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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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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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

In the heart of Gizo town stands Outback Living, a humble yet vibrant establishment offering accommodation, conference rooms, second-hand clothing, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop.

But behind this growing business lies a story of perseverance, hardship, and remarkable transformation.

This is the story of its founder, Moffat Maeta.

A respected leader and successful businessman today, Maeta’s life was not always defined by stability or success. In fact, it was shaped by one of the most difficult decisions of his life — standing up for what he believed was right.

“I’m a teacher by profession. Back in the early 2000s, I was among the many teachers across the country who staged a sit-in strike to demand better treatment and working conditions,” Maeta began as we sat down for a candid conversation.

His participation, however, came at a high cost.

“My involvement in the strike cost me and my family the only lifeline we trusted for our future,” he said.

Maeta was terminated from his teaching position and his wife, also a teacher, suffered the same fate.

In the weeks that followed, the Maeta family found themselves plunged into uncertainty.

“The life we once enjoyed was taken away by a piece of paper and a few words on it,” he reflected, referring to his termination letter. “I watched my family spiral downward.”

With only a modest amount of savings, Maeta turned to the streets of Gizo, selling betel nut and cigarettes to support his family.

It was a far cry from the classroom where he once taught students, and adapting to his new life was no easy task.

“At first, I was like a stranger to my new job. “It took me more than three years to fully accept this change,” he said.

But Maeta’s story didn’t end there.

One day, while walking along the western side of Gizo, he stumbled upon a swampy area — a neglected, rubbish-filled lot that doubled as an informal dumping ground and public toilet.

Where others saw waste, Maeta saw potential.

“I went to the land office and enquired,” he recalled. “I was told the area was a wasteland. With determination, I bought it.”

Cleaning up the site was no easy task. “I was greeted by piles of rubbish and even human feces but I never gave up, because I knew this would be a turning point in my life,” Maeta said.

What followed was a long and laborious rehabilitation of the land. Maeta’s original plan was to develop a cultural centre where tourists could experience the traditions of the Western Province. But when COVID-19 struck and tourism came to a halt, he had to pivot. Instead, he converted the area into a conference venue and accommodation hub.

That pivot proved to be a wise one.

Today, Outback Living Gizo is more than just a business — it’s a symbol of resilience. From its original conference room and guest lodgings, the enterprise has expanded to include a second-hand clothing outlet, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop.

“Life is much better now,” Maeta said with a smile. “My family is fighting back and we’ve managed to cope with the challenges life throws at us.”

Moffat Maeta’s journey is a powerful reminder that setbacks are not the end — they can be the beginning of something greater.

His story is one of faith, grit, and unwavering determination.

“When life knocks you down, you just have to get back up and keep going,” he said.

Indeed, Maeta’s story is not just about building a business. It’s about rebuilding a life — and doing it with courage, commitment, and heart.

He walked through darkness when life struck him down with ruthless blow. They stripped his name, they stole his pride, even love and hope took turns to hide.

Yet deep within, a flame would soon take form. He turned his losses into strength. With trembling hands, he shaped a plan, no silver spoon just grits of a man. He sowed each tear into the ground where faith in self is truly found.

He grew stronger every day with faith that no riches born from schemes or lies, but sweat and truth beneath the skies.

With a humble shop as a beacon, his path was paved by pain and fear yet he endured, and now people see.

Forged by fate, no longer lost, no longer small but stands proud and tall.

The man he was, remains the man to be.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) does not have the mandate to cancel shipping business licences when it comes to accidents.

SIMA Director Thierry Nervale said that following the pelican incident that involved a crew who fell overboard and is still missing to date.

“If you’re talking about a license to operate a business, it’s not with SIMA,” he said.

Nervale said that SIMA delivers certificates to vessels to confirm that they are safe.

“We issue certificates to the vessel to confirm that the vessel is safe. Maybe later, when we’ll have the regulation in place. We’ll also have in the regulation; safety management system and we’ll issue a certificate to confirm that the vessel implements a safety management system approved by SIMA. So, it would be at a lesser stage. But we don’t have any power over the operation of the business. Like to cancel the license or something like that? No, no,” he said.

Nervale said the cause of the accident is that this crew member exposed himself and was then washed off by a wave.

He furthered that there could be some responsibilities, but if the police are involved, and then they go to justice, and then it’s the court that will decide.

“But it’s not for the SIMA administration to decide or even for the police to decide,” said the SIMA Director.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) has implemented reforms to improve safety management in vessels.

SIMA Director Thierry Nervale said this aims to improve safety management for vessels, crews and passengers.

“One that is very important to us is what we call here safety management,” he said.

Nervale explained that this is the way the shipping company and the crew on board manage safety.

“Which is typically to understand it easily. Having procedures when you embark the passengers, during the voyage, and how you take care of the passengers, the cargo. How you manage the navigation and where the vessel is going, how you manage the weather, and so all of this to be in a system, written system, where you have procedures,” he said.

Nervale added that this is to be implemented by the company, the crew, and the ship master.

“So, it’s something that we have been working on,” he said.

Nervale mentioned that they have also started delivering training for the crew, developing their management system on board and implementing it.

“Then the next phase will be to conduct some audits on how they implement the system,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has explained the adjournment of the current parliament sitting to 4th August.

Speaking to the media during a press conference on Friday, July 18, 2025, he said he adjourned the current sitting of Parliament on Monday, 14th July, to Monday, 4th August 2025 to allow the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to look into the 2025 supplementary appropriation bill.

Manele added that this is to allow time for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to carry out its inquiry into the 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

He emphasized that this reflects GNUT’s ongoing commitment of due process and parliamentary scrutiny, as key pillars of transparency in how public finances are managed.

Manele said his government is also preparing to present the 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill which regularises government spending for last year.

On the same note, he acknowledged the chairman and members of the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) for their continued efforts, particularly in reviewing the National Building Standards Bill.

The PM stated that this is an important piece of legislation that will strengthen the safety and resilience of infrastructure across the country.

He said the BLC report on this legislation or bill is ready and they will look into it when parliament resumes on the 4th of August, 2025.

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