By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Auki Police in Malaita Province will conduct a high-profile investigation into the case of missing drugs from Kiluufi hospital in Malaita province.

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea in an interview with the paper said two suspects have been identified in connection with the missing drugs, and they are hospital workers.

He mentioned that one of the suspects was arrested last week but was released later due to insufficient evidence. 

“There are two people suspected for the missing drugs. One of the suspects was arrested last month but was released later because of a lack of evidence,” he said. 

Ramosaea said that his office will be very active in their investigation until they identify the real culprit behind the missing vital medical drugs.

“Since we have more information related to this matter from the discussions with doctors and nurses at Kilu’ufi Hospital, we will investigate the matter until we arrest the individuals,” he said.

A recent media report said that the missing drugs included five cartons of Coartem and a carton of Amoxicillin.

“Those medical drugs were meant for Malu’u Rural Health Centre,” the media report said.

Island Sun understands that this is not the first time drugs have gone missing from Kilu’ufi Hospital.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has delivered a fleet of 27 brand-new SUVs to support the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) on September, further bolstering Solomon Islands’ logistics readiness for one of the region’s most high-profile events.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele officially received the donation at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Transport Pool in Honiara yesterday, Monday, August 25, 2025 describing the handover as another milestone in the country’s growing relationship with China.

“These vehicles will ensure safe, reliable, and comfortable transport for all Pacific Forum Leaders and delegates attending the meeting,” PM Manele said.

The donation, valued at SBD$8.5 million (USD$1 million), includes 27 Tank 500HEV, right-hand-drive, 7-seater, 4WD SUVs.

In addition to this, the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) has procured 13 additional units from the same Chinese manufacturer, Great Wall Motors, bringing the total Forum fleet to 40 vehicles under the joint China-SIG initiative.

The vehicles will be used to transport Forum Leaders, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, and other VVIPs during the September 8–12 summit.

PM Manele confirmed the vehicles will later be distributed among provinces, ministries, and the government transport pool, ensuring their continued use well beyond the Forum.

“This donation is more than a one-time gesture, it is a legacy asset for Solomon Islands,” the Prime Minister said.

China’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Cai Weiming, expressed Beijing’s strong commitment to the Forum’s success and praised the cooperation that made the timely delivery possible.

“The handover today stands as China’s unwavering commitment and carries China’s best wishes for the successful hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara,” Ambassador Weiming said.

PM Manele also acknowledged the tireless work behind the scenes by the Ministry of Finance, Customs, the Solomon Islands Embassy in Beijing, and MID in coordinating the shipment and preparation of the vehicles.

He extended special thanks to South Pacific Oil Limited (SPOL) for stepping in as the official fuel sponsor for the government fleet.

This latest Chinese donation comes just hours after Australia handed over the first 31 of 61 police vehicles for Forum security, further highlighting the international support converging in Solomon Islands for the major regional event.

“With the support of China, our own government, and all partners involved, I am confident that Solomon Islands will deliver secure, efficient, and well-coordinated logistics for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting,” PM Manele concluded.

The donations from China and Australia signal a strengthening of Solomon Islands’ capacity to host major diplomatic events, placing Honiara at the centre of Pacific regional dialogue next month.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Solomon Islands’ national security.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton said Australia’s commitment to bolstering Solomons’ security is in line with the Solomon Islands National Security Strategy 2025-2028.

This announcement came during a ceremony at the Rove Police Headquarters, on Monday, August 25, 2025 where Mr Hilton presented the first 31 of 61 donated vehicles to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), valued at over SBD$25 million.

He laid emphasis on the strength and long life of the partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands.

“Our collaboration in enhancing security capabilities is robust and deeply rooted in the Solomon Islands National Security Strategy,” said Hilton.

He highlighted that 22 of the vehicles were on display at the event, underscoring their importance for upcoming security operations, particularly for the Leaders’ Meeting.

The High Commissioner noted that these vehicles were procured and outfitted at the request of the Solomon Islands government, with local businesses playing a key role in the process.

This initiative is part of a broader Australian support package for the Solomon Islands, totaling approximately $100 million, aimed at facilitating the hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.

Hilton expressed pride in the transfer of the vehicles, recognizing the critical nature of the Solomon Islands-Australia security partnership.

The High Commissioner also highlighted the impressive growth of the RSIPF’s Police Response Department, which has quadrupled in size since 2021, and the significant advancements made by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Division, which has dramatically increased its operations in unexploded ordnance removal.

Looking ahead, Hilton mentioned the recent launch of the first postgraduate National Security Studies course in the Pacific, aimed at establishing a learning hub in Honiara. He assured that Australia will continue to stand by the Solomon Islands, providing support and resources to enhance local capabilities.

Hilton in further remarks, stressed that the development of sovereign capabilities, led by Solomon Islanders for Solomon Islanders, remains the cornerstone of the enduring security partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Australian Government has donated the first batch of 31 out of 61 police vehicles to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

This donation comes as the Solomon Islands prepares to host the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Honiara next month.

The handover ceremony took place on Monday, August 25, 2025 at the Rove Police headquarters.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele highlighted the importance of this donation, noting that Australia has been Solomon Islands’ primary security partner since independence, 47 years ago.

He emphasised that this latest assistance will enhance the RSIPF’s closed protection unit, ensuring top-notch security for Pacific leaders during their visit.

“This support from Australia represents the largest transfer of vehicles to the RSIPF by any security partner since the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Island (RAMSI) era,” Manele said.

The fleet includes 40 Ford Ranger XLTs, 10 Nissan Navara Pro Forex, and 11 Toyota Hilux, all equipped with automatic transmissions and specialized police equipment.

The total cost of the vehicles and their security equipment is approximately AUD 5.2 million (around SBD 28.6 million), marking a historic investment in the RSIPF.

Notably, all vehicles were supplied by local companies, United Auto and Ela Motors, and fitted with specialised equipment by Solomon Islands Auto Electricians and Mechanics, generating local economic activity and job creation.

In addition to the vehicle support, Australia has allocated AUD 11 million (approximately SBD 60.5 million) for road improvements across the country, with nearly half designated for Honiara ahead of the Forum.

The Australian Government is also providing assistance in cybersecurity and protocol training, as well as logistical support through a C-130 aircraft to facilitate the movement of personnel and equipment.

Moreover, at the request of the National Organizing Committee, Australia has established a 48-hour emergency evacuation capability with local helicopter services during the Leaders’ Retreat in Western Province.

Overall, Australia’s financial support for the hosting of the PIF Leaders’ Meeting is estimated at around AUD 100 million, comparable to its contribution to the recent Pacific Games.

Prime Minister Manele urged the RSIPF to utilise these new vehicles effectively to ensure the safety of Pacific Forum Leaders and to serve the people of the Solomon Islands.

With this enhanced fleet, the RSIPF is reported to now be better equipped than ever to maintain law and order and safeguard national security.

In closing, Manele expressed heartfelt gratitude to Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for their unwavering support, reinforcing the strong partnership between the two nations.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA) has taken on initiatives as it strives to improve its services to customers.

Carmine Piantedosi, CEO of SIWA stressed on this when delivering a presentation on Monday, August 25, 2025 at the first day of the 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and 16th Pacific Water and Waste Water Association (PWWA) Conference and Expo 2025 at the Aquatic Centre in Honiara.

He stressed that to improve the reliability of supply they are improving the delivery of their water to customers with the construction of 11 kilowatt (kW) of track mains across the Honiara area.

“We’re also replacing our residential customer meters with new casualty meters or prepayment meters to assist our customers with accessing the water,” he added.

Piantedosi went on to state that they also have major works programme that include the rehabilitation of two sewage pump stations.

“We’re looking at the construction of new sewer mains as well and construction of sewer outfalls and reducing the outfalls.

“Currently we have 15 outfalls. We’re reducing that to two. The proposed design and construction of a septic treatment plant facility is currently under review,” he said.

The CEO expressed that they have a washing schools’ programme as well that focuses on hygiene awareness and education programme.

“That’s ongoing in the Solomon Islands as well as institutional development and capacity building,” he said.

In relation, as noted, SIWA is also introducing digital systems and management systems and looks to integrate renewable energy into their mix essentially to reduce utility operating costs.

Furthermore, Piantedosi said they are working closely with policy makers and continue to support ongoing policy development that is essential to protect and manage our catchment areas and water resources well into the future.

“We also work closely with stakeholders and land owners to manage and protect catchment areas and water sources,” he said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

One major challenge for the Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA) is ‘non-revenue water’, says SIWA CEO Carmine Piantedosi.

He revealed this when he delivered his presentation on Monday, August 25, 2025 at the 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and 16th Pacific Water and Waste Water Association (PWWA) Conference and Expo 2025 at the Aquatic Centre, Honiara.

Piantedosi stated that a major challenge for them is their non-revenue water which stands at 60 % nationally.

He added that in Honiara it is also around 60% which is all the water they produce and deliver.

Piantedosi said in 2024, they actually produced 13.5 gigalitres of water however only delivered 5.8 gigalitres, losing 60%.

He explained that they only collected $167 million from actual water that was sold and with 60% of non-revenue water, it equates to about $185 million SBD of foregone revenue.

Piantedosi also stated that revolutions in climate, unpredictable weather patterns, including flooding, droughts also impacted their water availability and infrastructure at the same time requires them to take some strategic actions.

He furthered that compliance is also outdated which leads to increased leaks, and increased costs, and increased disruptions in their services.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Dr Chris Vehe, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), says in the Pacific, water is not just a resource, but is life itself.

He made the remark during the opening ceremony of the 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and 16th Pacific Water and Waste Water Association (PWWA) Conference and Expo 2025 at the Friendship Hall yesterday.

“We gather here today under one common understanding. In the Pacific, water is not just a resource, it is life itself,” said Vehe.

He expressed that for our island nations, water defines our survival, our well-being and our development.

Vehe added that however, this very source of life is under increasing threat from climate change, through rising seas, furlough droughts and shore storms that strike the greater intensity.

“This reality places water security at the very heart of regional priorities.

“And it is precisely by bringing us all together, leaders, experts, young professionals, women, youth, is so vital. Each of us carries a voice, a perspective and a responsibility,” he said.

In this regard, the Permanent Secretary said by uniting science with lived experiences and policy with community needs, we can create solutions that are not only resilient but also inclusive.

Vehe stressed that this conference should be viewed as more than just a meeting and as a platform to strengthen our collective voices, to share innovation and to strategically chart pathways that safeguard our future.

He said in doing so, we are not only securing water, but we are securing health, stability and prosperity of the Pacific people of generations to come.

“Let us approach the day ahead with purpose and with unity. May this PWWA conference inspire us to act with urgency, with courage, with solidarity in protecting the most precious resource we have, water, our life,” Vehe said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

SIWA’s (Solomon Islands Water Authority) infrastructure developments currently taking shape is said to be worth $126 million.

Carmine Piantedosi, SIWA’s CEO revealed the figure while delivering a presentation at the first day of the 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and 16th Pacific Water and Waste Water Association (PWWA) Conference and Expo 2025 at the Aquatic Centre yesterday, Monday, August 25, 2025.

Initially, he stressed on the five components that come under the Sanitation Services Project which he said was established to deliver an estimated USD$400 million of infrastructure investments within the Solomon Islands as part of SIWA’s 30-year strategic plan.

This project is primarily the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (UWSSSP), a World Bank and ADB-funded initiative.

Piantedosi explained that the project comprises of five separate components which focus on five separate outcomes.

The first component’s focus is on providing and improving urban water services, increasing access to safe, clean water, and ensuring secure and sustainable water supplies for the growing population of Honiara.

In second place, is the component of providing and expanding access to safe urban sanitation services.

“The third component was raising hygiene awareness and education on water usage and conservation and health benefits of clean drinking water.

“We also provide education in hygiene practices to enhance the health and wellbeing of Solomon Islanders,” said Piantedosi.

He went on to state that the fourth component under the project was to build Solomon Water’s institutional capacity to enhance their financial and technical sustainability and develop and train all their people to deliver improved services to our customers.

The final (fifth) component as he said, is “protecting our water sources and our catchment areas, managing the activities to reduce the impact on the environment”.

Moreover, Piantedosi shed light on what development projects SIWA is currently undertaking and at what cost.

“Currently, what we have in the pipeline, as it works, is about $126 million worth of infrastructure development going on as we speak,” he said.

Piantedosi stated that under the five components mentioned, they are working on priority sub-projects.

“That’s basically to deliver water supply and sanitation services, including capacity building for Solomon Water, education and awareness for our customers and the public, as well as water resource and catchment protection outcomes.

“This is an extensive list of projects and works that are currently being managed by SIWA and are at various stages of design, development, construction and implementation,” he said.

Piantedosi mentioned that some of the major works identified comprise of the Honiara Water Supply Expansion Project, which includes water treatment plants, construction of reservoirs, construction of track mains, including water supply upgrades in the provincial capitals of Noro, Tulagi and Auki.

To top that off, additional storages are being constructed in Panatina, Tasahe and Titinge that will improve security and quality of supply and add about 8 megalitres of storage capacity.

The SIWA CEO said work at these three storage sites worth around $60 million SBD is nearing completion.

“It’s almost completed. The three storage sites, total value around $60 million SBD.

“As I mentioned it includes Tasahe which is 3 megalitres, Titinge which is 3 megalitres and Panatina which is 2.5 megalitres.

“All the various stages of completion, are very close to it,” he said.

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