BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Santa Cruz Island in Temotu Province holds a profound place in the history of the Solomon Islands. It is the island that hosted the first recorded foreign visitors to the country.

In 1568, Spanish explorer, Álvaro de Mendaña became the first European to discover the Solomon Islands. This discovery marked the beginning of centuries of European contact with the archipelago.

During his voyage, Mendaña reported finding gold on one of the islands, leading him to believe he had discovered the legendary riches of King Solomon.

In 1595, Mendaña returned to the Solomon Islands and established a settlement at Graciosa Bay on Santa Cruz Island. He later died there, making the island an important site in early Pacific exploration history.

Evidence of Mendaña’s settlement can still be seen today. Corroded iron remnants of the centuries-old wharf he built in Graciosa Bay remain visible. Additionally, descendants of the fowls (chickens) he brought with him during his return voyage are still found on the island.

Santa Cruz Island does not only preserve this significant chapter of history; it also represents the gateway through which the Solomon Islands were first opened to the outside world, eventually leading to contact, change, and modernization.

However, this piece of history appears to have received little recognition, as reflected in the ongoing development challenges faced by Santa Cruz Island and Temotu Province.

As observed—and as acknowledged by rural Temotu residents and leaders—the province remains among the least developed in the country.

George Mepirke, an elder from Nou Village, says the province continues to face significant development challenges, particularly in infrastructure.

In a developing country like the Solomon Islands, he said infrastructure is key to unlocking development and improving the delivery of basic services.

“We are in need of good wharves, roads, airfields and other essential infrastructure to encourage development in the province,” he said.

“Additionally, it seems we have been left behind, perhaps due to our geographical isolation. I am not saying this out of envy, but based on the trend of development across the country.

“It appears that development efforts are centred on only certain provinces, and the distribution is unfair,” he added.

During the parliamentary sine die debate this week, the Member of Parliament for Temotu Pele, James Bonuga, echoed similar sentiments.

He said that for far too long, development, resources, opportunities and essential services have not been distributed fairly across the country.

Bonuga said the province continues to bear the burden of remoteness without receiving the level of support required to overcome it.

“This is not a new issue, and it can no longer be addressed with general statements of commitment alone,” he said.

He added that Temotu Province, like many others, faces unique challenges arising from its geography and distance from the capital.

The MP said these challenges affect the delivery of essential services, the movement of goods and people, and the ability of communities to fully participate in economic development.

“The people of Temotu continue to contribute to the national economy and our shared identity as a nation.

“Yet they continue to experience limited access to healthcare, education, markets and economic opportunities. This imbalance is unacceptable if we are serious about inclusive and equitable development,” Bonuga said.

Daniel Sawa, a young father from Nou Village, has shared the challenges faced by communities in Temotu Province in accessing basic essential services due to inadequate infrastructure development on Santa Cruz Island and across the province.

He said Temotu Province is made up of scattered and far-flung islands, with connectivity—particularly transportation—remaining one of the province’s biggest challenges.

Sawa emphasized that poor connectivity has significantly contributed to the limited delivery and accessibility of basic services throughout the province.

“Connectivity is our biggest challenge, and it has a huge impact, especially on the health and education sectors in the province.

“Sometimes we lose members of our communities simply because of the lack of transport and the high cost of accessing health care services.

“This is common in our outer islands, as the only provincial referral hospital is located at the provincial headquarters in Lata on Santa Cruz Island.

“If adequate health services were accessible in our remote islands, some of the deaths experienced in our families and communities could have been prevented,” he said.

Sawa added that insufficient infrastructure development in the province continues to undermine the education of children.

“We have very few high schools in the province, and they offer limited spaces for our children to further their education,” he said.

He also highlighted the economic challenges faced by rural Temotu communities as they struggle to sustain their families.

“We live in a society where money is essential, but with very limited economic activities, cash flow in the province remains weak.

“Lata is the economic hub of the province, and people from outlying islands travel long distances at high cost just to sell small quantities of produce at the market.

“Often, they return home with very little, which is far from enough to meet the basic needs of their families,” he said.

Sawa said these challenges have been experienced for decades, and despite the hardship, communities continue to endure them.

On that note, he acknowledged the collaboration between the Temotu provincial government, the national government, and development partners in advancing major infrastructure projects in the province.

Sawa highlighted that the upgrade of Lata airfield will significantly improve transportation to the province and help stimulate the growth of key sectors, particularly tourism.

While thanking the national government for these infrastructure developments, he emphasized that the most critical need in Temotu Province is a reliable shipping service.

He urged the government to address this need by providing a vessel to transport goods and people to the province, or even better, by ensuring a vessel is available to serve the islands within the province.

*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS)

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-Education Minister Leokana sets out legal rates that schools may charge

-Schools not allowed to charge registration fees, transfer fees, exam fees

By SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Schools across Solomon Islands have been warned not to over-charge students and parents.

Minister of Education and Human Resources (MEHRD), Tozen Leokana clarified in parliament in his Sine Die address that schools charging fees beyond the limits set out under the Education act 2023 are in direct contravention of the Ministry’s order.

Speaking during the Sine Die Motion last week Leokana said schools are strictly prohibited to charge registration fees, transfer fees or examination fees.

“No child should be excluded from education due to temporary financial hardships,” he said.

Leokana added that compliance to the law is not optional and parents/guardians are encouraged to report breaches directly to the Permanent Secretary of MEHRD.

“The Ministry’s officials are instructed to act immediately and they will have my full political support.

“Under the authority granted by the Education act 2023, I have already exercised my power to regulate school fees.

“I have issued a ministerial order setting maximum fees,” Leokana said.

School fees are based on level, location, and boarding status. Non-boarding primary schools may charge up to $1,200 in urban areas and $250 in non-urban areas.

For junior secondary, the maximum is $2,000 in urban and $800 in non-urban, while senior secondary non-boarding schools may charge up to $4,000 in urban centers and $3,000 in non-urban areas.

MEHRD also plans to review grants that are provided to schools and education providers.

This is the response to the prevailing circumstances including raising costs, inflation and the overarching need to ensure grants funding support the smooth and effective operation of schools.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

PRIME Minister, Jeremiah Manele says that SIPA (Solomon Islands Ports Authority) should not only invest in the existing ports facility but also plan ahead for terminal storage expansion.

He made the statement whilst delivering the keynote address at SIPA’s milestone groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, December 19, 2025 to mark Berth 1’s redevelopment project.

Manele said projections indicate that between 2030 and 2035, annual container throughput could exceed 40,000 20-foot equivalent units, noting that at that level, congestion risks become real, not only at the wharf but also within the container yard, access roads and surrounding urban areas.

“This is why SIPA should not only invest in the existing port facility but also, planning ahead for terminal storage expansion,” he said.

Manele also said that he takes note of SIPA’s plans that the Chairman has alluded to, not only here in Honiara but also at Noro, our other international port and other areas in the future.

He said one strategic solution is to complement the Point Cruz main container yard with additional capacity well before congestion reaches critical levels.

Manele said that the development of a Ranadi outport container yard is both timely and necessary.

He said Ranadi’s proximity to the main container terminal and its location within our industrial zone make it a logical and cost-effective extension of port operations.

“Container movements between Ranadi and Point Cruz can be efficiently facilitated through barge transport. The use of barges to transport containers represents a modern and efficient freight solution.

“Over time, it can gradually replace the heavy reliance on trucking, which is increasingly inefficient and limited in capacity.

“Barge transport allows movement of higher container volumes per trip, overnight and off-peak transfers; improving efficiency for customers and reduced disruption to daytime urban activity,” said Manele.

He said that it will shift heavy container traffic of the east-west Honiara main road, easing congestion, improving road safety and reducing pressure on critical urban infrastructure.

Manele said that beyond logistics of efficiency, this approach contributes to a better urban environment.

“Fewer container trucks mean lower emissions and reduced road damage. At the same time, it will directly support industrial growth in the Ranadi industrial zone.

“Key national businesses, such as Solrais, SolBrew, Tongs, Top Timber, Gold Ridge and others, rely on reliable, efficient ports and logistics services to remain competitive and grow,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that the rehabilitation of Berth 1 must therefore be viewed as part of a broader national port development vision, one that integrates infrastructure investment, modern legislation, sound SOE governance, urban planning and private sector growth.

“The Government remains committed to working with the Solomon Islands Ports Authority to ensure our ports are safe and resilient, efficient and competitive, and governed by legislation that reflects the realities of a modern society or economy,” he said.

Manele also took the opportunity to acknowledge SIPA and development partners and stakeholders in this venture.

“I commend the Board, Management and staff of SIPA for their leadership and foresight. I also acknowledge our development partners including ADB and stakeholders for their continued support in strengthening our national infrastructure.

“On the same note, I also thank the representatives of our contractor, CCECC, (China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation) for the work that they will undertake to implement and complete this project in time as part of the Board’s 70th celebration, but more so, our country’s 50th Independence Anniversary come 2028.

“With those remarks, may I take the opportunity as well to wish all of you a blessed, festive season and Happy New Year 2026.

“May this project strengthen our ports, support our economy and serve the people of the Solomon Islands for generations to come,” he said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

MEMBER of Parliament for West Kwaio Constituency and Chairman of the Bina Harbour Tuna Project, Claudius Tei’ifi is calling for the prioritisation of house that will be affected by the domestic international seaport developments of the project.

He made the appeal on the floor of parliament during the Sine Die Motion last week.

“My committee has consistently called on government through the Implementation Agency to prioritise relocation of houses affected by the domestic international seaport developments,” he said.

He said that this matter must be given priority in the 2026 Work Plan and beyond.

“While the Ministry of Fisheries are leading at Bina Habour, I also urge government to ensure that other sectors such as police and security, health, education and utilities are integrated into the broader planning framework,” he said.

Tei’ifi said that coordination across government and stakeholders is critical to upward delegations and maximize the impact of the public investment.

He said that scale of the Bina Habour Development Project has placed additional pressure on his constituency government planning, particularly in Ward 28, where the project is located.

“The constituency work plan seeks to prepare communities to improve housing, water and sanitation, community infrastructure and livelihood programs. I therefore respectfully request government agencies and partners supporting Bina Project to also consider and support constituency level preparedness initiatives,” he said.

Tei’ifi acknowledges the support of Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the People of Republic of China (PRC) and look forward to deeper collaboration in 2026 and beyond.

“I thank my constituents for their patience and ensure them that we will work together to implement projects within the available budget,” he said.

Photo: Supplied

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BY GREGORY HAKA

Members of the Tetena Farmers Association in Na’na, East Makira Constituency, have received farming tools through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) Programme to support and strengthen their operations.

The assistance is part of SIART’s ongoing effort to sustain and improve farming activities among rural farmers.

Association Project Manager, Francis Wehi, said the Tetena Farmers Association officially began its operations following its launch on 3 August 2025 at Na’na village, just a week after signing a grant agreement with SIART in Honiara.

He said the farming materials recently supplied to the association were part of the conditions outlined in the SIART contract agreement.

Wehi expressed sincere appreciation to the SIART Programme for its continued support, saying it demonstrates strong commitment and dedication towards empowering rural farmers.

The items distributed include; wheelbarrows, copra knives and grass cutters, all of which have now been delivered to members in their respective homes.

Wehi acknowledged that the association’s current operations remain challenging, but said he is determined to face these challenges for the benefit of the group.

He said transportation difficulties, the area’s geographical location, and limited network services are some of the main obstacles affecting communication with the SIART head office.

Despite these challenges, Wehi said the association has successfully made two shipments of copra to Honiara in recent months.

He also thanked SIART project officers in Honiara for their continued assistance and guidance.

The Tetena Farmers Association is among 19 successful farmer associations in Makira Ulawa Province that have benefited from support under the SIART Programme.

Photo: Supplied

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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

The Office of the Auditor General has resorted to seeking the Courts’ advice over the National Hosting Authority’s (NHA) expenditure and procurement activities for the Pacific Games 2023.

This follows the NHA’s failure to cooperate with the auditing process, and not providing documents requested by the auditors which show NHA’s spending.

“There are still outstanding audit queries and documentation sought from NHA as of today’s date,” Auditor General David Dennis said in an email to Island Sun Friday last week.

Normally financial audit reports are completed 12 months after the Games, Pacific Games Council (PGC) Chief Executive Andrew Minogue told Radio New Zealand in February this year.

“Based on the experience with previous hosts, we normally expect the financial audit to take about 12 months,” Mr Minogue told RNZ Pacific.

It is now two years, and still no financial audit report for the Pacific Games 2023.

NHA is the body set up by the government to lead preparations and management of the Games.

It had cost government and donor partners around $2.5 billion to host the Games in December, 2023.

The NHA is being audited by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) with the help of KPMG Fiji.

Two types of audits are carried out covering NHA’s activities – the financial statements audit which covers the calendar period from 2019 to 2024, and the special procurement audit which investigates the procurement practices of NHA.

In February this year, falling behind schedule, the OAG told media that the delay was due to NHA not providing requested documentation of its spending.

Auditor General David Dennis told In-Depth Solomons:

“Challenges in NHA providing requested documentation continues to delay the timely completion of these audits.

“To date proper documentation to support the validity of actions and transactions for certain major procurements had not yet been provided and remains a concern.

“Updates to the likely completion dates for the remaining financial audits covering calendar periods 2022-2024 will be shared at a later date,” Dennis said.

On Wednesday last week, Dec 17, OAG announced that it was taking the matter to court.

“The Office of the Auditor General, is seeking legal clarification over the National Hosting Authority’s expenditure and procurement activities for the Pacific Games in 2023,” the statement by OAG said.

“This intention has been conveyed to the Hon Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele at a meeting recently held at the Office of the Prime Minister.”

It is unclear when the courts will have its say on the matter, with the judiciary being on holidays and the legal year 2026 likely to begin in late January.

Auditor General Dennis emphasised the importance of completing the audits, saying “It is critical that the audit reports deliver detailed clear findings and learnings from hosting of significant events such as the Pacific Games. Resolving the applicable legal basis for NHA’s expenditure and procurement activities will ensure both the financial and special audits are finalized and published.”

The OAG said it has engaged senior lawyer Gabriel Suri since the Attorney General is a member of the NHA board.

Meanwhile, NHA Executive Director Christian Nieng did not reply to questions sent to him yesterday.

NHA Chairman, and secretary to the Prime Minister Special Duties, Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers, could not be reached for comments.

The NHA was established in 2018 under the Pacific Games Act 2017 to deliver the Pacific Games 2023.

Following the Games, NHA was to be abolished after it handed over the sporting facilities to the National Sports Council (NSC) and the audit report tabled in parliament.

However, all except two of the sporting facilities have been handed over to the NSC – the dining hall building and the administration building located within the national stadium complex.

And, the audit report is yet to be tabled in parliament.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

THE Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD) has expressed disappointment following damage to the bus stop at Kukum Hot Bread after a speeding vehicle smashed into its benches last week.

Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) in a statement said the incident is a setback to ongoing efforts to improve the city’s urban transport network, which has involved hard work and substantial funding support from development partners.

“These bus stops are more than just benches. They provide shade and safety for passengers, including students, the elderly and other public transport users,” MID said.

The ministry said that careless driving continues to undermine investments made to improve public transport facilities and road safety.

TIMSD appeals to all motorists to drive responsibly, especially during the festive season, and to respect public infrastructure that serves the wider community.

The ministry also calls on the public to take collective responsibility in protecting road assets to ensure they remain safe and functional for everyone.

Photo: Supplied

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