BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu calls on the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) to reinstate the Provincial Urban Development programme.

The programme was initiated to support provincial governments in the development and expansion of provincial urban centres across the country.

Siapu made the call during Makira Ulawa province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day celebration held at Kirakira, Makira Ulawa province.

He said in 2011, MPGIS had developed the “Provincial Expansion Development” programme in its annual work plan.

Siapu recalled that three provinces benefited from the program by expanding the land boundaries of their provincial centers. 

He mentioned that Makira Ulawa province has bought Huro land on an outright purchase arrangement and Choiseul and Guadalcanal provinces have also bought lands to expand their town boundaries.

Unfortunately, the premier said this important program was phased out and as a result, the three provinces could not develop the lands to this day.

He echoed that the provinces especially, Makira Ulawa province requests feedback from MPGIS on this very important program.

Siapu said they have plans in place to develop Huro land and the reinstatement of the program would be a great boost to this plan. 

“I call on MPGIS to reinstate this Provincial Urban Development program to assist Provincial Governments to not only expand provincial town boundaries but build much-needed accommodations for provincial officers,” Siapu said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Siapu-led government of Makira Ulawa Province assures its commitment to reinvigorate reform on infrastructure development to promote economic development in the province.

Speaking during the province’s recent 42nd Second Appointed Day celebration held in Kirakira, Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu stressed on the importance of reliable infrastructure and the fact that without it, economic development will cease to commence.

“I am serving my second term as premier of Makira Ulawa province, and during this short period, I came to realize that my province, like all other provinces, may not be able to fulfill its rural economic development aspirations without solid and reliable infrastructures to which will anchor my province’s economic development initiatives for effective service delivery.

“I also realized that for a greater part of my premiership, my office and my officers’ pre-occupation have been focused on planning, procuring and constructing the much-needed infrastructures on various sectors all over the province.

“It is also common knowledge that there is management of “expectation gap” being the difference between what the communities expect us to deliver and what we are able to do within the limited resources made available to us,” Siapu said.

The Premier stated that serving communities is a matter of great importance as elected members and officers, but the bottom line of all this is the availability of resources (both finance and human resources) to enable provinces to deliver what is expected of them by their people.

He voiced that it is apparent that provinces cannot do all these things without stakeholder support and intervention of private sector investment initiatives.

Siapu mentioned that ideas of creating enable environment to encourage local economic development (LED) in respective provinces had been expounded before in various premiers’ conferences.

“My newly formed PACRA government however, intends to be more specific and reinvigorate further reform on this issue.

“The intended outcome will generate support in terms of resourcing provinces for solid infrastructures that promote economic development by motivating private and institutional/corporate investors in our provinces,” Siapu said.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The lack of medical and health services on Sikaiana is taking its toll on the education of children on the atoll, it is reported.

As more and more people leave to seek medical attention in Honiara, the only school on Sikaiana is also losing teachers.

Principal Thomas Sapivaka raised the alarm yesterday saying half of his teachers have left for medical reasons.

In an interview with Island Sun on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Mr Sapivaka described their situation as a ‘nightmare’ where any injury, fever or ache in the body could signal a potential ‘life or death condition’.

“School children are missing school and our teachers have gone to Honiara taking their sick children searching medical treatment.

“And, while already low on teachers, we are expecting two more to follow the ship which is scheduled for Sikaiana this month who will take their sick children to Honiara for diagnosis and treatment.

“Classes will be affected, with students expected to miss more classes due to not having any teacher available,” he said.

Sapivaka questioned why Kiluufi hospital in mainland Malaita is failing its duty to provide Sikaiana with a nurse.

“Since it is not sending any nurses to Sikaiana, the Kiluufi hospital could have at least thought of sending a nurse with the monthly ships that come to Sikaiana to treat the sick.

“This would definitely help to alleviate the problem while they look for a nurse to come and be stationed here,” Sapivaka said.

Kiluufi hospital could not be reached for comment. Phone calls to the hospital’s director of nursing went unanswered.

The health emergency on Sikaiana began spiraling last year when the last nurse stationed on the island left in October 2024.

Since then, the atoll’s 300-plus population has been left without any direct medical support.

With limited transportation options to and from the remote atoll, those seeking treatment are often unable to return for months.

“This isn’t just about health anymore. The lack of nurses has created a chain reaction. Teachers are leaving because they can’t access basic medical care, and that’s having a devastating impact on education,” Mr. Sapivaka added.

Local leaders have long pleaded with responsible authorities to urgently deploy medical personnel to the island, but their calls have so far gone unanswered.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has amplified the call for help, calling the government’s inaction “pure negligence”.

“It’s been 11 months, and when such serious matters regarding health services go unnoticed, it is no longer an oversight but pure negligence,”

“The situation in Sikaiana demands immediate action from the responsible authorities,” Wale said in a press statement on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

The current crisis illustrates a growing pattern of systemic neglect towards remote communities in the Solomon Islands, where access to essential services remains a chronic challenge.

Residents of Sikaiana are now urging the government to treat the situation with the urgency it deserves before the atoll’s fragile systems collapse entirely under the weight of compounded crises.

“We cannot continue like this. We need nurses now. We need our teachers to be healthy and present. If nothing is done, the future of our children, and the wellbeing of our entire community, is at serious risk,” Sapivaka warned.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Avu Avu Airstrip in East Guadalcanal is on track for reopening after a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Avu Avu tribal representatives and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

The signing ceremony took place at the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly Chamber in Honiara, with notable attendees including the Guadalcanal Provincial Premier William Atu, MCA Permanent Secretary Alwyn Danitofea and representatives from the Avu Avu community.

This MOU allows the ministry to proceed with the rehabilitation and expansion of the Avu Avu Airstrip, ensuring it meets current aviation standards and requirements.

During the ceremony, Mr Danitofea highlighted the importance of the event, stating that it signifies a commitment to transforming government policies from mere words into real actions.

“This ceremony marks a way forward to ensure that government policy does not remain on paper but is something we feel and experience in our daily lives,” he said.

Danitofea expressed gratitude to Guadalcanal Province for their support in facilitating the project and acknowledged the contributions of other ministries, including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Lands.

He calls on landowners to embrace government development initiatives and allow the project to progress, emphasising that any concerns should be addressed without hindering advancement.

“The most important thing for the Solomon Islands is progress. You must recognise that you are part of the transformation of the Solomon Islands,” he urged.

The ministry is committed to collaborating with Guadalcanal Province and local landowners to ensure that priorities in both the aviation and communications sectors are met.

Danitofea reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to partnership, stating that ongoing projects, including road developments, will continue to involve Guadalcanal Province and its landowners.

Premier Atu expressed his gratitude to the landowning tribes for their cooperation and willingness to sign the MOU.

“This signing is a sign of peace and unity,” said Premier Atu, referencing the civil unrest from 1998 to 2001 that halted essential services across Guadalcanal, including the Avu Avu Airstrip.

He thanked the GNUT for prioritising the Avu Avu Airstrip under the National Transport Plan and highlighted its potential to unlock opportunities in economic development, healthcare, education, and tourism.

Atu alluded that reopening of the Avu Avu, Mbabanakira and Marau airstrips are captured under the current Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s policy.

He was happy to see the Avu Avu Airstrip nearing its operational status.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Police in Auki, Malaita Province have arrested a 34-year-old male accused of producing and selling illegally home-brewed alcohol and marijuana.

The suspect who is reportedly a church pastor was arrested at Taeloa village in West Baegu on Monday this week. 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea spoke about this with Island Sun Auki on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

He said the arrest was made with the help and support of the suspect’s community members. 

Ramosaea said the suspect’s tools for brewing alcohol were also confiscated.

He said the suspect will be remanded in police custody for 14 days. 

Superintendent Ramosaea mentioned that this incident has painted a troubling picture, as a pastor is someone whom people should obey, respect and follow. 

He stressed that in this case, people may start to disrespect and doubt any pastor.

“This shouldn’t be, because the pastor is a respected person in our communities. This incident will paint a bad picture for all of the pastors,” he said. 

Ramosaea appeals to community members in our societies to work together with the police and report anyone involved in the brewing of the local alcoholic drink (kwaso) and selling of marijuana. 

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Representatives from different organisations in Gizo, Western province have completed a workshop mental health.

The workshop was organised by Western Province Health and Medical Service through the Mental Health Programme.

In an interview with the media, workshop facilitator, Dr Rex Maukera – head of psychiatry at the National Referral Hospital said the purpose of the workshop was to bring together stakeholders, discuss and identify responsibilities necessary to support mentally ill patients.

He said topics covered during the workshop were; major mental disorder, minor mental disorder, rights of patient with mental illness and how to manage patients in different institutions like hospitals and prison.

Maukera said the workshop is part of a broader intervention undertaken by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to improve mental services in the country.

“This workshop is to fulfill one of the objectives stipulated under the National Health Strategic Plan 2023-2023 and that is to improve access to mental services in the province.

“Under the integrated mental health division, we also have the Solomon Islands National Mental Health Policy which emphasis more on establishing partnership with stakeholders at the provincial level to disseminate information and conduct awareness.

“Addressing mental health issue requires multi-sectoral approach and this workshop is providing a platform for service providers in Western Province to come together,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Dr Cealdro Alependava described the workshop as very important to all the stakeholders.

“This workshop helps us to understand different roles and responsibilities when comes to mental health cases.

“We also learn basic knowledge on how to attend to patients and also referral pathways,” he said.

Alependava acknowledges the facilitator and Western Province’s Health and Medical Service for organising the workshop.

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