THE Clerk of Noro says all infrastructure development within the town will follow proper planning standards to ensure orderly growth and to avoid unplanned expansion similar to that experienced in Honiara.
Gavin Totu revealed that a Town Planning Scheme has already been forwarded to the Ministry of Lands and Housing and the Ministry of Home Affairs for further consideration and approval.
He explained that the Planning Scheme will guide the future expansion of Noro Town in an organized and sustainable manner.
“This Planning Scheme outlines the future development of Noro Town. It clearly identifies where roads, buildings and recreation areas will be located,” Totu said.
According to Totu, Noro is a rapidly growing town and it is timely to establish a proper town plan to effectively administer incoming developments.
He explained that good town plan is essential to support business growth by allowing the smooth movement of goods and services.
Totu said buildings should be constructed according to a clear town plan that separates residential, commercial and industrial areas.
“We don’t want Noro to be like Honiara,” he stated.
Totu highlights that a well-planned town is not just about physical development, but also about creating a healthy, safe and sustainable future for everyone.
He emphasized that a well-planned town can grow in an organized way that benefits both present and future generations.
Gov’t strengthens Road Transport Board to tackle traffic chaos, improve road safety
The Government has officially revived and strengthened the long-dormant Road Transport Board (RTB), signaling a major push to address Honiara’s worsening traffic congestion and improve road safety nationwide.
The RTB originally established in 2009 under the amended Road Transport Act—has been inactive for years due to a lack of dedicated funding, a statement from MID said.
But under the leadership of Minister for Infrastructure Development (MID), Ricky Fuo’o, the board is now being rebuilt, resourced and prepared to enforce long-neglected road transport regulations.
Last week, the RTB unveiled its new official logo, following a nationwide design competition.
New official logo
Local graphic designer David Kabulanga was awarded $10,000 for creating the winning design, a circular seal featuring a road lined with a yellow dashed marker and five white stars symbolising the Southern Cross, reflecting both national identity and the board’s regulatory mandate.
The logo has already been mounted on six new patrol vehicles, fully fitted with sirens and decals through support from the Australian Government. The fleet is now awaiting operational deployment.
A delighted Director of the Ministry’s Land Transport Management Services Division (LTMSD), who is also the board’s acting secretary, Leslie Nate, said given the renewed support, this board will be up and running to carry forward its mandated duties.
The board’s composition: Permanent Secretary to the Ministry responsible for transport (MID) as the chairperson, Clerk to the Honiara City Council (HCC), Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Commissioner or a nominee, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) or a nominee, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry responsible for Commerce or a nominee, Inland Revenue Division representative, Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Director of LTMSD.
Mr. Nate explained that two other members are representatives of Honiara’s taxi and bus association.
He called on these two bodies to organize themselves to choose two representatives to be part of the board.
”There will be reforms and reviews going forward; therefore, the need for these two representatives is important, especially since new infringement notices will come into force next year.
The director further outlined that they will be rolling out their awareness activities soon.
“There are ongoing consultations with relative stakeholders for the formation of a task force, which will be comprised of police officers, MID officers, and Honiara City Council law enforcement officers to help conduct patrols and control our daily traffic.
“Uniforms and other supporting equipment will be sourced soon to enable effective implementation of this board,” Mr. Nate said.
MID Minister Fuo’o, on December 2, 2025 parliament sitting on the 2026 Appropriation Bill 2025, also spelled out RTB’s role in addressing some of the challenges facing the main road network, such as traffic congestion, bus stops, road signage, parking, and enforcing other traffic regulations.
Again, this board is responsible for formulating, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing policies related to road transport, in conjunction with the ministry’s functions of developing national transport policy. This includes overseeing taxi and bus fares, routes, and the management of road signage and markings. It works closely with the ministry’s vehicle inspector, the police traffic department, and the Inland Revenue Division. Furthermore, this board has the authority to initiate and conduct prosecutions for offenses under the Act, its regulations, or the Highway Code, subject to the directives of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Member of Parliament for North New Georgia, John Dean Kuku, has cautioned the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) over the country’s growing reliance on borrowing.
Speaking in Parliament this week, Kuku warned that persistent borrowing is undermining the country’s fiscal stability, reflected in recurring budget deficits.
“The debt is rising. Debt stock is already around $4.2 billion as of October 2025, about 30 percent higher than the previous year.
The government plans to borrow up to $1 billion more in 2026, including $300 million domestically and $700 million externally,” he said.
Kuku noted that although the debt-to-GDP ratio remains below the 35 percent benchmark, the overall trend is worrying.
He highlighted repeated deficits, expanding borrowings, and continued dependence on donor support as factors that contradict the government’s narrative of fiscal stability.
“We must be honest. We have lived beyond our means for many years. We have run deficits almost every year since 2016.
“We have used donor support funds and loans to mask the true scale of our fiscal problems. This budget does not fundamentally change that pattern,” he said.
The MP also referred to comments made by the Minister of Finance and Treasury regarding the potential of the mineral sector.
While he acknowledged the government’s commitment to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and the planned establishment of a mineral resource laboratory to verify content and pricing, he described these measures as long overdue.
Kuku further welcomed GNUT’s intention to create a sovereign wealth fund to ensure that revenue from non-renewable resources benefits future generations. He noted, however, that the proposal currently lacks detail.
“We continue to see examples of poor governance in existing mining operations, including weak enforcement, unresolved community grievances, and questions about the valuation of exports.
“Without strong institutions, it is better to leave minerals in the ground than to dig them up only to benefit a few and leave the environment and communities worse off,” he said.
St Mary Tanagai Community High School will expand its senior secondary program to include Form 6 Science starting in the 2026 academic year, giving students greater opportunities to pursue advanced studies.
The announcement was made by Mr Timothy Ngele, Chief Executive Officer of the Guadalcanal Provincial Education Authority (GPEA), during the school’s Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony on Friday, 28 November 2025.
“Looking ahead, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development has approved plans to establish Form 6 Science next year.
“St Mary Tanagai Community High School will offer this program, providing students with more opportunities to advance academically,” Mr Ngele said.
He added that the provincial government is also directing education providers to identify a suitable school for the first Form 7 in Guadalcanal Province.
The school currently provides education from Form 1 to Form 6, having introduced its first Form 6 Arts program in 2019.
Chairman of the School Board, Daniel Donua, said the introduction of Form 6 Science represents a major milestone for the school, opening pathways for students to access tertiary education.
Mr Donua also shared a brief history of the school.
Established in 1948 by Marist Missionaries, the school was relocated in 1970 to a new site about two kilometres west of Tanagai and renamed St Mary Marara School.
It hosted the Royal Visit of Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II in early 1970.
In 1980, the school moved back to its original Tanagai site and retained the St Mary Marara name until 2023, when it was updated to St Mary Tanagai to reflect its current location.
The announcement of Form 6 Science adds to the school’s growing academic offerings and reinforces its commitment to providing quality education to students in Guadalcanal Province.
THE proposed oil palm development on Reresare land in Vella, Western Province, is expected to employ up to 5,000 people once fully operational, stakeholders were told during the first formal consultation held last week.
The milestone meeting brought together chiefs, landowners and community representatives to discuss the initial concept of the project and its potential impact on livelihoods, infrastructure and economic growth.
The employment projection was received with optimism, with many attendees describing the project as one of the biggest economic opportunities ever proposed for the island.
Chiefs of Vella publicly welcomed the proposed oil palm project, citing its importance not only for landowning tribes but also for surrounding communities, the province and the country as a whole.
Chief Freedom Tozaka who is also the Ward Member of Ward 100 said chiefs said the large-scale employment would significantly reduce unemployment among youths and create income opportunities for families who currently rely mainly on subsistence farming and small-scale cash crops.
He noted that beyond direct employment, the project is expected to stimulate growth in local businesses, transport services, food supply, accommodation and other support industries.
Tozaka added that improved infrastructure such as roads, wharves and utilities would benefit both the project and the wider public.
However, he stressed the importance of proper consultation, transparency and fair benefit-sharing arrangements moving forward.
Island Sun understand that the consultation last week marked the first step in a broader engagement process, with more meetings expected to be held with landowners and stakeholders in the coming weeks.
As discussions continue, expectations remain high that the oil palm development could become a major driver of economic transformation for Vella and Western Province.
The Member of Parliament for North New Georgia and acting Opposition Leader, John Dean Kuku, has raised serious concerns over the absence of any mention of the Labour Mobility program in the 2026 national budget.
Speaking during the parliamentary debate on Monday, MP Kuku highlighted the critical role the program plays in supporting Solomon Islanders’ livelihoods and generating foreign exchange.
Thousands of workers are engaged in Australia and New Zealand, sending remittances home to pay school fees, support families, and grow small businesses.
“Yet, in the 2026 budget speech, the Minister for Finance is silent on this area,” Kuku said.
“There are no numbers, no strategy, no budget support for training, pre-departure preparation, financial literacy, or integration of workers when they return. There is no plan to negotiate lower remittance costs or better conditions on accommodation and travel. This is a serious omission.”
He warned that labour mobility is not merely a foreign affairs issue, but a core part of the country’s economic and social strategy.
“If we give less attention to this important scheme, it may end up as modern slavery,” he cautioned.
MP Kuku urged the government to strengthen the program and provide the necessary budget support to ensure it continues to benefit Solomon Islanders and contribute to national development.
St Mary Tanagai Community High School (CHS), west of Honiara, celebrated a major milestone on Friday 28 November 2025, hosting one of its biggest and most colourful graduation and prize-giving ceremonies to date.
A total of 211 students were honoured under the uplifting theme “Together We Achieve the Best,” bringing together parents, teachers, church leaders, community representatives and education officials in a strong show of unity and support.
Students proceeds to the school field and formed a circle after the official program.
The day began with a school mass from 8 to 9am, led by Guest of Honour, Rev Bishop-Elect Fr Jacob Aba, followed by a procession to the school hall where the official program commenced.
Chairman of the School Board Mr Daniel Donua delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for a day focused on gratitude, achievement and a brief history of the school.
School Principal Mr James Mepobu, Guadalcanal Provincial Education Authority (GPEA) CEO Mr Timothy Ngele, and Rev Bishop-Elect Aba each addressed the gathering.
In his speech, Principal Mepobu thanked the invited guests and praised the collective effort that made the 2025 academic year a success.
He said the theme reflected the school’s belief that unity, teamwork and collaboration remained essential in achieving the best outcomes.
“Our school motto, Education for Life, speaks volumes today,” he told the students.
“The lessons you’ve learned go far beyond academics. They are lessons of faith, compassion, resilience and unity—qualities that will guide you long after you leave this school.”
He also acknowledged Fr Jacob’s role in strengthening Catholic values through regular masses, spiritual programs and recollection activities.
Fr Aba congratulates graduants
CEO Ngele echoed similar sentiments, commending the resilience of students who completed Years 9, 11 and 12.
“Each of you faced ups and downs that tested your strength and commitment,” he said.
“These challenges have shaped your character. But this is not the end—your education journey continues.”
A key highlight of the ceremony was the school’s announcement that Form 6 Science will be introduced in 2026, marking a significant step forward in improving academic pathways for students.
Excitement built as subject awards, special prizes and the prestigious Dux Awards were announced.
Year 11 student Emily Pada was awarded the Senior Dux Award, topping English, Mathematics, Science, New Testament Studies and Business Studies.
Dux student senior category Emily Pada being congratulated by Guest of Honour Bishop Elect Fr Jacob Aba
In the junior category, Year 9 student Irene Bosamete was awarded the Junior Dux Award, achieving top marks across English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Agriculture, Business Studies and Home Economics.
After the official program, the school community moved to the field, forming a large congratulatory circle where parents, guardians and supporters congratulated graduates in an emotional and celebratory moment.
This year’s graduation saw a notable increase in student completion numbers:
Form six students smilling for the camera as during procession.
Year 9: 73 graduates
Year 11: 73 graduates
Year 12 Arts: 65 graduates
This marks a visible rise compared to the 2024 cohort, which saw 68 graduates from Year 9, 59 from Year 11 and 46 from Year 12.
Formerly known as Marara Community High School before its name change last year, St Mary Tanagai CHS continues to grow in student population and academic capacity.
The day concluded with feasting and lively performances, wrapping up what many described as the most memorable graduation the school has ever hosted.
Housing crisis hits hard on Solomon Islanders, warns Kuku
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
THE housing crisis in Honiara and other urban centres is threatening the livelihoods of public servants, young professionals, and small business owners, warns John Dean Kuku, Member of Parliament for North New Georgia and acting Opposition Leader.
Raising concern over the 2026 national budget currently before Parliament, MP Kuku described the housing situation as a “silent emergency.”
He said rising land prices, restrictive bank lending, and a lack of affordable housing programs are forcing many into informal settlements with poor living conditions and no security of tenure.
“Our young professionals, nurses, teachers, police officers, public servants, and small business owners are being priced out of decent accommodation,” Kuku said.
“Many of our people end up in informal settlements, paying rent for poor conditions with no security of tenure,” he said.
MP Kuku stressed that the budget offers little focus on housing programs or customary land recording, leaving key issues like urban land reform and affordable housing unaddressed.
He added there is no subsidy or support framework for first-home buyers and no plan to protect indigenous Solomon Islanders from being displaced by foreign investment.
“This is not a problem we can leave to the market while we watch from the side,” Kuku said.
“It is a structural issue that demands a serious policy response. The 2026 budget continues to ignore it.”
The call highlights growing public concern over the rising cost of living and the urgent need for government intervention to secure safe and affordable housing for all Solomon Islanders.
THE Western Province has begun consultations toward establishing a Market Ordinance that will govern all provincial markets across the province.
A special committee appointed by the Western Provincial Assembly is currently undertaking the consultation process as part of the groundwork before drafting the ordinance.
On Monday December 1, 2025, the committee held its first round of consultations in Gizo with key stakeholders including the Gizo Market Vendors Association, Environmental Health, the Provincial Agriculture Office, and other partner institutions.
Following the meeting, the committee travelled to Noro to continue consultations with local stakeholders and partners regarding the proposed regulation.
Chairperson of the committee, Gideon Tuke, said the initiative originates from the Western Provincial Government, which currently owns four major markets located in Gizo, Noro, Munda and Seghe.
He said it is important that a proper legal framework is in place to safeguard these public facilities and ensure they are managed effectively.
Tuke said the ordinance will also aim to address key service areas such as waste management and human health.
He added that the purpose of the current consultation is to gather views, concerns and recommendations from stakeholders that will guide the drafting of the ordinance.
“This committee was established by the Assembly to seek views and insights from our partners and stakeholders. The information gathered will help us compile a draft ordinance,” he said.
Mr Tuke explained that the first step will be to establish a Market Policy, which will guide the ordinance and ensure it is effective and enforceable across the province.
He said information gathered during the consultation will form part of the policy which will later scrutinised by the provincial assembly.
Residents of Gizo joined the rest of the world on Monday December 1, 2025 in commemorating World AIDS Day with a public awareness program held at the Gizo Market.
The event attracted a large crowd, with many people stopping to listen to health talks delivered by officials as part of efforts to raise awareness about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Pamphlets containing educational information on sexually transmitted diseases were also distributed to members of the public.
Speaking during the program, Health Promotion Coordinator for Western Province, Titus Moatakapu, reminded the gathering that HIV remains a deadly virus and continues to pose a serious threat to communities.
He warned that the number of HIV cases is increasing in Solomon Islands and urged people to be more cautious about their lifestyles and choices.
Mr Moatakapu also encouraged those who attended the event to share the information with others as part of efforts to save lives and stop the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, a recent report from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services revealed that the country has recorded 34 new HIV cases, bringing the cumulative total to 79.
Of the 34 new cases, 25 are males and nine are females. Last year, the ministry recorded eight new HIV cases, marking a noticeable surge in infections.
Health authorities continue to call on the public to practice safe behaviour, seek regular testing, and support ongoing awareness efforts across the country.
The celebration and awareness were organised by Western Province’s Health Authority through the Health Promotion Division.
