BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Member of Parliament for Temotu Vatud, Freda Tuki, said that the success or failure impacting people’s resources is dependent on the decisions made by the Government.

She expressed this viewpoint while discussing the government’s ‘below six feet’ mining policy, which was brought up by Opposition Leader Matthew Wale.

Mr Wale introduced the ‘below six feet’ mining policy during the recent hearing of the Bills & Legislation Committee (BLC), where representatives from the Ministry of Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification (MMERE) and the Legal Draftsperson were present.

Wale said that this legislation is an outdated and unbalanced monarch law that continues to disadvantage indigenous landowners, especially those residing in the Gold Ridge area.

Expressing her concerns, Ms Tuki said that it has become evident that landowners have consistently voiced concerns regarding their benefits from the resources they possess.

She emphasised that the Government, along with the responsible board, should establish specific and clear conditions under which benefits are to be shared, ensuring that all parties involved in resource extraction for economic purposes can gain.

“The resources are owned by the state, but the land on which these resources are located belongs to the landowners. Currently, we are aware that the landowners are unhappy,” she said.

She said that there is a necessity to either amend existing laws or to consider and provide conditions that the government or the board should deliberate upon.

“Instead of stating that it is dictated by colonial law, it is we, the Government, who have the authority to amend the laws for the improvement of our people. This means changing the law to acknowledge our landowners due to the resources found on their lands,” Tuki said.

“For instance, in the logging sector, the government receives 25%, while landowners receive only 10%, which is not reasonable,” she added.

She said Solomon Islanders are the rightful owners of the resources, and there exists a need to modify these colonial laws to better align with the needs of Solomon Islanders.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Market vendors in and around Malu’u, North Malaita, are set to benefit from a brand-new market house following the signing of the project in Auki last week.

At the signing ceremony held on Friday at the Malaita Provincial Government Assembly Chambers, Australia engaged local contractor Exodus Trade Development to build the new Malu’u Market.

This move is expected to create more local jobs and deliver a high-quality, welcoming space for the community, a statement by the Australian high commission yesterday said.

Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Rod Hilton praised the rapid growth of the Solomon Islands construction sector and its increasing ability to deliver Australia’s extensive infrastructure support across the country.

Designed in close consultation with local communities and the provincial government, the new market will accommodate up to 140 vendors, the high commission statement said.

It features 40,000 litres of water storage, solar lighting, improved waste management and sanitation, and is built to be climate-resilient.

Mr Hilton highlighted that all provincial markets funded by the Australian-backed Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program are designed with vendors and community needs at heart.

The new Malu’u Market, like the Seghe and Buala markets currently under construction, will be inclusive and accessible — with wheelchair-friendly toilets and showers, low-height benches for selling produce, separate facilities for men and women, and a parent’s room for nursing mothers.

“Markets are vital community hubs where people come together to buy and sell produce, helping families cover school fees and other expenses,” he said.

Malaita’s Provincial Minister for Finance and Administration, Lemuel Kevianga expressed gratitude for Australia’s ongoing support, describing the contract signing as a symbol of the strong partnership and shared vision between Australia, Solomon Islands, and the people of Malaita.

“Australia’s approach empowers our people and strengthens our economic foundation.

“The new market will provide a safe space for women and children, boost food security, and encourage local economic activity,” Kevianga said.

Australia has already funded a temporary market nearby, with the old market house demolished to make way for the new permanent facility.

Photo: Australian High Commission (AHC)

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BY MORRIS NAFU

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s Transport Infrastructure Division has deployed local contractors to carry out urgent repairs on the lower bridge at Mbokona.

This bridge, a longstanding fixture in the community, has aged and requires immediate attention, said a MID Facebook post on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

To ensure traffic can resume safely, MID deployed local contractors to the site to reinforce the structure ensuring safe passage of vehicles yesterday.

The repair team is currently on-site, working swiftly to reopen the bridge and restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible.

The Ministry apologises for the sudden closure and any inconvenience caused to residents and road users in Mbokona.

Meanwhile, routine maintenance on this road section is ongoing, with AP & S Construction handling works to maintain safety and durability, the MID statement said.

Earlier, the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE II) Project identified this bridge among several critical infrastructure sites in Honiara City slated for rehabilitation. Construction is expected to begin in later this year.

Other key projects include repairs to Kobito Road Bridge and drainage improvements at Tasahe Road, Mbokona Road, Central Market (near Holy Cross Cathedral Church in the Fijian Quarter), Vura/Aola Road (from Kukum Hot Bread Roundabout through Vura), and two drainage sites on Ngaliraugha Road.

These efforts aim to enhance the safety and resilience of Honiara’s transport network for the benefit of all residents.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Team-Three from Western province has made history by becoming the first group to finish their fieldwork for the Household and Income Survey (HIES) 2024-2025, wrapping up their final Enumeration Area (EA) in Ringgi.

Their achievement comes well ahead of other teams nationwide, with most provinces expected to complete their work by October 2025, a statement by the Statistics office (SINSO) yesterday said.

Team leader Radley Kuve expressed a mix of relief and pride after completing the challenging survey.

“At the start, I wasn’t sure how I’d manage the responsibility, but as we went along, I learned how to handle the pressures and keep the team on track.

“Now that we’re almost done, I can finally sleep a little better,” Kuve reflected.

Despite the fieldwork being finished, Kuve and his team are still coordinating final data from their final Enumeration Area and await feedback before they can fully conclude their efforts.

However, the team’s swift progress highlights their dedication and effective management in the face of difficult conditions.

As Team Three returns to Marovo, their success underscores the resilience of the group, who navigated complex logistics to complete the national survey with precision.

Meanwhile, Team Two has also been making significant strides, recently reaching the smallest Enumeration Area in their survey on Kolombangara Island.

Team Leader Bryce Kanavari emphasized the importance of every single household in the survey, noting, “Every house matters, and we’re grateful that we didn’t need to replace any.”

The HIES survey, a vital national initiative, is expected to provide key insights into the living standards and economic conditions across Solomon Islands, with data collected set to shape future policy decisions.

As the teams continue their work, the successful completion of Team Three’s enumeration stands as a key milestone in the process, signaling the critical role this survey will play in improving the livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.

Photo : SINSO

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Anglican youths from across the Diocese of Central Melanesia (DOCM) gathered in unity and faith this past weekend for a profound Youth Combined Fellowship at St Michael House of Prayer in Burns Creek.

The event brought together young believers to deepen their faith, strengthen their sense of community, and be inspired to live out their purpose in Christ.

The highlight of the Sunday gathering was an emotionally charged and thought-provoking reflection shared by Fr Alfred Akwai, a prominent spiritual leader in the DOCM.

Akwai addressed the gathering under the theme, “Know Your Position in Christ Jesus”.

His words resonated deeply with the youth, calling them to embrace their identity and spiritual authority in Christ.

Akwai emphasised the significance of understanding one’s spiritual position in Christ.

He told the young audience that their relationship with Jesus is not just a personal matter but foundational to their calling in the world and the future of the Church.

“Youth, your position in Christ determines how you live your life and how you impact the world,” he proclaimed.

He went on to challenge the young congregation to see themselves not merely as members of the Church, but as “leaders in the making”.

This message of empowerment urged the youth to step forward with purpose, confidence, and a steadfast commitment to living out their faith in practical and bold ways.

The message came at a critical time when many youths face unprecedented challenges, from societal pressures to the distractions of modern life.

Akwai reminded them that despite the distractions and uncertainties surrounding them, their faith could be their anchor.

“In this time of uncertainty, when the world is full of distractions, you must remain steadfast in your Christian journey,” he urged.

The call to spiritual resilience was loud and clear as Akwai concluded his reflection with an appeal to the youth to remain strong in their faith, especially when faced with personal and societal challenges.

“Stand firm in your faith because the world needs your unwavering belief in Christ,” he encouraged.

Photo : Desmond Rahe

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Seventeen member countries of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) have confirmed their attendance for the 54th Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) in Honiara next week.

That figure with Solomon Islands as the chair of the 54th PIFLM brings the total number of attendees to 18.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the PIF meeting, Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers confirmed this during a talkback show at SIBC on Monday this week.

He said all 17 forum island countries have confirmed their attendance for the 54th PIF Leaders Meeting that will be in Honiara from September 8-12.

He said the exception is Samoa, which has just had its elections on Friday last week.

Rodgers said they are still waiting for Samoa to confirm its participation.

He adds that the committee understands that the election results are not completed yet and a new government is yet to be formed.  

He said the committee is anticipating feedback from Samoa early this week, as to whether they will send a political leader to the forum.

However, Rodgers said Samoa will attend and so all 18 forum member countries of PIF will be in Honiara for the forum.

In terms of preparation, he said the country is ready and looks forward to receive delegations around the region to Honiara, latest by this weekend ahead of the meeting next week.

Members of PIF are Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

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