BY SAME WAIKORI

Premier of Guadalcanal province, William Atu acknowledges the status of the province with the PCDF programme over the last three years.

In his official address during the recent celebration of the Guadalcanal 41st Second Appointed Day, he expressed glee for the positive status of province on the program.

“I’m glad to announce that Guadalcanal province has qualified for PCDF support three years in succession or in a row and is optimistic to be on the track for a fourth one too,” he said.

The premier said although the PCDF program is offered with stringent measures, Guadalcanal province was able to pass the program in the three successive years. 

“Sometimes there are only three provinces that were successful. Last year, five provinces were successful in this PCDF.

“Like I say, the PCDF is very stringent with a total of 11 minimum conditions,” he said.

All provinces must pass these conditions to qualify for the program.

The premier expressed that to date, they have implemented 87 projects across sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, tourism, commerce and agriculture.

“I thank our PCDF team and the MPGIS for their continuous support,” he said.

Atu urges all communities in the province to take ownership of their PCDF projects.

“They are ours and they are meant to improve our lives in the rural areas,” he said.

The premier thanks the staff of the province for their tireless efforts to ensure the province passed these 11 minimum conditions in the past three years.

The province has gone through some financial reforms and investments and part of it is to strengthen the it’s performance in the PCDF program.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Atu-led government of Guadalcanal province is prioritising infrastructure development to provide corridors for economic activities in the province.

In his official address to mark the recent Guadalcanal 41st Second Appointed Day, Premier William Atu noted the infrastructure deficiencies faced by the province and highlighted efforts to address very important areas of development.

He expressed that Guadalcanal provincial government fully recognises the transportation challenges posed by their province’s vast and rugged geographical landscape.

“These natural constraints continue to hinder development and the maintenance of essential road infrastructure – particularly in remote inland communities,” said the premier.

In this regard, he said his government has committed to allocate funds for the maintenance of provincial feeder roads and are exploring the possibility of constructing new roads in the province.

“One such initiative which is currently underway is the Kauka Marau Road Project Survey – that aims to improve access and connectivity in the southern region of the province.

“In the last financial meeting, we allocated $500,000 to do assessment for this project,” he said.

Atu also mentioned that work is underway on three key bridges in the province namely; Tawuhi bridge, Ruavatu bridge and Bokororo stream bridge.

He said these bridge projects were funded by World Bank under the Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience Programme and are being implemented through the Provincial Capital Development Fund (PCDF).

Atu mentioned that three other bridges; Ruavatu bridge, Matanga bridge and Wawalu bridge have successfully been completed and are significantly improving the mobility for surrounding communities.

“I also sincerely thank the Solomon Islands governments in according the tax credit scheme to Goldridge Mining Company for the successful completion of the Tinahulu Bridge.

“I believe the same scheme is now used to seal the road from the main highway to the mining site,” Atu said.

These are, but some of the manifestations of the commitment of his government in partnership with the national government and development partners to develop infrastructure in the province.

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By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Opposition Leader and Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga constituency, Mathew Wale has been praised by his constituents for a seaweed project.

One of the farmers, Eddie Basikolo from Busu community, said the Aoke/Langalanga Constituency Office recognised their daily struggles and initiated a seaweed farming project for them. 

He expressed that farming seaweed will benefit them in the future, especially by providing food and income as well as enabling them to cater for their children’s school fees and other essential needs.

“We are very happy that the Aoke/Langalanga Constituency office came up with this initiative. This farming project will surely benefit us in terms of generating income and creating labor opportunities for people,” he said. 

“This will cease the unemployment issue in our constituency and support us in paying our students’ tuition fees and other essential basic needs,” he added. 

In the meantime, Basikolo said their seaweed plants are currently in the nursery stage and will  later be distributed to each family member when they are ready. 

“Currently, we are still in the state of nurturing our seaweed, and when it is ready, we will transplant it to each of our families throughout the constituency. 

“And also, at the moment, only selected farmers are looking after the nurseries,” he said.

It is understood that seaweed plants are known for their importance in providing food and generating income, and they contribute to the economy of this country.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Guadalcanal provincial government is working closely with the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) to reopen Avuavu airstrip in the weather coast region of the province.

Premier of Guadalcanal province, William Atu confirmed this in his official address to mark Guadalcanal’s recent Second Appointed Day celebrations.

“I would like to place on record as well that the provincial government is in close collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Aviation to reopen Avuavu Airstrip under the National Transport Plan.

“We are currently engaging with landowning tribes to finalise the land extensions with construction expected to commence by the end of this year,” he said.

Atu stated that this initiative will play a vital role in boosting rural development within the region particularly in agriculture, tourism and health services.

He said Solomon airlines are operating with a big aeroplane and the airstrip needs extension.

Atu stated the airstrip needs more than 500 metres extension to accommodate all aeroplanes.

He added that his government also acknowledges other key airstrips in the province, and calls on respective landowners to work with the provincial government to resolve outstanding land issues. 

“These locations have untapped economic hubs and their reopening should be a priority for the national government as well.

“We firmly believe that rural areas hold immense sustainable economic potentials and a collaborative approach is essential to unlock these opportunities for the benefit of our people,” Atu said.

According to the premier, the province has three airstrips and all of them are closed at the moment.

“As a Premier, I would like to appeal to everyone especially land owners to open back our airstrips to boost development in rural areas,” he said.

Atu said these airstrips are essential infrastructure that can contribute a lot to development in the province.

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BY BEN BILUA

GIZO

Western Provincial Government (WPG) has taken on the initiative to bring much needed services closer to its people.

This follows the completion of the brand-new administration office at Seghe, in the Marovo area.

The administration office will be up and running next month, bringing in the eyes and ears of the people of Marovo and the eastern part of the province.

Provincial Officers will be stationed at Seghe to administer provincial work so as national matters that would help speed up development at the area.

At the moment, WPG has established its presence at Munda, Noro, Shortland Islands, Gizo and now Seghe.

“This is a major step forward in our effort to bring the government closer to the people. The new office will enable better coordination of services, promote economic activity, and increase access to provincial development programs,” Patrick Toiraena, Provincial Secretary to Western Province said in an interview earlier last month.

He said the new facility will serve as a satellite office of the Western Provincial Government, extending core administrative functions to Seghe, which has been identified as the newest provincial hub in the region.

Toiraena said the Seghe hub has seen notable infrastructure improvements in recent months, including the recent upgrade of Seghe Airport and the groundbreaking of a new terminal and market house project.

He stressed that these developments are expected to stimulate business and tourism opportunities while improving transportation and trade links across the province.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive digital transformation in education and calls on all stakeholders to share the responsibility in building a stronger, connected learning environment across the country.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day Education ICT Master Plan workshop on Monday, August 4, 2024 at Mendana Hotel, MEHRD’s Deputy Secretary (Corporate Services), Coldrine Kolae, described the digital transformation effort as “a shared home”—one that cannot be built by government alone.

“This home is not being built by the government alone.

“Education is a shared responsibility, as emphasised in the Education Act 2023. Every ministry, school, teacher, parent, and development partner has a role to play,” Kolae told participants.

He said the ICT Master Plan 2026–2030 provides a shared blueprint that aligns investments, coordinates actions, and ensures that every contribution—be it a classroom device, a teacher training, or a data system—fits into a larger, unified structure.

“In this way, we are not just building in parallel, but building together toward common goals,” he added.

He outlined key achievements already in place, such as:

• Extending school connectivity through SIG Connect
• Expanding digital learning content via iResource
• Piloting new computer labs and devices with support from LiteHaus International

Kolae said these efforts are the early foundations of a digital learning space that Solomon Islands students and teachers are now starting to explore with growing curiosity.

However, he warned that much of the digital ‘home’ remains unfinished, with many schools still lacking reliable power, affordable internet, and sufficient digital tools.

“Teachers often lack the scaffolding to grow their digital skills. If we are to complete this home and ensure it stands strong, we must address these gaps.

“With unpredictable winds driven by forces like Artificial Intelligence, (AI) we must ensure our foundation is solid and our doors are open to all,” said Kolae.

He outlined the four core pillars of the ICT Master Plan of which are as follows:

• iKonnect – improving internet, power, and ICT infrastructure in schools
• iTeach – equipping teachers with digital skills and tools
• iResource – expanding access to quality, curriculum-aligned digital learning content
• iManage – strengthening data systems and school-level digital administration

Kolae encourages stakeholders to ensure that this “digital home” is open to all learners by investing in accessible, low-cost solutions like mobile apps, offline content, radio, text messaging, and broadcast platforms to overcome financial barriers.

“Let today be a space for reflection, planning, and renewed purpose,

“Together, let us continue building a home of learning that is strong, inclusive, and ready for the next generation—so that all our children have a place to grow, connect, and thrive,” he said.

The two-day workshop brings together key government divisions, education partners, and technical experts to finalise and validate the Solomon Islands Education ICT Master Plan 2026–2030, with support from UNICEF and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

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