BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The communities of East Wainoni district in East Makira Constituency, Makira Ulawa province were denied of reliable shipping services to the area for many years.

The issue of poor shipping service has been there for many years since the stop of Landing Craft (LC) Kotu since late 1980s and from then on there were no reliable shipping service for East Makira constituency.

The communities have questioned why the past and present political leaders in East Makira have miserably failed to address the issue although they knew exactly that this is one vital service for the people.

The issue has created so much suffering in terms of:

• Timely access to ordered cargoes from Honiara,
• Shipment of agricultural products like coca and copra, etc.
• Expensive charge to hire OBM canoe to arrive at home upon arrival at Kirakira port and vice versa,
• Denied people’s rights to generate income to meet their basic needs.
• Slows down the desire of local farmers and entrepreneurs to carry on with their business activities.
• The problem of back loading from the ports is perhaps one excuse.

“How can you expect back loading when there are no reliable shipping services to the area? Currently copra and cocoa farmers are producing very good number of bags from 100 to 500,” said a concerned person.

The spokesman said local copra and cocoa traders in East Wainoni (ward 13) have spent additional resources to transport their products (Copra, Cocoa) by sea to Kirakira and Wainoni bay ports, given the shipping companies licensed to operate in Makira Ulawa province have failed to extend their services to ward 13.

“I call on the current Member of Parliament (MP) for East Makira Constituency together with all Ward assembly members to address this chronic challenge,” the concerned mans said.

MP for East Makira Franklyn Derek Wasi said he acknowledges the issue of irregular shipping services not only to wards 13 but to the whole East Makira Constituency which is the largest in the Makira Ulawa Province with a total of eight wards.

He told Island Sun yesterday that he highlighted the two main challenges of East Makira Constituency are irregular shipping and telecommunications in his maiden speech in Parliament.

“Now we have new towers been erected and ready for launching and use. The next is the shipping services in which the current MP acknowledges and hopes to secure additional funding under the National Transport Fund with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), but that depends on external funding support,” he said.

He said that another plan is to work on the road in which engineers under MID will do scooping survey work.

“But traditional landowners must open up their land to allow development to take place,” Wasi said.

In terms of the Agriculture sector, Minister also acknowledges the hardship and MAL under its revolving fund, are offering fuel subsidy to local ship owners.

“Already we sent MV Ocean Joy and MV Florence under Franjti Shipping. MAL will again provide fuel subsidy for MV Florence to make another trip this month of October to bring cocoa, copra and timber from Makira Ulawa Province,” he said.

The Minister of Agriculture said he is trying his very best to at least help and this is best he can do to help his people of East Makira Constituency.

“Together, we can work hand in hand to address the matter,” he said.

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Country has no fatality related to covid-19 vaccine side-effects, Health Minister Bosawai tells Parliament

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Solomon Islands has not recorded any deaths related to side-effects of Covid-19 vaccines, says Health Minister Dr Paul Popora Bosawai.

Speaking in parliament yesterday, he said the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has ‘not been informed nor investigated any unexpected deaths related to Covid-19 vaccinations.

Bosawai was responding to the question “Can the Minister update the house on any recorded case of unexpected deaths linked to COVID 19 vaccinations?” put forth by the Member of Parliament for West Kwara’ae, Alfred Tuasulia.

“The Minister of Health and Medical Services has not been informed nor investigated any related deaths to COVID-19 vaccination since the commencement of the COVID-19 vaccination programme started in 2019. Hence, there are no records, unexpected details that link to covid-19,” Bosawai said.

He added that data from the National Referral Hospital (NRH) also shows that there are no deaths recorded due to Covid-19 vaccination side effects.

Bosawai said 22 children who were admitted with respiratory illness, but also positive with covid-19 in 2023 are all alive, recovered and discharged plus multiple major studies and other global health authorities, also do not find any link between Covid-19 vaccine and early or sudden death.

He said that research consistently showed that Covid-19 vaccination significantly reduced the risk of death from the virus.

“The claims linking vaccination to a shorter lifespan or sudden death have been widely discredited as misinformation,” he said.

Bosawai said that the thoughts that vaccination induces premature death circulated is not only in the Solomon Islands, but in other countries as well.

He said in terms of reduced overall mortality, extensive research is indicating that Covid-19 vaccines are associated with a reduced risk of death from any cause among vaccinated individuals.

Bosawai mentioned that other multiple studies have also indicated and found no connection between Covid-19 vaccination and sudden or unexplained death.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale commended the Minister and at the same time questioned the implications of Del or long covid.

“Regarding the issue of long covid (Delta covid), research conducted overseas has shown that it is a significant concern. Is this related to the vaccination or the covid virus itself? If so, do we have instances of long covid in the Solomon Islands? If we do, how many cases are there, and how serious is the situation?” he asked.

In response, Bosawai said it resembles an earthquake, akin to experiencing aftershocks.

“Indeed, we have cases. However, it is crucial to grasp the virus’s mutation and behavior. Many people now refer to it as a common flu, yet we are not conducting tests for it. I cannot dismiss the possibility that it does not exist in the Solomon Islands,” he said.

Wale opposed, however, that according to an overseas medical journal he read, the situation is not as Bosawai portrayed.

“It is not merely the aftermath of an earthquake. It is akin to a major earthquake that follows smaller shocks. Patients are severely debilitated, struggling to rise, and even young individuals lack energy for months, making it seem more severe than the initial covid infection itself.

“My inquiry was whether we have any cases of this, or if we have somehow avoided the more severe consequences,” Wale said.

In response, Bosawai said he would investigate further.

“I currently do not have data on this matter, but I will look into it. It is essential that we revisit and reinvest in our diagnostic tools to re-evaluate covid,” Bosawai said.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Poana Women’s Savings Club of Pusiju community in Southeast Vella la Vella, Western province donated $10,000-worth equipment to the community.

The handover ceremony was held on Sunday, October 12, 2025 and was witnessed by community members.

Maxwell Ege, Project Coordinator of the Indigenous People for Sustainable Biodiversity Solomon Islands revealed this is in a press statement yesterday.

He said the donated equipment were received by church leader, Israel Paebara and church pastor Jonathan Bukiri on behalf of the community.

The items include two JBL speakers, cables, one Yamaha keyboard, two ukuleles, one streetlight and 19 Biluah hymn books.

This donation is the first of its kind from the women’s group.

This came about after the establishment of the women’s savings club last month by Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF Solomon Islands) as part of the current partnership with the community-on-Community Based Fisheries Management Programme.

Since the establishment of the club, the women have initiated small generating activities in the community and as part of their community service, they decided to donate the most needed equipment to the community.

Everlyn Zolarade highlighted during the handover, that the women have a strong intention to give back to the community from the limited socio-economic activity they were engaged in over the past months.

The women and girls who are member of the savings club are so delighted to see their idea come into reality. 

Pastor Bukiri acknowledged the women for the generous donation.

This equipment will be used for a common purpose, providing entertainment for community events, church activities and providing light at the community centre.

Paebara appreciated the timely support, especially the 19 Biluah Hyme books, which will assist church services as there are currently only 1 or 2 hymn books in the community.

Sepele Chief Solomon Tovakera praised the women for showing good example of what it means to be good citizens of the community.

He said the women have taken a new direction that other groups in the community should look at as a model to follow.

He added that this is the pathway that can help our community to attain the basic developments we want to see in our society.

Keith Tovakera, President of the Poana Women’s Saving Club said the club has more plans for community development, and this is the beginning of what is yet to come.

Photos : Kevis Bukiri

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derrick Manuari says Solomon Water is implementing the Munda Provincial Water Supply Project.

This project aims to provide safe and reliable pipe water for Munda Township and surrounding communities, including Helena Goldie Hospital.

He spoke about the project in response to questions raised by Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale on critical water issues faced by Helena Goldie hospital when the parliament resumed yesterday.

Minister Manuari said the project is managed by the Seawater Project Management Unit, Solomon Water Project Management Unit, while design and scoping of the works is being delivered under the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project, the UWSSSP project.

He said the project will involve the construction of two new boreholes for groundwater production and construction of a new reservoir for water storage.

Manuari added that it will also involve the rehabilitation of the existing infrastructure at the borehole site and installation of a new disinfection system to make sure that water offers quality and safe for those who are using it.

Also included is the expansion of the current distribution network to reach Helena Goldie Hospital and adjacent residential areas.

“And the work is in progress, leading to the need for drilling and testing of water source yields.

“As I’ve said, the project is part of the UWSSSP action plan for 2024-2028, with proposed program implementation in 2027.

“However, borehole testing and the sustainable yield and water quality work is scheduled to commence late this month, October, into early November, and it is expected to take approximately six weeks for this work to be done.

“This work is currently undertaken by Pacific Strata Limited, one local drilling company engaged by Seawater—Solomon Water.

“Due to the changes in the physical location of the sites for borehole and ocean, some network redesign work is being undertaken by Solomon Water, its engineering consultants, to ensure that new alignments effectively connect the boreholes, the reservoir, and the distribution system to serve the hospital and surrounding communities,” he said.

In parallel, Manuari mentioned that Solomon Water design consultants are reviewing and finalizing the borehole design specifications, while prepare to conduct follow-up community consultations and engagement sessions late this month, ahead of the borehole testing to ensure that community’s concerns and expectations are fully addressed.

Following the completion of this borehole testing, he said in regards to final network design and safeguard compliance processes, Solomon Water will move towards detailed design and tender documentation for the full construction works.

“However, I must emphasize that the actual construction phase of the Munda Water Supply Project, which includes the infrastructure to deliver clean pipe water directly to Helena Goldie Hospital, is programmed for implementation in 2027, subject to funding being secured through development partners or national budgetary support.

“So, in summary, the government through MMERE and Solomon Water remain committed to improving access to safe and sustainable water supply services across the country,” Manuari stated.

He stressed that the inclusion of Helena Goldie Hospital within the Munda Water Supply Project is a clear reflection of MMERE and Solomon Water’s commitment to strengthening water security and public health in the Western province.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Goshen Enterprise Ltd will be boosted with its long-awaited industrial-grade taro processing machines at its Adaliua Packhouse.

The equipment includes taro washers, cutters, stainless steel benches and sealers.

This development marks a major milestone for the local agribusiness and its network of outgrowers, addressing previous operational delays and paving the way for increased production.

A statement from the company said that it has invested significantly in the taro industry and this includes the establishment of a taro farm and a packhouse which was made possible with government and donor support.

The company’s spokesperson, Joan Walton said it is great news for taro farmers in Malaita Province.

She said the new machines will ease many gaps that they are facing.

“Since we have the machine needed, we are now welcoming back our taro farmers from West, East, and West Kwara’ae, and we will start buying taro next.

“Any taro farmers from the areas mentioned are also welcome. So, I just encourage them to cooperate with us,” she said.

The statement added that the company currently works with a network of taro farmer associations across the province, with plans to expand its supplier network to over 480 households. 

The new processing capabilities bring Goshen one step closer to its long-term goal of exporting taro products overseas. 

The industrial equipment and increased capacity will allow the company to produce higher volumes of consistently processed taro, meeting the stringent quality and safety standards required for international markets.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Minister for Health and Medical Service, (MHMS) Dr Paul Bosawai acknowledges Soltuna for assisting Helena Goldie hospital with a hybrid solar electric pumping system, which will help to ease the critical water issue faced by the hospital.

The Minister made the acknowledgement when responding to questions raised by Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale, on critical water issued faced by Helena Goldie hospital, when national parliament resumed yesterday.

“I want to sincerely acknowledge Soltuna for recently supporting Helena Goldie hospital by facilitating successful negotiation with the Solomon Islands Port Authority for a hybrid solar electric pumping system.

“This new system aims to replace the current direct pump. It will provide a more reliable, sustainable and cost-effective water supply for the hospital and for the people, staff at Munda and around the area,” he said.

Bosawai said these areas are economic in nature, and Helena Gold hospital in Western Province and Good Samaritan hospital in Guadalcanal supports some of the vibrant economic activities in the country.

“So, these two hospitals are quite important, and that’s why we’re looking at private-public partnership to support the hospital.

“For Helena, Soltuna kicks in. For Good Samaritan, GPPOL looks after the water system. So, I essentially acknowledge those companies that see that these hospital services are important to us.

“These steps taken by our stakeholders demonstrate the commitment to improving the hospital’s water infrastructure to ensure clean, consistent and sustainable water access,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister Bosawai said the MHMS has conducted assessment, which include evaluating the current water source infrastructure and water supply capacity to determine the feasibility of upgrading the current system and ensuring an efficient and sustainable water supply to Helena Goldie hospital.

He said the work was conducted in the first quarter of 2025, and was made possible with their MP for West New Georgia and Vona Vona, who worked together with the management of the hospital management.

“Following the assessment survey done, a couple of actions have been done, and through pay-in-kind and through kind donation.

“This includes the provision of clean water to Helena Gouldie Hospital, provided by the super construction. However, there remains a need to increase water pressure to adequately supply the demand for the hospital,” Bosawai said.

He said the ministry is working closely with responsible line ministries and stakeholders to address the water issue faced by Helena Goldie Hospital.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Goshen Enterprise Ltd is ready to resume its taro buying services for farmers in Malaita Province next week. 

The good news comes after their long-awaited industrial-grade taro processing machines arrived at their Adaliua Packhouse. 

A statement from Goshen said the development marks a major milestone for the local agribusiness and its network of outgrowers, addressing previous operational delays and paving the way for increased production. 

Spokesperson for Goshen Enterprise, Joan Walton said they will be focusing on domestic marketing for this round. 

She mentioned that many customers in the country have shown interest and want more. 

“Yes, for this round we will be focusing on domestic marketing. We can also do exporting, but we’ll do it when we see it fit to do so.

“Also, it will be good news for every taro farmer,” she said.

A statement from Goshen Enterprise noted that for years, it has been a crucial market for taro farmers in Malaita, purchasing their produce for both domestic and eventual export markets.

The company has invested significantly in the taro industry, establishing a taro farm in Adaliua and building a packhouse with government and donor support to scale up operations.

However, the packhouse remains inactive due to incomplete infrastructure and missing equipment, which has led to frustration among farmers.

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Country has only 5 anaesthetists, Health Minister Bosawai tells Parliament

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Solomon Islands is in severe shortage of Anaesthetists; specialised doctors who put patients to sleep before surgery or operation.

Health Minister Dr Paul Popora Bosawai told parliament yesterday that there are only five anaesthetists serving two hospitals in the country.

He said there are four trained to masters level who are working at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) while one with post-graduate diploma is working at Kilu’ufi hospital in Malaita province.

Dr Bosawai stressed that for NRH alone, four Anaesthetists is not enough to cover the seven operating rooms at the hospital.

Meanwhile, for other provincial hospitals apart from Kilu’ufi, there is no trained anaesthetist, which is a sad scenario, he says.

Responding to a question raised by the Leader of the Official Opposition, Matthew Wale, on the number of anaesthetists the country has, Minister Bosawai admitted that the critical deficiency the country faces in this lifesaving medical specialty.

He said at the moment there are only five anesthetists, though NRH needs seven, and the provincial hospital should also have them, but they don’t.

To address this, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, (MHMS) is planning to increase the number of anaesthetists to at least 20 to cover all hospitals in the country.

The Minister said the NRH Anaesthesia Department plans to increase the number by taking in doctors interested in anaesthesia and training them for post-graduate level in anaesthesia.

“This post-graduate training arrangement is also supported by the Australian Society of Anaesthetists.

“They come in annually to conduct anesthesia training at NRH and currently there are six from the department, who trained from the training,” Bosawai said.

Bosawai also said the government also sent out post-graduate trainees to universities in PNG and Fiji, but the numbers sent was limited by how many the institution can accept at any one time.

“For example, Fiji National University (FNU) can only accept one trainee per year for anesthesia,” he said.

He furthered that at the moment the country has three post-graduate trainees in anaesthesia, who are studying at FNU and two of them should qualify by the end of 2027 and the country plans to send two more trainees in 2026.

Bosawai said to address the demand for anaesthetic services in the country, the NRH Anaesthetic Department will train doctors at SINU, so they can be equipped with necessary skills to provide anesthesia for life-saving surgery in the provincial hospital.

He said the first cohort of trainees will come into the anaesthesia model in the second half of 2025.

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