselves.
“Yes, I want to call on national and provincial leaders, and especially our provincial education authority, to please make an attempt to visit every school in the province at any time next year.
“Through the visit and assessment of the schools, you’ll figure out what is most needed and what each school is facing, without saying that every school is running smoothly,” he said.
*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS)
