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.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

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.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

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.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

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.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

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.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

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.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

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.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

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.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]