BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and the 16th Pacific Water and Wastewater conference in Honiara is focused on elevating and recognising the critical importance of water.

Pitolau Lusia Seto Leau, Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said this in a radio talkback show on Sunday, August 24, ahead of this week’s conference.

“This conference is bringing water to be elevated so that leaders would pay attention and say we do have a crisis in the Pacific,” said Seto-Leau.

She said that in terms of other regions of the world, the Pacific Islands are far behind in universal access to water.

“And there’s an often-forgotten sustainable development goal 17, which is to do with collaboration, and I think when you have that coming from the top and coming from the bottom by people pushing for it to be elevated, you have a solution,” said Seto-Leau.

She said many people do not have access to water in the Pacific.

“And how do you get water to them at an affordable rate, and be able to have your utilities or operators that can provide that water to you 24-7 and with quality that is good for you, safe for you. That’s the dilemma that governments face,” she said.

Seto-Leau stressed that it should be a priority for governments to ensure that every family has universal access to water.

“It has to be the top priority of any government to say that and to provide the means for those who deliver that service, provided with the means for it, and I mean financial resources, of course, because you can’t do it without financial resources.

“If it takes that, I think it is important enough because water is life. Without water, you cannot live,” she said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) will lead the security operation for the upcoming 54th Pacific Forum leaders meeting (PIFLM) here in Honiara.

More than 800 officers of RSIPF will take part the security operation.

It is scheduled to take place from September 8-12.

RSIPF Supervising Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Operation, Francis Ramoni emphasises that it is a RSIPF-led security operation.

Speaking on a Radio Talkback show on Sunday, August 24, Ramoni said that the operation includes RSIPF officers from Honiara, Guadalcanal province, Taro in Choiseul and Western province.

“We call a significant number of police officers to form part of the operation. It is an RSIPF-led operation. For this PIFLM operation, we are expecting 800 to 1000 officers from Honiara, Guadalcanal police resources, as well as Western province and Taro,” he said.

In terms of the leaders’ retreat dialogue in Noro, Western Province, Mr Ramoni said that operations will include around 100 personnel.

“We will have elements from Honiara, Western-based police and small elements from Taro-Choisual. This will form part of the security operation for the retreat event down in Noro,” said Ramoni.

He said that contingent plans are also in place should there be any forseen events leading up to and during the PIFLM.

“We will liaise with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) during the PIFLM event. In the event of public disorder, man-made disorder, a contingent plan is also in place where our tactical team will be responsible for, with the resources that are supporting us,” he said.

For the ongoing 16th Pacific Water Conference & EXPO and 9th Pacific Water Ministrial Forum, Ramoni said they have small elements that are currently participating in the security operations.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) has reaffirmed its commitment to championing good governance, sound financial management, and accountability across both the public and private sectors.

In his keynote speech during the recent ISIA Gala Dinner and Inaugural Accounting Awards, ISIA President Johnson Lobo outlined the Institute’s vision to become a stronger advocate for transparency and financial integrity in the Solomon Islands.

Speaking to a packed room of professionals, stakeholders, and government representatives, Lobo said the accounting profession plays a vital role in the country’s economic and social sustainability.

“It is not just about the technical expertise of accountants. It’s about how we use that expertise to make necessary changes in our communities and in society. That is where real impact lies,” Lobo said.

He expressed that ISIA will continue to push for higher standards and accountability mechanisms, particularly in a time when financial mismanagement and weak governance systems remain key challenges in national development.

Lobo described the 2025 ISIA Congress as a timely platform for dialogue, reflection, and learning, and urged members to carry forward the insights gained to drive change in their workplaces and communities.

“We must move from our comfort zones, challenge ourselves, and think outside the box. The principles of accounting are not just for businesses — they are essential tools for nation-building,” he added.

During the event, Lobo highlighted ISIA’s next steps, which include a greater focus on policy advocacy, continued professional development, and stronger collaborations with development partners and key institutions.

The announcement comes as ISIA launched its Inaugural Accounting Awards 2025, a milestone event aimed at recognising leadership, integrity, and service within the profession. The awards, proudly sponsored by the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI), puts the spotlight on individuals who have made significant contributions to the accounting sector.

President Lobo acknowledged the growing importance of ethical leadership in financial practices and said that ISIA is committed to cultivating a culture of responsibility and transparency at all levels.

“By ensuring transparency and accuracy in financial records and promoting accountability, we restore faith in leadership and build public trust,” he said.

The event also saw appreciation extended to long-time development partners, particularly the Government of Australia, for their continued support in strengthening ISIA’s institutional capacity and professional programs.

Lobo reminded members that the work of nation-building continues — and the accounting profession must lead by example.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Accessing water in homes or into a system to secure safe and clean water is not free.

Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA) Board Member and Secretary Ministry of Infrastructure, Cook Islands, Elisabeth Wright said this while acknowledging that the Pacific Islands have the blessing of getting water from the sky, streams and groundwater.

Wright said accessing it in homes is another thing.

“In my context in the Cook Islands, and I’m pretty sure this also applies to our other Pacific brothers and sisters.

“In the Pacific, we often hear that water is free; it comes from the sky. That is true, we are very blessed in that we do get our water from the sky, and it comes through streams as well as groundwater that we can access.

“Unfortunately, getting that water from the source into your home or into a system that you can go and turn the tap on and get that water is not free.

“So, this is one of the challenges our governments and utilities face. The taking of that water from the source into our homes or into places where our people can access the water. That comes at a cost,” said Wright.

She said that this is one of the reasons why the ongoing 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and the 16th Pacific Water and Wastewater are important.

 “I guess this is one of the reasons why this conference places such emphasis on elevating the status of water in our countries. With all the competing priorities that we have, sometimes, as a person who manages access to water in my country, we are not as highly prioritised as other sectors.

“But I tell you what, when there is no water, we suddenly become a priority,” she said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and the 16th Pacific Water & Wastewater Annual Conference and Expo are underway at the Aquatic Centre, East Honiara.

The conference gathers leaders, innovators and champions from around the Pacific to discuss and look at sustainable solutions to water challenges faced in the region.

The four-day conference goes with the theme – ‘Water and wastewater services for all: connecting people, policies, communities for a shared sustainable future’.

Delivering his keynote at the official opening of the conference, held at the Friendship Hall, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele reflected on the theme by highlighting the significance of water and wastewater services, central to life and development in the region.

“Let us be clear that water is not just simply a utility issue. Across our blue pacific, we face shared challenges including:

• Rising seas salting our groundwater,
• Prolonged droughts straining our communities,
• Extreme weather events damaging infrastructure,
• Rising costs and aging infrastructure.

“But with every challenge comes opportunity to work smarter, to work together, and to ensure that no pacific child grows up without safe water and sanitation. 

“I urge you to share your experiences, knowledge and solutions to address our common challenges.

“This region needs integration not just in trade but also in the planning and delivery of water and wastewater services,” he said.

Manele also emphasised that the future of Pacific water lies in good governance and innovation. Governance that is transparent, inclusive, and accountable.

“Innovation in technologies from renewable-powered desalination, to decentralised wastewater systems, to smart data-driven monitoring and development,” he said.

The PM however said governments cannot deliver these innovations alone. Partnership and collaboration with the private sector, academia, regional agencies and communities are vital.

“No Pacific Island alone can do this; partnership is our strength. Through the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA), through regional solidarity, and through development cooperation, we can amplify our voice, share knowledge, and build capacity.

“When we act together, our small islands are not small voices. We are a powerful chorus calling for sustainable water futures,” he said.

Manele also stressed that achieving safe and resilient water and wastewater services requires locally appropriate solutions that respect governance systems, culture, and traditional knowledge including the vital role of women and girls.

“But above all, this challenge can only be resolved by dedicated water champions at all levels.

“To this end, we must elevate and empower Regional Water Champions, visionary leaders, professionals, and young people who will dream, innovate, and deliver solutions for our region’s water future,” he said.

Manele calls for Pacific Island members to work together and commit to national and regional investments that secure water and wastewater services for all.

The opening ceremony was held at the Friendship Hall, with the rest of the event to be held at the Aquatic Centre.

The events continue today.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Water and sanitation are central to Solomon Islands National Development Strategy (NDS) and the Solomon Islands Water Sector Plan.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele made the statement at the official opening of the 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and the 16th Pacific Water & Wastewater Annual Conference and Expo in Honiara on Monday, August 25, 2025.

“In the Solomon Islands, water and sanitation are central to our National Development Strategy and the Solomon Islands Water Sector Plan.

“Their importance has been reiterated with political will in the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s policy statement.

“Why so, because water connects to health, education, agriculture, energy, and climate resilience,” he said.

Manele stated that every dollar invested in water is an investment in people, in livelihoods, and in the shared future of the country.

On that note, he said some of the country’s statistics on water and wastewater need significant improvements.

Manele therefore said, the national government is working with responsible bodies to strengthen water service across the country.

“We are strengthening our institutions, climate proofing our infrastructure, and integrating resilience into planning at all levels from villages to Honiara,” he said.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Police in Auki, Malaita Province have arrested a suspect for burning down Jordan Primary School building in Malaita Province. 

The man was arrested on August 21, 2025 after he surrendered himself.

Malaita Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Michael Ramosaea said the suspect surrendered himself after a group of people came to ask him for compensation. 

“This was after a group of people came to ask him for compensation, and he was afraid and surrendered himself,” Ramosaea said. 

He said the suspect is now remanded in police custody.

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