The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has announced progress in its plans to reintroduce traffic lights, also known as pedestrian and signage, on main crossing roads for Honiara City.

This effort aims to enhance road safety, improve traffic flow, and facilitate a more organised transportation system within the capital, a statement by MID yesterday [March 31] said.

The Transport Infrastructure Management Service Division (TIMSD) has been actively engaged in discussions with potential suppliers and contractors.

These talks have focused on sourcing high-quality solar-powered traffic lights, one that suits our condition, the MID statement said.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of all road users in Honiara.

“The reintroduction of traffic lights and signage is a crucial step towards achieving better traffic management and reducing congestion in crucial points in our city,” MID said.

Honiara had traffic lights in the 1980s, but they have not been operational since then due to a variety of factors.

MID is optimistic that the new road technology system will be operational by the third quarter of this year.

Additionally, a key objective of the ongoing Japan International Cooperation Agency-funded “Capacity Improvement of Urban Transport Management in Honiara” project is to develop standards for road traffic signs.

These infrastructural upgrades underscore the government’s commitment to modernising Honiara’s infrastructure and enhancing safety for road users, especially as road upgrade projects are concurrently underway.

Taro police in Choiseul Province have arrested two individuals suspected of damaging properties at a village in Northwest Choiseul.

Choiseul Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Berry Pogesopa said the complainant was at his house early in the morning when the two suspects, who are related to him, arrived and damaged his solar panel.

Initial reports indicated that the disagreement stemmed out from internal tribal issues, a police media statement yesterday [March 31] said.

The suspects shouted and accused the complainant and one of them caused damage to his house, police alleged.

Police investigated the matter and arrested the two suspects.

The suspects were released on bail and will appear before the Taro Magistrate Court at a later date.

Pogesopa said investigation into the matter is continuing.

“I urge all citizens to abide by the laws and to respect the properties of others. If there are issues within your communities, the right thing to do is call on the responsible authority.

Do not take the law into your own hands as police will not tolerate such actions and will take action once formal complaints are made,” Pogesopa said.

The government, through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), has announced a comprehensive review of the Franchise Shipping Scheme (FSS), a critical maritime service for underserved regions of the country.

The review will focus on operational efficiency, service reliability, and overall performance, ensuring that the programme meets its intended objectives, a statement from MID yesterday [March 31] said.

FSS, which operates remote routes, will be evaluated for its financial sustainability, particularly concerning the effectiveness of subsidies and cost management on routes deemed economically unviable.

Currently, only the Sikaiana-Ndai route is operational, recently re-awarded to Ki’i Shipping Service, which operates the MV Ortega.

Since its inception in 2010, the FSS aims to improve shipping services to several remote areas, including the Temotu Outer Islands, Sikaiana, Ndai Island, Ontong Java Atolls, Shortland Islands, Rennell Bellona, Makira Weather Coast, and the Guadalcanal Weather Coast.

These regions often face challenges due to insufficient maritime infrastructure and irregular shipping services, which have been a hindrance to their economic development, the MID statement said.

Grants were allocated annually under MID towards subsidised services on these island routes.

Launched in 2009 and co-funded by the Asian Development Bank, the European Union, and the Solomon Islands Government, the scheme has evolved significantly over the years.

This review highlights the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) productive sector policy’s recognition of the vital role that reliable and efficient shipping services play in fostering economic growth and social development, especially in remote and economically challenging areas.

The Biosecurity Airport Operations team at Henderson International Airport has announced it has intercepted fresh produce carried by passengers.

This happened last month and was due to passenger’s ignorance of biosecurity laws, a statement from the ministry of agriculture (MAL) yesterday [March 31] said.

While the majority of travellers declared their baggage, a small number failed to comply with biosecurity requirements, the statement said.

These undeclared items were identified through customs and biosecurity X-ray screenings, the statement said.

Several passengers whose belongings were detained expressed confusion, stating they believed produce purchased from supermarkets was acceptable and did not require a biosecurity license or permit.

However, Biosecurity officers clarified that all fresh and processed plant or animal products, including meat and other food items, must be accompanied by a valid Biosecurity Import Permit or licence, the statement said.

All detained items will be weighed, itemised, and transferred to the treatment facility for destruction. Passengers who wish to observe the destruction process are welcome to do so as part of our commitment to transparency and trust, the statement said.

Under Section 9 of the Biosecurity Act 2013, the importation of regulated articles such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and animal products is prohibited or restricted without the necessary documentation.

Officers emphasised that first-time offenders receive warnings, and repeated offenders would face fines or further legal action as outlined in Section 94 of the Act, which prescribes penalties for non-compliance.

The Biosecurity Department urges all travellers to familiarise themselves with biosecurity requirements before entering the Solomon Islands.

While certain items, such as chocolates and hermetically sealed processed foods, are generally permitted, others including fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat require an import permit or license under the Biosecurity Act 2013, the statement said.

Some passengers questioned the legitimacy of Biosecurity Officers inspecting their baggage, arguing that the items were accepted by the country of origin, the statement said.

In response, the Department reiterates that Section 3 of the Act applies to all persons and goods entering Solomon Islands, regardless of their origin.

And Section 47: Grants Biosecurity Officers the authority to inspect, detain, and confiscate items, the MAL statement said.

The biosecurity requirements of other countries do not override Solomon Islands’ laws, which are designed to protect the nation from pests, diseases, and other biosecurity risks.

Travelers are encouraged to review biosecurity guidelines to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth entry into the country.

Allardyce Provincial Secondary School in Isabel Province on Thursday last week took delivery of a new girl’s double-story dormitory and ablution block, creating a conducive environment for learning, personal growth, and empowerment for students.

The double-story dormitory and ablution block were funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), a statement from the Education ministry (MEHRD) yesterday [March 31] said.

This funding is made through the Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), the statement said.

Officiating at the official handover of the school’s infrastructure were Minister of Education Tozen Leokana, Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Curr, and Dr Tristan Armstrong, Australia’s counsellor of human development, witnessed by officials from MEHRD, DFAT, MFAT, ESSP, provincial government, and the education provider.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister Leokana said education is the cornerstone of development, and for young girls, access to safe and secure accommodation is an essential factor in ensuring their continued learning.

He said the completion of the new girl’s dormitory and ablution block addresses the barriers and creates a conducive learning environment for students.

He urges the students to cherish and take responsibility for such infrastructures to excel in their education careers.

Meanwhile, Leokana acknowledged the Australian and New Zealand governments for investing in the future of young girls in the country.

He said the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) through MEHRD is forever grateful for their support and believing in the potential of our students.

He said the Solomon Islands national government is committed to improving educational infrastructures with the support of education partners for the betterment of our schools and communities.