By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

Rural communities in Malaita province have raised concerns over poor network services provided by Our Telekom.

A concerned mother, who requests to stay anonymous said this is the only way they can stay connected with family members in Honiara, especially with their students and access the internet for weather updates.

She said in East Kwaio they can only access network services during fine weather.

“Here in East Kwaio, we can only access the Telekom service on sunny days and from 9am to 4pm. It depends on the sun. We don’t know why it is like that,” she said.

Meanwhile, a similar concern was also raised by Jack Ofasi, who posted on the Malaita Facebook page.

He said they have not had access to the Telekom service for almost six weeks and people in the southern region of Malaita Province have also experienced poor network services.

Afio Deputy Principal, Bernard Quanafia said amidst having poor network services, they are lucky that ships travel there at the end of every week.

He expressed that this is the only channel they use if they want to send any messages to their family members and students.

“We just send our messages through the ship,” he said.

Quanafia raised that in relation this poor communication, they really don’t know when Our Telekom will come to upgrade the service and want Our Telekom Management to look seriously into the issue.

In response to this concern, the Our Telekom office in Auki said they are yet to release their public media statement.

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By RODRICK DESURI

AUKI

World Vision Solomon Islands has begun its five-year Regreening projects for five selected communities in Malaita Province. 

It is being hailed as a milestone for the five communities as they are the only communities in Malaita selected for the project. 

Project coordinator, Kelly Housiho said the rollout of the Regreening project comes after one year of building a close relationship with the communities, careful research and population data collection. 

He explained that the regreening project aims to find ways to adapt to current disasters that climate change has caused socially, environmentally and economically. 

Housiho said the project’s rollout comes after the five selected communities meet the project’s requirements.

“We start the project rollout with a detailed explanation about the overview and what World Vision’s vision and mission are for the communities today,” he said. 

“This is for the communities to know its capabilities and potential areas that the project will improve and benefit them,” Housiho added. 

He said they will continue tomorrow with the important areas of the project. 

“We will continue tomorrow, but we will focus more on forming a committee to run the project, community mapping, and planning their future five-year plans’ outcomes,” said Housiho.

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Solomon Airlines is celebrating Vanuatu’s 45th Independence Day with a limited-time airfare sale, offering 20 percent off return fares on select international routes to Vanuatu’s Port Vila and Espiritu Santo.

The promotion, which began on Thursday, July 17, 2025 is available through August 15, 2025 or until sold out. Discounted fares apply to selected travel dates through to June 30, 2026.

“Hot on the heels of our very own Solomon Islands Independence Day sale, we are pleased to launch a new sale for Vanuatu,” said John Wopereis, Solomon Airlines Commercial Manager.

He highlighted key direct routes from Brisbane to Santo and Auckland to Port Vila as part of the airline’s regional travel expansion.

Wopereis urged travelers to book early, citing limited seats at promotional prices.

“Now is the perfect time to plan your Vanuatu getaway,” he added.

 Fares include:

Auckland–Port Vila return from NZD $799 (VUV 50,100 from Port Vila)

Brisbane–Santo returns from AUD $675 (VUV 53,010 from Santo)

Travel periods include August 9 –  September 1, 2025 and April 28 – June 30, 2026 for Auckland–Port Vila, and August 7 – September 23, 2025 and April 30 – June 30, 2026 for Brisbane–Santo.

Flights are operated by Solomon Airlines’ Airbus A320, offering complimentary meals, beverages, and generous baggage allowances.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that misinformation and vaccine myths could put children at risk, as Solomon Islands begins rolling out the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine campaign.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, WHO Representative to Solomon Islands, Dr Howard Sobel called on parents and caregivers to seek facts and not fall for misinformation.

“Let’s not allow myths and misinformation to put their lives at risk.

“This vaccine is safe, effective, and approved by the World Health Organization. It’s being introduced as part of the national immunization schedule, just like measles, tetanus, and other vaccines our children already safely receive and benefit from,” Sobel said.

The HPV vaccine protects against cervical cancer, a leading cause of death among women in the Pacific.

Sobel emphasised that vaccinating girls early, gives them the chance to grow up healthy and pursue their dreams.

“To parents here today, we acknowledge your concerns, and we encourage you to ask questions. But I want to reassure you that this vaccine protects the health of girls. It gives our young girls the opportunity to live long, full lives,” he said.

Speaking to the young girls, Sobel said they are the reason this campaign exists.

“To the young girls here today, our daughters, nieces, and students, we are here for you. We are committed to protecting you today, so that tomorrow you can grow into strong, healthy women who will lead and shape our communities,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Power has lowered electricity tariffs across all consumer categories by 8.3%, resulting in average savings of 77 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

The drop in electricity tarrifs occurred in the first three months of 2025 according to Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) in its March Quarterly review, released on July, 8, 2025.

The reductions, effective on January 1, 2025, follows the government’s three-year plan to cut power costs by 25%.

The review saw domestic electricity rates fall by 88 cents to $6.39/kWh. Commercial rates dropped by 71 cents to $5.89/kWh and industrial users saw a 72-cent cut to $5.75/kWh.

“This reduction predominantly affects the non-fuel component of tariffs; fuel charges remain unchanged as a direct pass-through of global fuel prices,” CBSI said.

On water usage, despite a 9% decline in water usage—down to 1,269 kL in the first quarter of 2025—Solomon Water raised tariffs effective on January 1, 2025, per their newly gazetted rates.

Domestic users face a $0.99 increase, now paying $14.64 per kL and commercial users see rates climb $3.04, reaching $45.79 per kL.

Solomon Water cited rising costs in production, maintenance, and infrastructure investments—along with inflationary pressure as drivers behind the price hike.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Malu’u police in Malaita province have arrested a 22-year-old male suspect for removing sign boards and throwing rocks at China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) employees on July 13, 2025 at Kolove village, Malaita Province.

This is according to a press statement from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) of Malaita Province, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said the suspect allegedly under the influence of liquor, threw rocks at the employees who reside near the construction site.

He is also said to have removed signboards erected to direct traffic while construction work was underway.

Ramosaea said Malu’u officers arrested the suspect on same day he carried out these actions and placed him in police custody.

It is also mentioned that the suspect will appear before the Auki Magistrate Court on a later date.

Ramosaea appeals to community leaders and members to uphold respect for national development projects and the company, its workers and properties.

He also emphasized that the ongoing construction work aims to improve infrastructure and access for the northern region of Malaita province.

“We must work together to protect the CCECC employees and support developments that will benefit everyone in our province, said Superintendent Ramosaea.

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