BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The timeframe proposed to complete the Kirakira wharf project has been rescheduled from July 2025 to February 2026.

Premier Stanley Siapu of Makira Ulawa province revealed this to Island Sun yesterday, explaining that the rescheduling was due to delay of materials for the project in Honiara.

Since the past months, he said work on the project has been going on a sluggish pace due to delay of supply of materials to Kirakira.

Siapu said his government understands a similar project is currently being constructed in Bellona Island, and implemented by the same contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Cooperation (CCECC) and the share of materials for the two projects could lead to the delay for the Kirakira wharf project.

Despite this, he stated that work is still ongoing and he hopes that the project will complete prior to February 2026.

“I will liaise with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and relevant bodies to ensure the project completes on February 2026, and not on later schedule.

“In pursue of that, I will be in Honiara around mid this month to talk with MID and others, so that we work together to achieve the project early next year,” Siapu said.

He said so far, most of the work on the project has been done and remaining work is expected to be carried out from now to February 2026

Siapu added that this is the first ever wharf project for Kirakira.

The SBD $21.9 million project is funded by Asia Development Bank (ADB) through the national government.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu says his government is focussing on the next phase of the Kirakira Cocoa Processing Plant, which is procurement of processing machineries for the factory.

Speaking to the paper yesterday, he highlighted the tireless effort of his government with the national government through its line ministries on this landmark economic project.

“After the completion of the first phase of the project which is the building, it is now left with the second phase, which is instalment of processing machineries in the building.

“Recently, the national government has reached out to a company in China which was interested to supply machineries for the project.

“Their business policy is to deliver an upfront payment before they could work on the machineries, according to whatever design can be provided by the government,” Siapu said.

He added that in terms of machineries, designs have already been prepared and await government to do the upfront payment and send it over.

Siapu said this is the current status of the Kirakira Cocoa Processing Plant, stressing the commitment of his government behind this revolutionary project.

The premier said the project was funded by the national government through its line ministries such as; agriculture, commerce and national planning.

He also mentioned that recently, the national government through Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock came up with an idea to review the initial agreement on the project.

Siapu said this will help development partners to have clear understanding on the project and will lay a foundation for potential investors.

He stated that his government will continue to work together with the national government and development partners to ensure the project operates and serves the people of Makira Ulawa province and Solomon Islands.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu says his government is on track with its preparation to establish sister relations with Guizhou province of China.

During the middle of this year, Siapu and his Minister of Commerce, Hon Martin Karani joined a delegation led by the Deputy Speaker to Parliament and MP for East Honiara, Morris To’iraena to a Global Eco Forum in Guiyang City in China.

On the margin of the forum, the Premier and his team had the privilege to meet with officials from Guizhou province, and high on the discussion was the proposed sister relationship between the two provinces.

In an interview with the paper yesterday, Premier Siapu said after the dialogue, Makira Ulawa provincial government has been working cooperatively with the Chinese embassy office in Honiara on the initiative.

“At the moment, we are still working with the embassy office in Honiara on the understanding, which will lay the fabric for the sister relations.

“After we complete it, the two provinces will sign the formal establishment of the relationship,” he said.

The proposed sister-relationship will cement a foundation for exchange programs and partnership between the two provinces.

The interests of Makira Ulawa province under the cooperation with Guizhou include; health, education, fisheries, forestry, tourism and transportation.

In the meantime, Premier Siapu also highlighted support of his government behind similar arrangement between Ulawa Island and Arawa City in Japan.

He said the arrangement also gears towards cooperation on areas of development interests of the two regions.

Siapu noted that successful consultations have been carried out with communities on the initiative, by a committee that is leading the partnership.

He said he will be in Honiara around mid October and some of the businesses he will pursue are the province’s sister relation with Guizhou and the one with Ulawa and Arawa City in Japan.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) has received a Starlink satellite internet system from Central Honiara Constituency, a donation poised to significantly enhance its vital reproductive health services in Honiara.

The handover ceremony saw Doris Puiahi, SIPPA Board President, accept the Starlink set from Tony Wale, Central Honiara Constituency project officer, in the presence of SIPPA board members and Ms. Dolores Devesi, Director of the IPPF Sub Regional Office for the Pacific.

For over 40 years, SIPPA’s Honiara Clinic has been a cornerstone for delivering essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, particularly to the residents of Central Honiara.

As a leading non-government organisation (NGO) in the Solomon Islands, SIPPA, provides a comprehensive range of services including general outpatient clinics, inpatient services, basic emergency and trauma treatment, and clinical management for victims of gender-based violence.

During the handover, Mr Wale expressed profound gratitude to SIPPA for its life-saving contributions to the community.

He specifically highlighted the organization’s critical work in cervical cancer screening and treatment, as well as its impactful youth programs addressing the rising challenges of HIV and teenage pregnancy.

Wale highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between the constituency and SIPPA to empower communities with informed choices for better health outcomes.

Mrs Puiahi, alongside the SIPPA board, conveyed their sincere appreciation to the Central Honiara Constituency for acknowledging SIPPA’s indispensable role.

Beyond its direct health services, SIPPA is also recognized for its significant contributions to GBV prevention and awareness, and its function as a crucial referral pathway under the SAFENET initiative.

This Starlink donation is expected to bolster SIPPA’s operational capabilities, particularly in areas requiring reliable internet access for data management, communication, and potentially expanding telehealth or educational outreach, thereby strengthening its capacity to serve the community more effectively.

Photo: SIPPA

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By JOHN HOUANIHAU

Deputy Secretary Corporate of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management (MECDM), Karl Kuper, has assured that network accessibility will not hinder the use of the newly redeveloped Pacific Ocean Portal (POP).

Speaking to Island Sun following the launch of the platform in Honiara, Mr Kuper said the portal is designed to be simple, user-friendly and free, making it easier for rural communities to access vital ocean information.

“There are concerns that people in rural areas may struggle due to limited mobile towers and fewer mobile phone users. However, accessibility of mobile networks is being addressed separately by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation. More than 60 mobile towers were launched to improve connectivity,” he said.

Mr Kuper explained that while MECDM, through the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services, manages and localises the portal, information can also be shared across multiple channels.

“Information can be distributed through radio, social media, and other media platforms to reach different users around the country. You don’t need to be a technical person to use it; that’s why it has been redesigned for all users,” he said.

The Pacific Ocean Portal allows users to view maps, graphs and forecasts about the ocean, with options to download and save the data. It provides near real-time observations and long-term projections that are essential for communities, governments and decision-makers across the Pacific.

The Pacific Community (SPC) officially launched the redeveloped portal on Wednesday, October 1, at The Club, Heritage Park Hotel. Originally developed under the Climate and Ocean Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac) in partnership with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the portal was transferred to SPC in 2016.

The launch marks the significant step to ensure open access to ocean data, strengthening Pacific resilience against climate change and environmental challenges.

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Ramofafia is new finance minister, Manemahaga moved to National Planning and Development Coordination

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Rexon Ramofafia is the new Minister of Finance.

He replaces Trevor Manemahaga.

In a swap of portfolios yesterday afternoon, Mr Manemahaga now leads the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC).

Ramofafia is the GNUT government’s third finance minister in a span of just over a month.

The ceremony was officiated by His Excellency the Governor General, Sir David Tiva Kapu, a statement by the PM Press Secretariat yesterday evening said.

Under the reshuffle, Manemahaga, MP for Gao/Bugotu, has been reassigned to MNPDC while Ramofafia, MP for Fataleka, now serves as Minister for Finance and Treasury, the statement said.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele congratulated the two ministers on their new roles, saying: “Some may ask why these changes are necessary. Maintaining a stable Government is essential to deliver meaningful progress. Every decision I make has one purpose: to keep the Government stable and focused on serving our people.”

Both ministers continue to serve within the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) led by Prime Minister Manele, the statement said.

Yesterday’s reshuffle sees the country’s third finance minister in just over a month.

On August 30 Manemahaga replaced Harry Kuma as finance minister.

Government had said this was because Mr Kuma had acted against a cabinet decision regarding the contentious issue of sufferance wharves.

Kuma took Manemahaga’s old portfolio, the Ministry of Commerce (MCILI).

It is not clear what the reason is for yesterday’s reshuffle. The statement by the PM Press Secretariat hints that it had something to do with stability for GNUT.

Questions given to the PM Press Secretary last night remained unanswered before the paper went to print.

Few government ministers speaking to Island Sun on condition of anonymity last night said ‘regionalism’ was the reason being echoed around government corridors.

The reshuffling follows rumours of a third motion of no confidence against PM Manele reportedly said to be launched when parliament resumes on October 13.

Furthermore, rumours were also circulating among government circles that a group of disgruntled members of the OUR Party, the major coalition partner of the GNUT government, were talking to replace prime minister Manele with Minister Ramofafia.

The ministers spoken to last night echoed that there is a rift between the two main government coalition partners, OUR and People First Party (PFP).

There are a lot of grievances, not just the issue of sufferance wharves which had dominated the media recently as the root of the finance minister’s reshuffle on August 30, the ministers said.

“Outstanding demands not being met by the cabinet, and power consolidated on two cabinet MPs who control the cabinet and PM listens to them the most,” one of the ministers said.

Ramofafia and Manemahaga are both members of the OUR Party.

PM Manele has survived two motions of no confidence – the first in December last year and the second in May this year.

Photo: Supplied

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Teachers from Gizo and surrounding schools came together yesterday to mark World Teachers’ Day with a vibrant celebration in Western Province.

The event began with a colourful parade from PT019 to Gizo Primary School Hall, where formal proceedings took place under this year’s theme: “Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’ Recognition.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Education for Western Province, Gordon Zebo, said the theme is a timely reminder that true progress in education reforms and innovation cannot happen without valuing teachers.

He said teachers are nation builders, carrying the hopes of communities and the future generation.

“They cross seas, climb hills, and leave behind their homes to serve the nation through teaching. These stories speak louder than any policy document – they tell us that true transformation begins with the dedicated teachers,” Zebo said.

He stressed that recognition must go beyond praise and be reflected in respect, fair treatment, and tangible support.

According to Zebo, genuine transformation of education in Solomon Islands requires greater involvement of teachers in policy and reform programs.

“This means listening to their voices, valuing their experience, and recognizing their sacrifices. When teachers are recognised, motivated, and empowered, the whole education system is uplifted,” he said.

Zebo also paid tribute to teachers across Western Province for their dedication in reaching even the most remote islands and villages.

“Your influence stretches beyond classrooms into communities, livelihoods, and into the future of the nation,” he added.

The celebration concluded with acknowledgments of the critical role teachers continue to play in shaping education and national development.

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