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Sape pack house signals economic transformation for agriculture

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BY CHRIS ALEX

A major step forward in the economic empowerment of Solomon Islands’ agricultural sector was marked last Friday, July 18, 2025 with the official opening of the Sape Farm Pack House, a modern facility aimed at revolutionizing local food production and export.

Spearheaded by Sape Farm in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government and international development partners, the pack house is poised to be a game-changer for rural economies, offering local farmers the infrastructure and support needed to meet international market standards.

Dr Paul Bosowai, minister for Health and Medical Services and founder of Sape Farm, hailed the launch as a “community development milestone” and a model for successful public-private partnerships.

“I am very excited and happy that finally the Sape Pack House is launched,” Dr. Bosowai said during the opening ceremony.

“This facility is for the people. It is a community development initiative through a public-private partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture,” he added.

He extended gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Australian Government’s Strongim Bisnis programme for their support, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving sustainable development.

The pack house, equipped with modern post-harvest technologies, will primarily process cassava into four key products: frozen tubers, grated cassava, flour, and millrun for piggery feed.

This diversification is expected to significantly strengthen the agricultural value chain, enhance food safety standards, and increase exports.

“This is a new chapter for Solomon Islands agriculture.

“It shows what we can accomplish when government, development partners, the private sector, and farming communities work together,” Bosawai said.

With its strategic goals aligned with national food security and economic resilience, the Sape Pack House stands as a symbol of transformation turning agricultural potential into profitable  sustainable livelihoods for Solomon Islanders.

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GTC appoints new advisory board

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Gizo Town Council (GTC) has officially appointed a new board following a selection process held on July 17, 2025 at the Gizo Women’s Centre.

The meeting brought together past and current representatives to select the next leadership of the council, with Niumali Tutuo elected as President and Robson Tuke as Vice Chairperson.

In an interview with Island Sun, GTC Clerk, Charles Kelly confirmed that a good number of nominations were received, however, only 12 candidates progressed through to the elimination rounds.

He said, the final 12 names will be submitted to the Provincial Secretary for endorsement before the appointments are legally formalised, in accordance with the GTC Ordinance.

“This process is necessary to ensure we comply with the legal frameworks guiding the council,” Kelly said.

He added that this is the second time a woman has taken up a leadership position in the council, marking a significant moment for gender representation in Gizo.

Kelly said the newly formed board replaces the previous advisory body, which was made up of community leaders, church representatives, youths and women’s groups.

He acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing advisory body in maintaining service delivery and community safety.

Kelly said he is optimistic that the new committee as expected, will continue to address key issues affecting Gizo and surrounding communities.

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Study Australia Road Show Exhibition concludes

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

AUSTRALIA has successfully hosted its biggest “Study Australia Road Show Exhibition” at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara last week, drawing a large number of high school students, school leavers, and members of the public.

This year’s exhibition featured participation from 15 Australian universities, more than double the number from the previous year.

The event provided attendees the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of education and career pathways available in Australia.

Patrick Ani, Senior Business Development Manager with the Australia Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), coordinated the education mission and emphasised the event’s growth and significance.

“This is, so far, the largest premier education event for Australian universities to recruit students in the Pacific,” Ani said.

The Study Australia Road Show was first launched in 2023, beginning with just six universities. In 2024, that number rose to eight, and in 2025, it has reached 15.

“With the number of universities doubling, students now have access to a broader range of educational opportunities in Australia,” Ani noted.

University representatives were present at the exhibition to speak directly with prospective students, offering insights into programs, campus life, and scholarship opportunities.

Organizers have reported a strong turnout, with approximately 200 participants in attendance.

Expected outcomes of the event include an increase in student enrolments in Australian institutions and strengthening of institutional partnerships between both countries.

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Ngella Constituency donates solar lights to support Leitongo School fundraiser

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Ngella Constituency Office has donated 10 sets of solar lights, valued at $13,500, to Leitongo High School’s Primary Sector as part of its support for the school’s ongoing fundraising initiative.

A formal handover of the donation was made on Friday, July 18, 2025, and is intended to serve as raffle prizes for a fundraising event organized by the school to support the construction of a new staff house, scheduled to begin in 2026.

The announcement was made through a post on the Central Islands Province (CIP) Forum.

Robert Kade, Project Officer for Ngella Constituency, presented the donation and reaffirmed the office’s commitment to supporting development initiatives in education and community services.

“Community support is mandatory in our approach to development.

“This has been a continuous practice through the Constituency Development Committees (CDCs), which are responsible for coordinating development programs, approving budgets, managing funds, monitoring project implementation, and developing constituency development plans,” he said.

James Sale, Principal of Leitongo High School’s Primary Sector received the donation on behalf of the schools, expressed his gratitude and described the support as significant not only for the school but for the broader community.

“This is a big help to our efforts in building a staff house, which is essential for the welfare of our teachers and for the continued growth of our school,” he said.

The raffle draw is scheduled to commence on December 5, 2025, with the solar lights expected to boost ticket sales and community engagement in the fundraising campaign.

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CBSI launches stakeholder satisfaction survey to strengthen engagement

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has launched a stakeholder satisfaction survey as part of its ongoing commitment to improve engagement and communication with its key partners.

The survey, which opened this week and will run until 24th July 2025, aims to gather valuable feedback from CBSI’s external stakeholders.

It is designed to better understand stakeholder needs, assess the effectiveness of the bank’s current communication efforts, and identify areas for improvement.

Paula Dofai of the Central Bank said the survey is part of CBSI’s strategy to enhance responsiveness, transparency, and collaborative relationships.

“As one of our key external stakeholders, your voice and perspective are important in helping us shape our communication and initiatives,” she said.

The short and confidential survey is expected to take no more than five minutes to complete. It focuses on evaluating CBSI’s engagement practices and exploring opportunities to strengthen future collaboration.

CBSI encourages all invited stakeholders to take part in the exercise and share honest feedback that will support the bank’s continuous improvement agenda.

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Ngella PO responds to concerns over constituency funds

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Ngella Constituency Project Officer (PO), Robert Kade, has responded to growing frustration among residents who have threatened to block incoming shipments due to concerns over the lack of transparency in the use of 2024 constituency funds, reportedly worth millions.

The issue came to light after members of the Central Islands Province (CIP) Forum, a local social media group, raised concerns about the absence of updates from their Member of Parliament and alleged mismanagement of public resources.

In a conversation with the forum’s administrator, Kade acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and assured the public that his office is now working on a response.

“We’re now looking into it, and we’ll respond in a way that is fair and good for everyone in the constituency,” Kade said.

He thanked the CIP Forum for bringing the issue to the attention of his office and recognized the role of public feedback in driving accountability.

“The post was truthful and important. Without it, we might not have moved as quickly. Now that we’re aware, we’re committed to doing what’s right for our people,” he added.

Kade said that his team is reviewing how future shipments of goods and materials can be distributed more equitably across the constituency, ensuring all residents, not just a select few benefit from constituency development support.

The residents’ threat to block shipments underscores rising tension in the area, with many expressing disappointments over the MP’s failure to engage with communities or provide any updates on spending.

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Gov’t lands under threat from illegal squatters

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Several key government development sites in East Honiara are under threat from illegal squatter settlements, prompting urgent calls for action from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The targeted lands include high-priority sites earmarked for national development, such as the, Bloody Ridge Memorial, the new national hospital project, and a proposed public cemetery.

During a hearing on Saturday, July 19, 2025, PAC members pressed the Permanent Secretary (PS) for Lands, Housing and Survey, Stanley Waleanisia, to take immediate and aggressive measures to reclaim these lands.

“These are government assets. You need to be tough in your actions to return those lands.

“Some houses built there are permanent structures, mostly by returning seasonal workers. Something illegal has happened and it needs your attention,” PAC told the Lands Ministry.

The committee warned that if left unaddressed, illegal occupation could derail major national projects and jeopardize land availability for future development.

The issue of land encroachment is not limited to these sites.

PAC members also cited similar problems faced by Aviation authorities, who have been hindered in their efforts to expand the Honiara International Airport due to squatter settlements.

In response, PS Waleanisia assured the committee that a dedicated investigation team, including the Commissioner of Lands, will be dispatched this week to assess the situation on the ground.

“I will send a team, including the Commissioner of Lands, to investigate the problem,” Waleanisia confirmed during the hearing.

PAC members stressed that lack of resources, such as government vehicles must not be used as an excuse for inaction.

“Do not use the excuse of vehicle shortages. This is an urgent matter. If we don’t act now, there will be no land left for future national development,” they warned.

The illegal occupation of government land has become a recurring issue, raising serious concerns about enforcement, coordination between ministries, and the need for stronger land governance.

The Ministry of Lands is now under pressure to act swiftly to reclaim public land and prevent further illegal encroachments.

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Strong wind warning cancelled

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has officially cancelled its strong wind warning issued for parts of the country over the past weeks.

According to a statement from SIMS, the strong wind warning previously issued for the waters of Temotu Province is now cancelled.

Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) made the cancellation at 7am, Sunday, July, 20.

Meanwhile, the situation is that a general easterly trade wind flow persists over the country.

SIMS also stated that expected easterly winds of 20 to 25 knots over waters in Temotu Province are now easing and below the warning threshold.

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Dangerous grenade still in Solomon Islands

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A dangerous World War 2 (WWII) grenade is still here in the Solomon Islands.

This is according to Safe Signal UXO threat Solution, Solomon Islands.

“Warning: dangerous WWII grenade still found in Solomon Islands. British No. 69 Bakelite High Explosive Grenade,” a statement issued on the Safe Signal UXO threat Solution, Solomon Islands said.

According to the statement, the grenade is made of Bakelite plastic and can look like an old medicine bottle when covered with mud, but is deadly.

This grenade as mentioned, was used during WWII, often by U.S. forces in the Solomon Islands, especially on Guadalcanal.

Safe Signal UXO threat Solution, Solomon Islands also stated that the grenade is usually found in heaps around old battle zones in Guadalcanal and rarely on other islands.

Henceforth, the public is warned not to touch the grenade or pick it up.

“Even after 80+ years, these remnants of War (UXO) can still explode and cause serious injury or death.

“If you see something suspicious, call the Police, contact Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), mark the area and keep others away,” advised Safe Signal UXO threat Solution, Solomon Islands.

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Tina Hydro project on track, prepares for 2026 Dam construction

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

With 25% of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project now completed, full-scale construction of the dam is expected to begin in February 2026, according to Project Manager Pradip Verma.

Speaking on a talkback show at SIBC on Sunday, July 20, 2025, Verma said the project is progressing according to its revised schedule, with commercial operation targeted for 11 February 2028.

“We are confident with the construction of the dam in Feb 2026.

“However, it will likely require two dry seasons to complete,” Verma said.

The dam, a key component of the project, will stand 72 meters high and be constructed in 216 layers, each measuring 35cm.

Verma confirmed that the tunnel boring machine is already in Honiara, and works are planned to take approximately 400 days.

He added that construction of the powerhouse is scheduled for completion by mid-2027, while the transmission lines, to be built by Solomon Power, are expected to be commissioned by October 2027.

“The dam, the tunnel, and the powerhouse will all be ready by that time,” Verma said.

Verma also stated that a three-month testing and commissioning phase will follow, running from November 2027 to February 2028, ahead of the full commercial launch.

While acknowledging the potential challenges of wet weather, Verma emphasised the team’s readiness to proceed regardless of conditions.

“We are confident with most of the design work is complete. It is a matter of getting the right weather but even if it is raining, we still have techniques to manage those situations and build the dam,” he added.

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