BY INDY MAEALASIA

Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) is requesting an estimated SBD 4.5 million in the supplementary budget to fund the design and planning phase of the country’s first-ever National Development Youth Centre.

Speaking in a recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing into the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, Permanent Secretary, Cedric Alependava said it is time for the country to invest in a national hub for youth development in Honiara.

“The ministry has been building several youth and children’s centers across the provinces but there has not been any national youth center,” he said.

PS Alependava told the PAC that the requested funding would support the initial designing and planning phase of the project center, which is expected to provide space for offices, training workshops, and accommodate regional youths and their programmes.

“This is according to the government’s policy to empower youths through the economy, and their health and well-being,” he added.

PS Alependava also expressed hope that by establishing a center, it would lay the foundation for a future bill, which could help channel consistent funding into youth-focused programs nationwide.

The ministry has already made investments in youth and children’s initiatives in various provinces over the years.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) is progressing steadily in the second year of implementing the Education Act 2023, according to Permanent Secretary Dr. Franco Rodie.

Speaking during a recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing, Rodie acknowledged that while full implementation of the act will take time, the ministry is moving at a “comfortable rate” despite challenges such as high travel costs and logistical demands.

“This is the second year of implementation. It will take time, but we are making steady progress,” Rodie said.

As part of the implementation plan, MEHRD staff have been deployed to provinces to socialise the act, support the establishment of new structures, and inform education providers about their roles and responsibilities under the new act.

Rodie further highlighted the importance of working together with education providers.

“This year, we are working closely with education providers. Our officers are out in the field engaging communities and schools, ensuring that everyone understands the key changes and requirements of the act,” he added.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) is seeking an additional $2 million in the supplementary budget to clear outstanding long-service benefit payments owed to around 60 retired teachers.

The ministry disclosed this during a recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing into the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation bill.

“There are still about 60 teachers from last year who haven’t been paid, even though we budgeted for them. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, we couldn’t meet those obligations. That’s why we’re requesting additional funding now,” Permanent Secretary Dr Franco Rodie said.

He said the ministry has made progress in addressing outstanding payments under the Long-Service Benefit Scheme,

“And we’re on top of things. But we need this funding support urgently. If we don’t pay them this year, it will lead to frustration,” stressed Rodie.

The issue is not new, with the ministry having struggled for years to accurately predict the number of teachers eligible for the benefit each year.

“This problem has persisted for years. Each year, we try to budget based on estimated retirements, but the numbers often change. Sometimes we overestimate, and the finance and the public service would question what we’ll do with the surplus,” he told the committee.

Rodie highlighted the importance of early and accurate information from education providers about retiring teachers or those who pass away while in service.

“To have exact data or estimates, we require early notification from education providers on who is retiring or who has passed away while in service. With good planning and accurate data, this can be managed,” he added.

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Gizo Town Council (GTC) is working to identify a suitable location for a cemetery as the township’s population continues to expand.

Clerk of Gizo Town Council, Charles Kelly, said the cemetery initiative is part of a broader town plan to ensure the dead are laid to rest in a respectful and appropriate environment.

He said a proper cemetery is essential for any growing urban centre, not only for cultural and traditional reasons but also for health and planning purposes.

“Everyone will eventually pass away. We need a proper and dedicated place for burials. It’s about showing respect to those who have passed on and maintaining order in our growing community,” Kelly said.

He stressed that cemeteries play a critical role in urban settings, offering a formal space for grieving families to honour their loved ones.

Kelly also highlighted that well-managed burial grounds contribute to public health, especially in densely populated areas where informal burials may pose environmental and health risks.

At present, Gizo does not have an official cemetery, and as a result, the council is now focused on identifying and securing a suitable area.

Kelly said his office is working closely with stakeholders to assess potential sites, considering factors such as accessibility, land use, and future development needs.

He assured the public that the GTC is committed to addressing the issue in a timely and respectful manner to serve the needs of Gizo residents.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Pongi led Alliance for Reform and Progress Government of Rennell and Bellona province has asked GNUT government to consider creating an additional constituency and a provincial ward in the province.

This came following a resolution passed by the provincial government for Rennell Bellona province to have a second constituency, and one more provincial ward to have an odd number of seats in the provincial assembly.

Speaking at the celebration of the 32nd 2nd Appointed Day held at the provincial capital of Tingoa on Tuesday, 22, July 2025, Premier Derek Pongi presented the idea to the Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, who was the key guest at the occasion.

He said the Rennell Bellona provincial government continues to face challenges in its second-tier election as well as the speaker’s election, because of the even number of seats at the assembly.

“Our province has ten wards, an even number that has caused issues during elections of premiers and speakers over the years.

“And we urge the Prime Minister and Minister of MPGIS to consider establishing an additional ward in Rennell and Bellona before the 2028 election,” Pongi said.

He emphasized that this will help resolve current challenges and improve service delivery in the province.

In the meantime, Premier Pongi also shared the wish of the Rennell Bellona provincial assembly to create an additional constituency in the province.

He said in pursuit of the idea, the provincial assembly has deliberated and passed a motion on the matter which they look forward to it being brought to parliament for further discussion.

“Our provincial assembly has unanimously passed a motion to revisit the idea of creating an additional constituency in Rennell Bellona province. 

“We look forward to engaging with the national government for its consideration,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Rennell Bellona province, Derek Pongi has reflected on the challenges and progress the province has gone through and made since embarking on the journey as a province back in 1993.

Speaking at the celebration of the Rennell Bellona province’s 32nd 2nd Appointed Day held at Tingoa on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, he highlighted the need for both people and government of Rennell Bellona to be committed to make a change for the province.

Celebrated under the theme “Celebrating Reform and Progress in Rennell and Bellona”, the province marked the day with reflection on the progress it has made over the past years.

In his remarks, Pongi said it is a time for reflection to see how far they have come since their establishment as a province as well as an opportunity to highlight the challenges they face so that they can find solutions to address them together.

He stated the Rennell Bellona province began its journey in 1993 with high hopes and ambitious aspirations.

“From the outset, the province aimed to foster development, improve governance, and enhance the well-being of its communities. The initial optimism was fuelled by a sense of opportunity and a desire for progress,” said Pongi.

He stressed that however, over the years, the province encountered numerous challenges that hindered its development.

Pongi said a significant factor that contributed to these difficulties was the non-adherence to proper governance and administrative practices.

“Issues such lack of transparency, and inefficient management hampered effective decision-making and resource allocation.

“These governance shortcomings often led to mismanagement, reduced accountability, and diminished trust among stakeholders and our people,” he said.

Pongi mentioned that when his government assumed office in 2024, they inherited numerous challenges such as governance and administrative compliance issues and lack of consistent revenue streams.

There were also no PCDF funds due to repeated failures to pass the PCDF assessments, and no ward grants to support WDC development plans.

“Recognizing the urgent need for reform and progress, our new government adopted the name “Alliance for Reform and Progress Government” (ARPG), a reflection of our commitment to positive change in Rennell and Bellona.

“We also want to regain the credibility of the provincial government and restore the trust and confidence of our national government, development partners, investors and the people of Rennell and Bellona in our provincial government,” Pongi said.

He emphasized that progress and positive change in Rennell and Bellona province cannot be achieved without reform.

“As a government and as a people, we need to shift our mindsets and attitudes. We must change how we approach our responsibilities—from prioritizing self-interest to serving the interests of the government and the people of Rennell and Bellona,” Pongi said.

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-Health warns of diarrhoea outbreak spreading to other provinces from hotspots Honiara & Guadalcanal

-Children 1 to 9 yrs most affected

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The number of official cases has risen to 3,000 as the diarrhoea outbreak reportedly spreads across the country.

Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says although Honiara and Guadalcanal remain the hotspots, clusters have been identified in Gizo and Helena Goldie hospital in the Western province, Auki in Malaita province, and Buala in Isabel province.

While no deaths have been reported, MHMS urges the public to remain vigilant and to continue practising good hygiene.

“Over 3,000 cases have now been recorded since the start of the outbreak. Although most cases are concentrated in Honiara and Guadalcanal, recent clusters have also been identified in Gizo, Auki, Buala, and Helena Goldie Hospital (HGH), indicating spread to other provinces,” a MHMS statement on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 said.

Children aged one to nine years remain the most affected.

The Ministry’s Health Information System (HIS) team is currently reviewing data to determine any diarrhoea-related fatalities over the past two months.

As of July 11, 12 out of 23 stool samples tested positive for rotavirus using rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), the statement said.

Further testing of samples that have been sent to the reference laboratory in Australia aims at precisely characterising the causative pathogen of the outbreak.

MHMS announced the diarrhoea outbreak on July 3, following a number of cases. A week prior, the ministry also announced the detection of the rotavirus in cases presented at the national referral hospital.

Rotavirus is associated with diarrhoeal conditions.

Health response interventions intensify

The NRH Emergency Department remains on alert, supported by the Paediatrics Clinical team. ORS (Oral Rehydration Salt) requests for supply have been reported and are being urgently addressed by the National Medical Stores and Second Level Medical Stores throughout the country. Meanwhile, paediatric teams are extending support through outreach to Guadalcanal, Malaita and other provinces.

Environmental Health and mobile teams in Honiara are also visiting communities, with plans to increase frequency to affected communities. Sanitation assessments are also being prepared, and cleaners in Honiara City Council clinics are undergoing refresher training on Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC).

Risk communication teams have begun reaching schools with key hygiene messages and plan to scale up outreach, through radio talkback shows, posters, and community visits. School messaging will also be included in all media and public materials going forward noting the commencement of the schools after the mid-year holidays.

Data mapping has shown rising case numbers in East and West Honiara.

Key messages for the public

The ministry urges everyone to remain vigilant and continue practicing good hygiene:

How diarrhoea spreads:

• Through direct contact with faeces or vomit from an infected person
• By consuming contaminated food or water
• Via unwashed hands or unclean surfaces

Symptoms:

• Watery stools
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Stomach pain
• Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, no tears, tiredness, and reduced urination.

What to Do If You or Your Child Has Diarrhoea

• Seek immediate care: Take children to the nearest clinic without delay.
• Keep hydrated: Give clean water, coconut water, or rice water.
• Use ORS: Continue until symptoms stop.
• Continue breastfeeding: Feed babies frequently.
• Eat safely: Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.

Protect Your Family from Diarrhoea

• Wash hands with soap and water:
  • Before eating or preparing food
  • After using the toilet
  • After cleaning your child
• Use clean, safe toilets or bury faeces properly
• Boil and store drinking water in clean, sealed containers
• Cover and properly cook food
• Keep your home and environment clean
• Vaccinate your infant against rotavirus (at 6 and 10 weeks of age)

What the Ministry and Partners Are Doing

• Tracking and responding to outbreak developments across provinces
• Supporting clinics and hospitals with staff, supplies, and technical guidance
• Enhancing community awareness through targeted health messages in schools, communities, and media
• Improving laboratory testing with support from Australia
• Coordinating daily surveillance and data sharing among health workers
• Planning water quality assessments through provincial environmental health teams

The ministry is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Honiara City Council Health Division, Guadalcanal Provincial Health, and other non-governmental partners to ensure a coordinated national response.

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