HCC divides Central market into zones – west wing for Guadalcanal farmers, main market hall for resellers, carpark to be cleared

BY CHRIS ALEX

Honiara City Council (HCC) has set new rules for Honiara Central market to ensure fairness for Guadalcanal farmers and resellers.

These new rules hope to address the problem of overcrowding and tensions that usually flare up between farmers and urban resellers.

One of the rules is that the west-wing extension of the market will be allocated for farmers from East and West Guadalcanal.

Secondly, resellers who make up 90 percent of vendors will be restricted to the main market hall.

As for the parking area, at the eastern section of the market, HCC aims to keep it clear so that market traffic flows and it is spacious for vehicles to park.

The long queues in the market contributes to the traffic congestion at the main highway, thus HCC will discourage selling local produce at the carpark area.

The move comes in response to growing concerns from North Guadalcanal farmers, many of whom have been discouraged from bringing their produce to the city due to the dominance of resellers and limited space.

HCC’s Market Management team has now unveiled a strategy that aims to improve market operations and restore confidence among rural vendors.

Speaking to Island Sun, Market Master Stanley Araha said recent meetings between the Honiara City Council Standing Committee and Central Market management have resulted in a number of key reforms.

To address space constraints and vendor conflict, the western extension of Central Market previously opened to all sellers will now be reserved exclusively for farmers from East and West Guadalcanal.

“We’re not removing resellers they are a key part of the market economy but we are making sure that farmers have dedicated space and are not harassed or pressured,” Araha explained.

As an interim measure, the currently unused fish market area, closed for maintenance, will be temporarily repurposed as a bulk selling zone for farmers. Formal notices on the change are expected to be issued later this week.

Araha said the adjustments are intended to create a fair, more efficient market environment for all.

“We want to make it easier for farmers to return to the market and ensure fair prices for the public.

“This new arrangement should benefit everyone, resellers, and most importantly, the farmers,” he said.

Araha also calls on all vendors to respect the new rules and work in cooperation with market authorities.

“Respect each other and the decisions made. These changes are for the greater good of our market community,” he said.

The reforms come amidst rising calls from rural vendors for intervention, warning that without immediate action, the city risks losing access to fresh and affordable local produce.

The Central Market, Honiara’s largest produce hub, plays a crucial role in the local food system, connecting rural farmers with urban consumers.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has commended the dedicated team behind the successful launch of its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan.

In a post on its official Facebook page yesterday, SIEC said the event marked a major milestone for the Commission, laying out its direction for the next four years, and the success of the launch was credited to the commitment and teamwork of the Strategic Plan Launch Committee.

Leading the Committee was Ms. Joy Manu, who served as Chairperson. SIEC said her strong leadership and coordination were pivotal in guiding the process from planning to execution.

Also acknowledged were Peter Aufiu and Samantha Mali, who oversaw program and logistics, ensuring every detail was managed efficiently.

The creative edge of the launch was shaped by Philothea and Owen, who were responsible for communications, media coordination, graphics, and designs. Their work helped deliver the Commission’s message in a compelling and visually engaging way.

Meanwhile, Kathy and Hellen handled protocol and guest liaison, managing invitations and ensuring guests felt welcome and well accommodated throughout the event.

Nolland Wasuka, who served as the Secretary, was praised for his flawless secretarial work, while Noel Bugotu provided ICT support and programming; helping keep the technical side of the launch running smoothly.

The SIEC thanked all members for their teamwork, passion, and commitment, stating that the launch would not have been possible without their combined efforts.

“Their dedication brought our vision to life,” SIEC said.

The 2024–2028 Strategic Plan sets out the Commission’s goals to strengthen electoral processes, improve transparency, and ensure inclusive and credible elections across Solomon Islands.

The strategic plan was successfully launched on July 25, 2025 last Friday at Heritage Park Hotel.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY INDY MAEALASIA

The North West Guadalcanal Constituency has officially launched its Mini Trade Fair, celebrating local enterprise, innovation, and culture.

The event, which commenced on Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Mamara Show Ground, brought together local communities and corporate organisations to showcase a diverse range of products and services.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Member of Parliament (MP) for North West Guadalcanal, Francis Belande Sade, described the fair as a “tangible manifestation” of this year’s theme: “Transform Potentials into Ownership and Prosperity.”

He commended the wide array of vendors displaying everything from fresh produce and handcrafted goods to traditional foods and innovative services.

“This fair is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that abounds here. It’s your chance to shine, said Sade.

The 10-day fair aims to provide a platform for vendors to connect with customers, build relationships with stakeholders, and expand their market reach. It also encourages community members to support local businesses and invest in homegrown talent.

“Every purchase you make here today directly contributes to the growth and prosperity of our own people,” Sade added.

The MP further called on investors and development partners to explore the region’s potential, stating the constituency is ready to facilitate partnerships aligned with its long-term development vision.

“Your presence here today and over the next 10 days signifies your commitment to share in our vision,” he said.

The Mini Trade Fair runs from July 25 to August 3, 2025, and will also coincide with Guadalcanal’s Second Appointed Day on August 1, 2025.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY INDY MAEALASIA

The people of North West Guadalcanal have been urged to move beyond simply recognizing their potential and to take steps towards transforming it into tangible ownership.

Speaking to a crowd of vendors, community members, and visitors at the opening of the Mini Trade Fair on Friday, July 25, 2025, Member of Parliament (MP) for North West Guadalcanal, Francis Belande Sade highlighted the natural abundance of human talent the constituency has.

“We possess a wealth of resources waiting to be fully realized. For too long, we have recognized these potentials. Today, however, we shift our focus from mere recognition to active transformation,” he said.

The MP emphasised that “transforming potential” means identifying and developing local resources, skills, and creativity.

Sade challenged the community to go beyond subsistence living and take control of their economic destiny through ownership.

“When you own your business, your product, your skills; you own your future,” he said.

Sade also highlighted the importance of empowering youth and supporting farmers.

The Mini Trade Fair runs from July 25 to August 3, 2025, and will also coincide with Guadalcanal’s Second Appointed Day on August 1, 2025.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Communities in Ward 16 of Western Province are set to benefit from a series of small but impactful development projects, courtesy of their elected Ward Member, Jeffrey Wickham.

Speaking to Island Sun earlier this month, Wickham announced that construction of small market stalls will soon begin in various communities within the ward.

He said the initiative aims to support women and young girls who sell cooked and fresh produce by the roadside.

“I see lots of women and girls selling their products along the road, so I’ve decided to build market houses for my communities. This is a small gesture to help market vendors sell their goods without worrying about the rain or the heat of the sun,” Wickham said.

In addition to the market stalls, lighting projects have also been rolled out across Ward 16.

Some communities have already seen the installation of solar-powered lights, while groundwork is underway in others.

“These lighting projects aim to help people walk safely at night, especially after evening activities often organised by churches.

“Solar lights are being installed along footpaths, in community halls, and even in churches to improve visibility and safety,” Wickham said.

He said the initiatives are funded through the Western Province Grant under the Ward Development Fund, totalling SBD$100,000.

Wickham acknowledged that while the budget may be small, he believes careful and targeted use of the fund can result in lasting positive impacts.

“If used well, small money can do big things,” he said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY INDY MAEALASIA

North West Guadalcanal Constituency is set to launch its new development plan this Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

The plan is an ambitious initiative that aims to unlock the constituency’s full potential in the productive sectors.

Member of Parliament (MP) Francis Sade announced this during the official opening of the Mini Trade Fair last week.

Under the plan, the constituency will focus on strengthening its capabilities in key areas such as agriculture, fisheries, commercial industries, and tourism.

“We need partners to come in and invest in the constituency,” Sade said, emphasising the need for collaboration to drive sustainable development.

He reaffirmed his commitment to building an enabling environment where businesses can thrive.

“My office, as Member of Parliament, is fully committed to creating the right conditions for business to flourish in North West Guadalcanal,” he stated.

Sade also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve access to training, capital, and markets for local entrepreneurs, while also seeking partnerships that can introduce modern technology and sustainable practices in the constituency.

“We are working tirelessly on initiatives that will open up opportunities and bring long-term benefits to our people,” he added.

The MP stressed on the importance of collaboration between government, private sector, and communities in realising the region’s economic goals.

“We believe in the power of collaboration to unlock our full potential,” he said.

The launching of the much-anticipated plan has stirred interest among the grassroots, particularly farmers.

Speaking to Island Sun, farmer Dickson Gray from Aruligo said the plan signals the constituency’s willingness to improve and develop its products and services.

He further appeals to all business owners and local farmers operating in the constituency to support the launching.

“Let us come out in full to work together to make North West Guadalcanal a better place,” said Gray.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has travelled to New Zealand over the weekend for a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon.

Manele informed Parliament that the official visit will take place from July 28, to August 2, 2025.

“I will travel to New Zealand from 28 July to 2nd August for a bilateral meeting, following their invitation which I have postponed for quite some time already,” he stated.

The Prime Minister’s visit is expected to strengthen ties and cooperation between Solomon Islands and New Zealand across key sectors including development, education, and regional security.

PM Manele moved a special adjournment motion on July 14, 2025 to adjourn Parliament to 4 August, 2025 to allow the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to carry out its inquiry and prepare a report on the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Pongi-led Alliance for Reform and Progress Government (ARPG) of Rennell and Bellona province is working on a proposal to develop Tigoa into a township.

Premier Derek Pongi recently made the announcement that his government is behind the historic plan of developing their provincial headquarter into a township.

“We are working on a subdivision plan as part of our proposal to develop our provincial headquarter to township status,” he said.

Pongi also highlighted his government’s plan to strengthen provincial governance by establishing substations in other parts of the province.

He said they are looking at creating and establishing two substations in East Rennell and on the Island of Bellona.

“We are working to establish substations in Bellona and East Rennell,” he said.

His government is also working towards pursuing a deep-sea port at Lughu Bay in the province.

This proposal is part of the provincial government’s plan to address infrastructure deficiency the province continues to face.

It will support the economic development of the province and nation as a whole.

Apart from this, ARPG is also looking at other infrastructure development areas such as roads, wharves and airports for the province.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]