BY NED GAGAHE

Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has confirmed significant progress on the West Honiara Road rehabilitation, with asphalting works completed over the weekend on the stretch from Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) building to St. John School (landside).

The works are being carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) under the ongoing Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP).

In a statement issued over the weekend, MID urged residents, pedestrians, and motorists to use the designated temporary entrances and driveways while the freshly sealed section remains closed.

The newly paved section opened for public use on Sunday, August 3.

MID acknowledges the continued patience and cooperation of the public during the road upgrades, particularly residents, businesses, and daily commuters in West Honiara, who have faced months of traffic congestion and detours.

“We appreciate your patience as we steadily progress with the rehabilitation works from White River to Townground,” the ministry stated.

MID also assures the public that all efforts are being made to ensure effective traffic management and to minimise further disruption.

The West Honiara upgrade is part of the government’s broader infrastructure push to improve key transport corridors across the capital.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Solomon Islands Rangers Association (SIRA) continues to give school dropouts a second chance by inspiring their interests in being a ranger and conservation work.

Recognizing that many school dropouts return to their communities with limited opportunities, SIRA’s Program Manager, Edward Haikau Huitarau, said the association remains committed to visiting communities and providing practical training.

He said SIRA continues to upskill a wide range of rangers across the country.

“This includes young people who have dropped out of school as well as older community members who hold valuable customary knowledge about managing and protecting natural resources,” said Huitarau.

He emphasized that the association also includes the elderly, highlighting that traditional knowledge is vital in both a ranger’s duties and broader conservation work.

“Conservation is not only about scientific approaches but also about traditional knowledge,” he explained.

Huitarau said SIRA also works closely with the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) to support aspiring rangers in pursuing further education, including diplomas in environmental or fisheries studies.

“This is about building a generation of rangers who understand both the science and the culture behind conservation. By doing this, we ensure that the country’s biodiversity is protected by those who know it best,” he said.

Huitarau noted that many young people are often disengaged and involved in other social issues.  

However, when conservation training is brought directly into communities and is hands-on, many have shown interest.

“These trainings have helped a lot of these young people by translating the knowledge from the classrooms into practical skills they can use to protect their environment,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Guadalcanal province, William Atu calls on the national government to revisit the proposal to increase the number of constituencies in the country and the Revenue Sharing Bill.

The premier recently made the call, highlighting the support of his government behind this very two important undertakings.

He said in 2009, the national government through the Constituency Boundary Commission (CDC) proposed an additional 17 constituencies to the current 50 constituencies.

Atu stated that they also reiterate their call to the Constituency Boundary Commission and National Government to revisit the 2009 proposal for 17 new constituencies.

“I believe this is across the country, and three of which was proposed for Guadalcanal province.

“This proposal was made prior to the 2019 Solomon Islands National Population and Housing Census,” he said.

Atu explained that Guadalcanal province has a growth rate of 3.2 percent annually, surpassing the national population growth rate of 2.7.

He added that the population of Guadalcanal province now is approaching 200,000.

“Thus, Guadalcanal growing population and rural development demands to make this as a national imperative call,” said the premier.

On the same note, he also calls on the national government to prioritize the revenue sharing bill for the provinces.

“We would like to urge the retailing of the revenue sharing scheme bill to ensure provinces receive funding that matches the demographic and geographic realities, such as landmass, population density, poverty levels and economic contributions to GDP,” said Atu.

He stated that he understands that a preliminary discussion with the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) estimates that 15 percent of the domestic national revenue to be used for the revenue sharing scheme.

The Premier furthered that as far as Guadalcanal province is concerned, the province welcomes this proposed arrangement.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Long seen and dominated by men, the work of rangers in Solomon Islands is now being carried out by women as well who are steadily stepping up to the challenge.

Edward Haikau Huitarau Program Manager of the Solomon Islands Rangers Association (SIRA), said the long-standing view that ranger work is only for men no longer holds true.

“Solomon Islands is predominantly a Melanesian country and usually ranger work is normally seen as men’s work. But this is not true in many instances,” he said.

Huitarau explained that the work done by rangers today is not new.  

Similar duties were carried out in the past, but with the introduction of the term “conservation” it is often misunderstood as a foreign or “Whiteman’s” concept.

“In reality, our different languages and dialects have their own words to express the concept of conservation, and women have always played a key role in it,” he said.

Through his work, traveling and engaging with rural communities, Huitarau found that many women are interested in becoming rangers but feel discouraged.

“They feel like their spouses don’t allow them to take part, because of the mindset that it’s men’s work. That affects their morale. But if we create an enabling environment like what we’re doing now, they will slowly start joining, and we are already witnessing that shift,” he said.

Huitarau recalled that in some areas they visited for the first time, there were no women involved at all but now there is a shift

“We’re starting to see the number of women grow.

“Ranger work is not just for men. It’s important that women are included. There is definitely space for them,” he said.

According to SIRA’s records, only about 20 to 30 percent of registered rangers in the country are women.

“You’ll find that in most conservation groups, there are no women at all,” he said.

Huitarau noted that in Malaita Province, female rangers are especially rare.

“Maybe you’ll come across only one woman in some areas. But in Guadalcanal, Isabel, and Western Province, we’re starting to see more balance, and we appreciate that,” he said.

Huitarau stressed that women are natural partners in both home and community life, and this extends to conservation work as well.

“Women carry traditional knowledge about the environment, how to care for it and manage it sustainably. That knowledge is vital,” he said.

Huitarau encourages more women to join the ranger workforce and urges men to support their involvement.

“This is a call to not just men, but to any aspiring woman who wants to become a ranger. Make up your mind and come join our association. Be part of the work to protect your environment and your community,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has thanked local contractors currently undertaking drainage maintenance works along the main highway in Honiara.

In particular, MID has acknowledged Sinbad Construction for its dedicated efforts in cleaning and maintaining the roadside drainage system from Ranadi Roundabout to the Honiara City Council (HCC) Roundabout.

“A big thank you to Sinbad Construction for their ongoing commitment to ensuring our road drainage systems remain clean and functional,” a statement from MID said.

Photographs shared by the ministry show Sinbad Construction crews working in tough conditions, cleaning out blocked culverts at key trouble spots including Kukum-Didao and near the Kwaimani Building.

MID said the maintenance works are vital in preventing flooding, especially during periods of heavy rain, which often results in traffic disruptions and road damage.

The ministry also took the opportunity to issue a strong reminder to communities living upstream and along the drainage lines.

“We kindly remind all residents, please do not throw rubbish into the drains. Proper disposal of household waste is essential. Dumping rubbish into the drainage system leads to clogging, which causes flooding and damages public infrastructure,” the ministry warned.

MID says it will continue to monitor and support efforts to keep Honiara’s road network in good condition but emphasised that public cooperation is critical to long-term success.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) has recorded a major revenue boost this fiscal year, reporting a staggering SBD $2.8 million surplus for the 2024/2025 financial period.

The surplus, which exceeds the province’s budget expectations, has been attributed to the growing business activities in the Lunga, Alligator Creek, and Henderson areas, as well as recent revisions to provincial revenue laws introduced in 2023.

Premier William Atu made the announcement recently, praising the hard work of provincial staff, business partners, and stakeholders for their contributions to the financial achievement.

“Our local revenue has steadily increased, driven by expanding commercial activities in the Lunga to Henderson corridor, along with improved compliance under our revised revenue acts,” Atu said.

He revealed that from this surplus, $1 million has been invested in a Central Bank bond, which is expected to yield $40,000 annually, starting in two years’ time.

Premier Atu also highlighted the passage of the province’s historic $67.3 million budget for the current fiscal year — the highest since Guadalcanal was granted provincial status in 1984.

“I commend our Finance Minister, John Stewart, for his leadership and for strengthening fiscal discipline across our Finance and Treasury Division. Our staff have worked tirelessly to achieve this,” Atu said.

He also announced ongoing efforts to review the Provincial Financial Management Ordinance 2018, ensuring stronger oversight and accountability for new investments, including the newly established Guadalcanal Investment Corporation Limited (GICL).

“These reforms are high on the agenda for our upcoming Provincial Assembly meeting in September,” he added.

Premier Atu also extended appreciation to all genuine investors and businesses operating in Guadalcanal, acknowledging them as “the backbone of our local revenue system.”

“The provincial government is committed to fostering a fair and transparent environment for investors — one that strengthens our local economy, creates jobs, and supports essential services,” he said.

Atu made a strong appeal to all businesses to pay their taxes regularly, stressing that tax revenue is vital for sustaining public services like health, education, and infrastructure.

On the same note, he issued a stern warning to unlicensed black-market operators, especially in rural areas.

“Operating without a valid business or hawker’s licence is a serious offence that may result in hefty fines or legal action. Every business, no matter how small, has a responsibility to contribute to the development of our province.

“I repeat you cannot build a strong community through black-market activities. If you think seriously about it, your contribution through a proper licence helps build development in Guadalcanal,” Premier Atu concluded.

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