NEOC issues ‘what to do’ information amid current strong wind and associated heavy rains

BY LORETTA B MANELE

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has issued a number of safety measures the public is advised to take amidst the current strong wind updates.

In a press statement released yesterday morning, NEOC outlines a number of recommended safety actions people in provinces experiencing strong winds must adhere to.

NEOC released this following the Strong Wind Warning No 17 issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) on Monday morning.

The “Strong Wind What to Do Information” bulletin is current for waters of Rennell/Bellona, Makira, Temotu, Guadalcanal, Malaita and Central Provinces.

NEOC said such strong winds can cause rough seas and damage to buildings thus people are advised to take this “Strong Wind What to do Information” seriously.

Safety actions recommended for village leaders and families in the mentioned provinces are as follows;

1. Stay indoor as much as possible.
2. Make sure your neighbours and vulnerable people have received this advice.
3. Strengthen home buildings to withstand against strong winds.
4. Avoid going out to the sea for fishing, as the sea will be rough.
5. If you are outside during the strong wind, take cover next to a building or under a shelter.
6. Watch for flying debris. Tree branches may break and street signs may become loose during strong winds.
7. Beware of large waves, even from the shore as large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.
8. Be cautious overtaking high-sided vehicles.
9. If a line falls on your car, stay inside the vehicle. Take care not to touch any of the metal frame of your vehicle.

Likewise, safety recommendations have also been given for boats and ships and are as follows;

1. Mariners are advised to be extra cautious when planning or traveling out at sea.
2. Avoid traveling at all during bad weather.
3. When going out in the sea, always inform someone of where you are going and your expected time of travel.
4. Take extra fuel, paddles, lifejackets, torch-light, spare batteries, water and some food when traveling.
5. Minimize the number of people if travelling.
6. People are advised to listen to SIBC and other FM radio stations for any latest update on the situation.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has repeatedly issued strong wind warnings in the past days.

This warning is still current for the waters of the mentioned provinces and the situation is that a general southeast trade wind flow persists over the Solomon Islands.

SIMS in it’s recent update “Strong Wind No17” on Monday morning stated that there is the expectation of southeast winds of 20 to 25 knots over waters of Rennell/Bellona, Makira, Temotu, Guadalcanal, Malaita and Central provinces.

Seas are also said to be moderate to rough with moderate swells of 2.5 to 3.0 meters.

Therefore, as SIMS noted, people in these areas should take precautionary measures as such strong winds have the potential to impact lives and properties.

People travelling at sea are also urged to consider safety actions as such winds can produce dangerous wave conditions hazardous to small boats.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Young people from the communities of Su’u Harbour and Igwa in Dorio District, West Kwaio, have recently taken it upon themselves to repair the deteriorating Igwa wooden bridge along South Road, which connects Auki to West Are’Are in Malaita Province.

The voluntary work was initiated after the bridge was found to be in an unsafe condition — particularly dangerous for heavy vehicles such as trucks.

Before the youths stepped in, the bridge was closed due to safety concerns. Travelers heading to Auki were forced to disembark, walk across the bridge on foot and then board another vehicle on the other side.

A statement from Malaita Issues highlighted the deteriorating state of the Igwa Bridge, which posed serious safety risks and rendered it unfit for heavy vehicle use. With no available detour, the situation significantly disrupted transportation and access to Auki, the provincial capital, on a daily basis.

Responding to this urgent need, local youths from Su’u and Igwa communities carried out temporary repair works. They cut and installed new timber to restore the bridge, allowing vehicles to cross safely once the work was completed.

The youth expressed heartfelt thanks to the owner of ESEL Transport, who played a key role in organizing and mobilizing the volunteer effort. His leadership was instrumental in bringing the communities together to respond quickly to the issue.

The community hopes the temporary repair will soon be completed to fully restore vehicle access across the bridge.

The Igwa Bridge is just one of many wooden or timber bridges along the South Road in need of repair.

This paper understands that two other bridges along the route — the Su’u and Bira bridges, also within Dorio District — are currently being upgraded with World Bank funding under the SIRAP project.

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), announced that the commencement of construction works along the seaside section of Mendana Avenue will start today, Monday, 23rd June 2025.

The roadworks are essential to upgrade and improve road infrastructure and will involve the following key activities:

• Stormwater pipe installation and drainage pit construction
• Removal of existing asphalt pavement
• Excavation, sub-grade preparation and backfilling
• Prime coat application
• Asphalt concreting
• Construction of footpaths, walkways, bus bays and parking areas
• Completion of the median curbstone

In a public notice, MID said this phase of the project follows the near completion of construction works along the bush side of Mendana Avenue — from the BSP/Heritage Park Roundabout to the Town Ground Roundabout — which is expected to finish by the end of this week.

Traffic Management in Two Phases

The seaside construction will proceed in two phases over a period of approximately two months:

Phase 1 (Month 1): Road closure from BSP/HP Building to Canoe Club Road. The remaining section will remain open to traffic.

Phase 2 (Month 2): Road closure from Canoe Club Road to Town Ground Roundabout. The previously closed section will reopen.

During the works, the public can expect:

• Temporary road closures and diversions
• Operation of heavy machinery (excavators, rollers, trucks)
• Increased noise and traffic activity
• Restricted access to certain roadside areas

The MID project team assures the public that traffic management and safety measures will be in place to minimize disruption for motorists, pedestrians and nearby businesses.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to improve our roads and infrastructure,” a statement from MID said.

Motorists and road users are advised to follow all signs and traffic instructions during the construction period.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The establishment of Apunepara Haamwora Natural Resource Association (AHNRA) has created opportunities for communities along Maramasike passage in Small Malaita, Malaita province, to engage in conservation related programs.

AHNRA is one of the leading conservation groups in the southern region of Malaita and has been supporting tribal groups and communities in Maramasike passage on a conservation initiative.

Their partnership with the national government, local and international partners has encouraged programs aimed to boost communities in terms of conservation and other related programs.

According to AHNRA, a recent 3-day training was held for women from communities under Apunepara conservation association.

The training was conducted by the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) in collaboration with the Solomon Islands Small Business Enterprise.

It was funded by the Commonwealth of Learning and a number of women from Sawarokau and We’a communities attended and benefited from the training.

AHNRA said the training focussed on the integration of business and gender, which will help the women go into business and have broader understanding of gender.

It added that the training also introduced basic book keeping, an important tool that will assist women when going into business.

The training has boosted the capacity of women in terms of knowing how to manage funds, spend and do record keeping.

As noted, women also learned more about gender and responsibilities which means knowing more in regards to managing a family.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Apunepara Haamwora Natural Resource Association (AHNRA) in Small Malaita, Malaita province has continued to inspire tribal groups in Maramasike passage on conservation initiative.

AHNRA is a leading community conservation group in Small Malaita region – joined by other renowned conservation groups like; Wai-Hau, Taka-Taka and Ahetaha from West and East Are’Are regions.

As part of AHNRA’s efforts to promote conservation and sustainable management of resources, a one-day meeting was recently convened for tribal groups within Maramasike passage.

A statement from AHNRA said the meeting was basically for tribal groups to sign an agreement with neighbouring tribes on their proposed conservation areas.

The two conservation groups that took part in the agreement signing were; Pautaimwane and Suluoaoa tribes.

Three other new tribes AHNRA has helped were also part of the ceremony.   

Within the past years; conservation has been observed with an increasing trend in South, West and East Are’Are region – the southern region of Malaita province.

Also known as a region for logging activities, there are currently a number of active logging operations in the region with some pending.

Despite this, conservation is making a mark and people are showing more interest for conservation in the region.

The AHNRA and Mai-Maasina Green Belt are the two champions of the conservation initiative in the southern region.

Their effort, leadership and determination has created new era for people in the region to understand the importance of conservation.

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