Western Province, first to roll out CCRF

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN Province is set to implement the Coconut and Cocoa Revolving Fund (CCRF), a financial support scheme created by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) to boost the country’s coconut and cocoa sector.

In an interview with Island Sun, Agriculture Field Officer for Western Province, Sipuru Rove said the Western Provincial Government (WPG) has signed an Agency Agreement with MAL to establish a legal arrangement to channel other funds for agriculture development in the provinces.

He said the agreement now clears the way for the release of funds and the start of implementation phase with Western Province being the first province in the country to carry out this initiative.

Rove said 12 out of 16 applicants have successfully met the criteria to receive funding under the scheme.

He said 11 farmers will be supported to purchase coconut while one will receive support to buy cocoa.

Rove explained that the selection follows a rigorous process involving application distribution, collection, technical assessments and screening.

“Recipients are selected according to a certain criteria, three of which are: applicants must be an existing buyer, must have a proper shed, and must have the ability to repay the loan.

“We also ensured fairness so the recipients are distributed according to wards,” he added.

Rove said successful recipients will be given a two-month grace period before loan repayments begin.

He expressed gratitude to MAL and the Western Provincial Government for prioritising the fund.

“I want to acknowledge MAL – the Permanent Secretary, Samson Viulu, the Minister, and the Premier of Western Province for prioritising this project. My office is looking forward to receiving and implementing the fund according to its purpose,” Rove said.

However, he also mentioned that flagged shipping challenges remain a major barrier for farmers, particularly those on remote islands within the province.

“Shipping service has been an ongoing challenge for most coconut and cocoa farmers in Western Province. This will also be one of the challenges that may hinder the successful implementation of the CCRF,” Rove said.

He recommends that the government and potential investors consider setting up a processing and logistics facility in Noro, which he believes will bring services closer to farmers and strengthen the sector.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A technical mission team from the World Bank visited the Su’u Harbour and Bira bridges construction sites yesterday to assess firsthand progress and review the implementation activities of the project.

The delivery of the final panels for the two bridges’ construction materials last month by the World Bank, marks a significant step forward in the construction. 

A statement from SIRAP 2 says the visit provides an opportunity for the supervising engineers, contractors, and local stakeholders to engage and meet with the technical team.

It stated that the mission team’s visit aims to ensure that their work is progressing according to plan, with focus on quality, safety, and environmental compliance.

Also mentioned is the importance of maintaining high standards in construction and ensuring the project outcomes deliver long-term benefits to the local communities.

The projects are constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which wasted no time and successfully installed the two deck panels for the Su’u Harbour Bridge.

“This marks a significant step forward in the ongoing construction works under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), which is funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).

“Once completed, the new Su’u Harbour Bridge will improve safe and reliable access for surrounding communities, enhance connectivity within Malaita Province, and support local economic and social activities,” the statement said.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The implementation of a new classroom for Mao’a School in West Kwaio, Malaita Province is steadily progressing, reaching the halfway point.

The new classroom contains three rooms and was funded through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) with the aim to provide enough space for students of Mao’a School and surrounding communities in West Kwaio and Malaita Province as a whole. 

In an interview with Island Sun Auki, a Mao’a School teacher, Mitchyl Pitha, said the new classroom will provide a conducive environment for the young rural people of the school.

He stated that, like other schools with similar projects under the funding, it will provide the same benefits as they do. 

“Yes, the project will support us, especially our young leaders. It will support our young people here by providing a conducive environment.

“Like other people who also receive this kind of project, we will have the same benefits from this project,” he said.

According to a recent media report, Mao’a Community High School also benefited from this PCDF for a library.

It stated that the Malaita Provincial Government has been approved to implement 35 percent of its revised 2024/2025 budget for the 2025 financial year.

The 35 percent of the revised 2024/2025 budget is worth $11,873,158, and all this funding comes from the Provincial Capacity Development Fund’s (PCDF’s) Capital Development Fund budget.

Malaita Province is now qualified again to access this budgetary support from the PCDF Capital Development Fund budget.

The budget support aims to enable MPG to improve the livelihood of communities across the province through the implementation of social and economic projects.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Lavukal House of Chiefs on West Russell Island successfully convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Marulaon Community along with the enthronement of five newly elected chiefs over the weekend.

The two-day event included leadership training, a church blessing for the incoming chiefs, and an official oath-taking ceremony, all centered on the theme “Upholding Culture, Unity and Leaders”.

The event was held at the Marulaon community as host for 2025.

Prior to their oaths, the chiefs participated in a full-day workshop on leadership and peacekeeping, led by Stanley Filiomea, a representative from the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s (ACOM) Department of Peace and Reconciliation.

Notably, Raymond Vala stepped down from his role as chief, with his brother among those newly enthroned to succeed him.

During the ceremony, Honorable Member for Savo Russell Constituency and Chairman of the Lavukal House of Chiefs, Oliver Salopuka, addressed the gathering on behalf of the Lavukal Trust Board, House of Chiefs, and Lavukal Investment Company.

“I am very happy to thank each and every one who contributed to this occasion.

“Chiefs, when you return to your respective communities, please convey this message and inform our people,” he said.

Salopuka emphasized that Chiefs Day is more than a celebration—it’s a platform to address key issues.

“I want to thank everyone here witnessing this year’s Chiefs Day. Thank you for your roles in upholding our cultures and norms,” he told the chiefs.

The Lavukal House of Chiefs functions as a contemporary, legally recognized organization that oversees the affairs, resources, and welfare of the Lavukal people, operating alongside the Lavukal Indigenous Trust Board and the Lavukal Investment Company.

The event underscored the group’s commitment to blending traditional values with modern governance.

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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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