BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

DIRECTOR of the Western Province Health Authority, Dickson Boara, says efforts to reduce preventable diseases are vital to improve public health and ease pressure on the country’s health system.

Speaking during the No Open Defecation (NOD) declaration ceremony at Nusatuva Community last week, Boara said Solomon Islands’ health facilities continue to face persistent challenges, particularly in service delivery and medical supplies.

He stressed that the ongoing shortage of medicines in hospitals and clinics poses a serious risk to communities, especially when unhealthy lifestyles lead to higher numbers of avoidable illnesses.

“These issues become life threatening when communities live an unhealthy lifestyle. More people will get sick and when they visit clinics and hospitals, they are not treated accordingly because there is shortage of medicine.

“This is a serious issue and I highly recommend communities to live a healthy lifestyle,” Boara said.

He said the National Sanitation Sustainability Plan (NSSP), which supports the NOD initiative, plays a crucial role in preventing disease and fostering healthier community systems.

Boara congratulated Nusatuva Community for achieving NOD status and contributing to improved sanitation and public health in the province.

He added that such programs are essential not only to create cleaner environments but to also strengthen community resilience against disease.

Boara also acknowledged Nusatuva’s commitment as part of the National Healthy Islands Community Setting, a national strategy that aims to build supportive living environments across the Solomon Islands.

He explained that the Healthy Islands concept focuses on empowering communities to take ownership of health outcomes by encouraging healthy behaviours and addressing root causes of disease.

“It emphasizes that health starts outside of clinics and aims to empower communities to become active partners in their own health by addressing the root causes of disease through a population-focused approach,” Boara said.

He said the initiative forms part of the national commitment to improve health indicators and is supported by government ministries, NGOs and development partners.

Boara encouraged other communities to follow Nusatuva’s example and to continue working with health partners to build a healthier and more sustainable future.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) will only focus on improving existing roads and not on new roads in Malaita Province as funds available are not enough.

Due to a lack of funding, the Ministry is currently focusing on three sites in the province: Busurata Road, South Road, and North Road. 

The Ministry’s media unit stressed that the main focus will be on the main roads and feeder roads that can create and provide access to economic activities. 

Stated is that improvements to other feeder roads in the province will be implemented, but will depend on the availability of funds.

“The ministry is currently focusing on the main roads and feeder roads that connect to access for economic activities, such as road access to cocoa, coconut, and other products.

“Maintenance and improvement of the roads that have an economic return or basis,”, MID’s media unit said.

Also stated is that the survey and scoping assessment areas for new roads in Malaita Province have been completed, and implementation will still depend on funding. 

“We have completed the survey and scoping assessment for new roads in the province, but that will depend on funding, because working on new roads is very costly and expensive.

“We hope that the national government will work on a budget that will meet all of this,” MID’s media unit said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said that the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) remains committed to protecting the environment.

The PM assures the local media regarding concerns about mining operations, particularly in Siruka, Choiseul, and other areas during his Press conference yesterday.

“There have also been concerns about mining operations, particularly in Siruka, Choiseul, and other areas. The government, under my leadership, remains committed to protecting our environment, supporting good governance and managing our national resources responsibly,” PM Manele said.

“I want to assure all citizens that your concerns are being heard,” he said.

He further said that the government continues to emphasise that all mining activities must comply with the development consent issued by the Director of Environment and operate according to their mining agreements.

He stressed that the government decisions are based on transparency and accountability implemented by the public institutions.

“Government decisions are guided by transparency and accountability, and it is our public institutions and officers who implement these decisions. Where performance falls short, it reflects on the government as a whole,” PM Manele said.

He stressed that efforts must continue to review processes, coordination and institutional capacity, and strengthening to understand how decisions and services are carried out.

“Together we are focusing on the well-being of our communities, strengthening public institutions and maintaining the trust of the Solomon Islands people today and for generations to come. Despite political differences, my government and I remain committed to serving our people and building a stable, accountable and prosperous Solomon Islands,” PM Manele highlighted.

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BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

A “Ward Profiling Workshop” is currently underway in Gizo, Western Province.

The week-long workshop brings together provincial members, Ward Development Committees, Provincial administration officers and other stakeholders.

Speaking during the opening of the Workshop, Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo expressed his gratitude saying the workshop is not just another item or checklist event, but a milestone of Western Province and it’s journey towards better governance and smarter development.

He said ward profiles are more than just documents but a testament that reflect the need of people, their challenges, their strength and their hope for the future.

Veo stressed that it is important to verify, validate and understand the document before it becomes a legal document for the province.

“This is why your presence here today is so important. Your insights and leadership will ensure that the profiles are not only accurate but meaningful.

“As the Premier of Western Province, I am proud to see such commitment and diverse group gathering here today – leaders from all 26 wards, our executive team, technical officers and development partners, united by shared purpose; to strengthen the foundation of our Provincial planning through accurate, inclusive and community driven data”, he said.

Veo acknowledged IEDCR, the Ministry of Provincial Government and donor partners for facilitating the important workshop.

In his presentation, IEDCR Consultant, Adrian Toni said the primary objective of the workshop is to solicit feedbacks, refine the document and ensure the data is accurate, relevant and well socialised.

He explained that the workshop is part of a five years strategic development plan developed for the nine provinces.

Toni said three consultants have been engaged to validate, synthesis the data and then draft a five-year plan based on data collected by Ward Support Officers.

He encourages Provincial Leaders and Ward Development officers to take the workshop seriously so that the profiles are not just piece of documents.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands, is set to deliver 40 water tanks to Neo Island in Santa Cruz-Temotu Province, providing much-needed access to clean water and improving the quality of life for local residents.

Previously, islanders depended on unreliable sources such as wells, natural sea outlets during low tide, and even coconuts for drinking water.

The project was officially signed and cleared for implementation during the Australian Small-Scale Projects award night at Mendana Hotel last week.

Peter Lano, a representative of the project recipients, welcomed the initiative as a transformative step for the community, where water scarcity has long been a major challenge.

Speaking to Island Sun News, Lano noted that the tanks will serve three surrounding communities, including the Polynesian settlement on the island.

“We are thrilled that the Australian Government has acknowledged our struggles with clean water access.

“This will greatly benefit our people. Obtaining clean water has always been a hardship, and this project feels like a blessing for our villages,” said Lano.

I personally thank the Australian Government for their support.

“This isn’t our first application—we submitted requests for a few villages last year—and we’re grateful for their recognition in promoting a healthier lifestyle,” said Lano.

Lano urges residents to take responsibility for the project’s success.

“We must unite to support the rollout and completion of this initiative.

“Once the tanks are installed, please maintain them well, as they’ve been provided free of charge. This will help sustain our health and well-being,” he said.

Acting High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel emphasized Australia’s dedication to Solomon Islands’ development.

“We take pride in the large-scale infrastructure we’ve backed nationwide, but we also value the profound effects of smaller, community-focused efforts, particularly in remote regions.

“These projects transform lives on a personal and enduring level,” he said.

This initiative is the second rollout of 2025 under the Australian Government’s Community Partnerships program, which supports 57 such projects across the country.

The water tanks are expected to significantly enhance hygiene and health outcomes in this isolated area.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Aorigi Primary School on Santa Catalina Island in Makira Ulawa Province will receive a new staff housing project funded by the Australian High Commission.

The initiative aims to address long-standing accommodation shortages that have hindered teacher recruitment in the school.

The agreement was formalized last week during an official project award ceremony at Mendana Hotel, where Australian Acting High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel signed the deal alongside representatives from the school.

The initiative, valued at $ 300,000 SBD, will be constructed by Smart Technology in partnership with the East Makira Constituency office.

James Rofoi, the school’s Project Coordinator, voiced eagerness for the development, describing it as a critical solution to a persistent challenge.

“We currently have only two staff houses for the entire school, which has made it tough for teachers to relocate and teach here.

“We’ve often had to look elsewhere for educators, but the lack of housing has been a major obstacle. This project directly tackles one of our most pressing needs,” Rofoi explained.

Rofoi added that the new facilities will enhance the school’s infrastructure, supporting broader development goals.

“We’re thrilled about this initiative; it fulfills a long-overdue requirement that we faced for so long.

“We extend our gratitude to the Australian High Commission for acknowledging our situation.

“The community is buzzing with excitement, and you’ll witness our joy firsthand next year at the official handover,” Rofoi said.

Schloeffel highlighted Australia’s commitment to Solomon Islands’ progress.

“We take pride in the large-scale infrastructure we’ve backed nationwide, but we also value the profound effects of smaller, community-focused efforts, particularly in remote regions.

“These projects transform lives on a personal and enduring level,” he said.

This marks the second rollout of 2025 under the Australian Government’s Community Partnerships program, which funds 57 such initiatives across the country.

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Manele set to visit provinces before overseas trip

BY JOHN HOUANIHA

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele will be having important engagements both domestically and abroad starting next week.

He revealed this during his press conference with local media at Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) yesterday.

“Looking ahead, the coming weeks will include several important engagements, both domestically and abroad. Next week, I will be in Noro, Western Province, to officiate the official opening and handing over of the new Noro Police Station,” he said.

Prime Minister Manele said this facility represents continued collaboration to improve police presence and support safer communities, with the support from the Government of Australia.

“Following this, I will travel to Kolombangara for the presentation of certificates of the Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (ICSI) shares at KFPL to Kolombangara Islands Investment Limited. From there, I will travel to Isabel Province for the opening and handover of two health centres in the Hograno, Kia/Havulei constituency,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that he will also be travelling to Brisbane, Australia, to attend the 14th Australia-Solomon Islands Business Forum, which provides an opportunity to promote trade, investment and private sector collaboration between our two countries upon his return to Honiara.

He also told the media that Parliament is expected to reconvene on 24th November 2025.

The PM’s press conference yesterday was joined by the Permanent Secretary for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Dr Chris Vehe, the Chairman of the SIWA Board, Dr. Culwick Togamana, supported by Secretary to the Prime Minister (SPM), Dr Melchior Mataki, who also serves as a SIWA Board member and Attorney General, John Muria (Jnr).

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

UNICEF’s Sanitation Specialist, Basilius Kris Cahyanto says the No Open Defecation (NOD) initiative is a critical pathway towards building healthy and resilient rural communities in the Solomon Islands.

Speaking during the declaration of NOD villages in Western Province last week, Mr Cahyanto said the achievement reflects strong community leadership and aligns with the National Health Strategic Plan.

“A healthy village begins with proper sanitation. NOD is not just a target—it is a pathway to a healthier future for our children, our families and our communities,” he said.

He acknowledged the commitment of chiefs, women, youth and elders for driving the initiative at the village level, and commended the Western Provincial Health Authority for successfully coordinating the program.

According to Mr Cahyanto, the NOD initiative plays a vital role in achieving the country’s national health goals and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

He stressed the importance of improved sanitation and hygiene, noting that diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of child mortality globally.

“Every year, 400,000 to 500,000 children die from diarrhea—a disease that can be prevented through improved water, sanitation and hygiene practices,” he said.

Mr Cahyanto said personal hygiene, especially among children and girls, is crucial to maintaining safe, dignified and healthy communities.

He emphasized that NOD promotes cross-sectoral development, enhancing human development, dignity, safety, and environmental protection.

So far, 31 villages in Western Province have been declared NOD, contributing to a national total of 173 villages—benefiting more than 20,303 people across 4,000 families.

Mr Cahyanto reaffirms UNICEF’s commitment to continue working alongside the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, (MHMS), Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Provincial Governments and Health Authorities, and other development partners to build on these achievements.

“The success of this program shows what strong partnerships and community leadership can achieve. Together, we are building healthier and stronger communities for our children’s future,” he said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Often, there are those one-off conferences, the recent CBSI-ADB-APAEA conference however, is not one of them says Prof Paresh Narayan of Monash University and APAEA (Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association).

Speaking at the “2nd CBSI-ADB-APAEA Joint Workshop” held at the Heritage Park Hotel just late last week, he voiced that the conference is about creating an ecosystem of high-quality policy research, knowledge sharing and the search for partnerships.

Prof Narayan said it is about creating an ecosystem of high-quality policy research with very strong academic rigor in that research.

“….as you will see throughout the day in the presentations, led by the central bank,” he added.

Prof Narayan expressed that this is a very important thing the central bank wants to share and it is the type of thinking that often happens behind closed doors as they don’t get access to central bankers.

He said apart from the conference being a knowledge-sharing conference, it is also about searching for partnerships and new ideas.

“We are here not to say that we have monopoly on the ideas that we are going to present, but we are here to also listen to you in terms of how we can improve on the type of research we are doing and the type of thinking that we bring to that research,” said Prof Narayan.

He also took the opportunity to speak on their collaboration with central banks in the Asia Pacific region.

Prof explained that the APAEA (Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association) partners with 10 central banks in the region.

He said this partnership has made a landscape change to the type of policy research that is happening in the region.

Prof Narayan mentioned that the 10 central banks from the Pacific Island countries include; the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu, the Reserve Bank of Fiji, and Bank PNG.

He said all the banks mentioned are present at the conference thus, the quality of the policy discourse that emerges out of this conference resonates right across the Pacific.

“And that is indicated by the fact that we have a very strong presence from all these central banks,” said Prof Narayan.

He noted that the workshop is also about creating a point of convergence of ideas and that’s the value the Central Bank of Solomon Islands brings.

“Yes, it is domesticated in terms of the policy discussions we will have, but it is also bringing together other central banks,” said Prof Narayan.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Prof Paresh Narayan, of Monash University and APAEA (Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association) says the problem they face in developing countries is having good ideas but not implementing them simply because they they are not working together.

He raised this at the “2nd CBSI-ADB-APAEA Joint Workshop”, that catered to heads of central banks in the region particularly, Fiji, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, ADB representative, Dr John Beirne, government officials and stakeholders.

“The problem that we face in developing countries in particular, we have good ideas, but we cannot implement them.

“And one of the reasons we are not able to implement that is because we are not working together.  And if we come together like what we have done here, that means we can start to work together,” he said.

Prof Narayan stated that they can have more robust discussions on some of the ideas which may not necessarily fit certain type of economic problems as solutions.

Moreover, he said this forum and the forums that have been happening throughout the region in the last eight years is creating that kind of knowledge bundle.

Prof Narayan also referred to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as a key regional partner.

He expressed that the Asian Development Bank’s partnership in this project is allowing central banks and APAEA to build that bridge stronger between policy research, policy design, and its implementation, which is the key thing.

Prof Narayan also spoke briefly about APAEA (Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association).

“So, what the Asia-Pacific Applied Economics Association, under my leadership, is doing, is working very closely not only with central banks but other policy institutions like the National Provident Fund,” he said.

Prof Narayan on this note, informed the audience that they had signed a MOU with the National Provident Fund of Solomon Islands to undertake research in capacity building.

He said this has come about because of the spillover effects of what the central bank is doing.

“And that’s what the role of the central bank in any country is. You must lead research, not by hiding research, but by becoming inclusive, like the way Governor Luke Forau has engaged with all of you,” Prof Narayan said.

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