By Loretta B Manele

Parliament is said to resume towards the end of this month, April.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele gave a brief take on this whilst speaking at a press conference yesterday.

He said he has advised the Clerk to national parliament to issue a notice to all Members of Parliament to attend the 3rd meeting of the 12th parliament on the 24th of April.

Manele stated that government intends to table two important bills during this meeting which is likely to carry on into the month of May.

The two bills are; the Special Economic Zone Bill and the Minerals Resources Bill.

Manele hopes to have these bills passed in this April-May parliament sitting.

“Parliament is expected to sit for the whole month of May after which parliament will be adjourned.”

Manele said he anticipates three parliament meetings for 2025 of which the first sitting will be from April 25th into May, the second from July to August and the third in October, November and December.

He noted that the Governor General, Sir David Tiva Kapu will outline the legislative business for these sittings when he addresses parliament.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a cocoa processing factory in Makira-Ulawa province which lapsed in 2023 will be reviewed.

PMO Chief of Staff Mcfaddean Aoraunisaka made this reassurance to the paper yesterday.

The five-year MoU between the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock, Ministry of Commerce, Immigration, Labour, Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination, Makira Ulawa Provincial Government and Pinihimae and Associates group (PAG) was signed in 2018.

The MoU established the terms and conditions to setting up Lavado Cocoa Processing Factory in order to produce high-quality finished and semi-finished cocoa for the local and international markets and is supported by SIG through PAG.

However, the project, which failed to be completed after the MoU ended in 2023, would be a big slap on rural and local farmers.

“We will review the MoU. But to do that, I have to receive reports from the parties on what are some of the areas that need to be reviewed for improvement. I can’t give the actual date when the review will be held. But it will be reviewed as soon as possible,” said Mr Aoraunisaka

When asked if the project was halted due to political motivation, Aoraunisaka said no.

“No. It would only be this asked case if the constituency agendas come into play. However, in the MoU, there are three Ministries plus MUPG that come together to ensure that this project is successful.

“It will be reviewed. To be updated. But the review will be based on challenges faced during the implementation of the previous MoU,’’ he said.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Minister for Agriculture & Livestock Franklyn Wasi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the successful completion of the project.

Minister Wasi said that the cocoa factory is located in the Central Makira constituency represented by Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Nestor Ghiro.

“You in the last election, Alick Pinihimae, the investor, contested in the same constituency. From what I heard from my colleague, the Minister want new investors, not the previous ones anymore, so when it comes to such a point, it means politics is now involved,” he said.

“I want to push hard to ensure that the work continues, but he said that he doesn’t want Alick to be the investor anymore, while Alick is still hoping that things will go as usual based on the MoU,” explained Wasi.

He said that in the meantime, parties have to seek and find a new investor for the project to be completed.

“I sent the previous MoU to the PMO chief of staff on 11 December 2024. I also forward to the Nickson Kua Policy secretary productive sector (PSPS),’’ said Minster Wasi.

He further said that the MAL executive would discuss the matter on a proposed date regarding the project.

“The way forward is for all parties in the MoU to come together and discuss the matter. The factory building was already built. The other thing that needs to be addressed in the MoU is that MID should be part of this MoU. MAL has nothing to do with machinery concerning the project,’’ said Wasi.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Preparation for the construction of the first ever wharf project on Bellona Island, Rennel Bellona province is well progressing.

The project is funded by Asia Development Bank (ADB) and Solomon Islands Government, and implement by the China Civil Engineering Company Corporation (CCECC).

Recently, CCECC has shipped the first consignment of materials for the project to the project site at Ahanga on Bellona Island.

The materials encompassed those for clearing of the contractor’s camp as well as materials for the foundational structure of the wharf project.

Premier of Rennel Bellona province, Hon Dereck Pongi confirmed yesterday, as progress is unfolding on this historic economic infrastructure project.

He said like every province; infrastructure is important for the development of Rennel Bellona province.

“We, Rennel Bellona province don’t have any wharf and the construction of Ahanga wharf project will be the first for the province,” Pongi said.

He added that they hope, the completion of the project will contribute to the economic development of Rennel Bellona province.

Premier Pongi also noted that whilst preparatory work is underway, a committee was established on the ground to consult people about the project.

He said the committee was supported by MID and CCECC to ensure resource owners and other stakeholders are on the same page of this development.

In the meantime, the premier acknowledged ADB and SIG for funding the milestone project.

He also thanked the former MP for Rennel Bellona and Ministry of Infrastructure Development for support rendered on the initial stages of the project.

Pongi explained that after the project was approved for Rennell Bellona province, the former MP was given option to select a site to implement it.

The site selected was Ahanga on Bellona Island, where the project will be implemented.

On the same note, Pongi highlighted the commitment of his government to work closely with national government and donor partners to pursue similar infrastructure development projects for the province.

He noted based on SIG’s national proposed projects for Rennel Bellona province in the next three years is the development of Lavangu wharf on Rennell Island.

Pongi said his government has already made submission to the national government for the development of Lavangu wharf and the Rennell Road rehabilitation projects.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

[Edited April 9, 2025]

The Rennell Bellona Provincial Assembly passed a budget of $11,183,327 during a full assembly meeting on March 28 in Honiara.

The province will also get $1 million from tourism and they will appropriate it into the budget by calling an extra ordinary assembly meeting.

If that happens, the total budget for this current financial year would be $12, 183, 327.

Premier Dereck Pongi made the statements in an interview yesterday, while acknowledging members of Rennell Bellona provincial assembly for the recent successful budget meeting.

He explained that the $11, 183, 327 is the new budget to support the operation of Renbel province in 2025/2026 financial year.

Saying that, he highlighted that the main focus of the budget is to strengthen the administration of the Rennell Bellona province.

Pongi explained this include strengthening of facilities at the provincial headquarter of Tingoa, and opening up of a provincial sub-station at Bellona.

“Our main focus is to strengthen the administration of the province, because its hard to administer Rennel Bellona without a headquarter,” he said.

Pongi said another area of focus under the budget is to support the people of Rennel Bellona get into small economic activities.

He said Rennell Bellona province has established fisheries centres around the province, and they are looking at prospects to support people benefit from the project.

Pongi added they will also encourage people into other potential small income generating activities.

He said the province would focus on what they can do, to grow the economic based of the province through PCDF, and budget enough fund to support its people.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Island Ports Authority (SIPA) has opened its new international Port terminal overhead exit gatehouse.

SIPPA’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), George Rausi, officially commissioned the Terminal overhead exit gate at the Ports Area yesterday.

Speaking during the official opening, Mr Rausi said the completion of the project marks yet another milestone in the modernisation of the country’s port infrastructure.

Rausi said that the project is an important achievement, not only for Solomon Ports but for the rest of the people of Honiara and Solomon Islands.

“Today, we officially are here to open our second Overhead Gatehouse, a testament to our commitment to innovation and pursuit of excellence in Port Operations. This is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it is a symbol of progress and efficiency and a bold step towards improving our future operations.

“This state-of-the-art overhead exit gate is a critical part of our ongoing Port Modernization Plan. It represents a major facelift for our facilities, ensuring that Solomon Ports remains a competitive and reliable gateway for trade. With this new system, we are enhancing security, efficiency, and traffic management, ultimately improving the experience for port users and stakeholders,” he said.

He said that through implementing this overhead exit gate, SIPA aims to reduce congestion and improve the flow of cargo and vehicles, enhancing security with better monitoring and automated processing, speeding up operations, and cutting down waiting times for importers, exporters, and transport operators and improves the turnaround of trucks in and out of the Port Yard.

“Improving safety for our workers and customers, as this design optimizes the movement of people and cargo within the port,” said the new CEO.

He said that the achievement is part of a larger vision to make Solomon Ports a world-class port that supports economic growth, trade facilitation, and national development and reflects SIPA’s commitment to aligning with international port standards, adopting modern technology, and continuously improving its services.

“I want to extend my acknowledgment to all our staff and contractors who made this possible. I would like to commend all your hard work in making this structure a success. Lastly, I want to encourage all of us SIPA staff to make good use of this new structure and look after it with respect and pride. This is to ensure it will last long to serve the future growth and success of the port,” Rausi said.

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By Loretta B Manele

New Zealand is set to launch a new education partnership with Solomon Islands this year.

Rebecca Williams, acting New Zealand high commissioner made the announcement while speaking at a function marking the end of ESSP (Education Sector Support Programme) at Mendana Hotel on Wednesday last week.

ESSP was a partnership between Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand.

She expressed that their support for ESSP in the country has come to an end, however as a committed partner to Solomon Islands in the education sector, they intend to launch a new Solomon Islands and New Zealand education partnership this year.

Williams said that through this partnership, they will provide an on-system budget to support the ministry of education on agreed areas.

She said they will support work for the implementation of the Education Act 2023 and ensure that education providers and schools have the resources and capacity they need to fulfill their role in delivering high quality education.

“This involves strengthening teacher management and welfare of teachers so they can improve their work and be ready to share their knowledge with the next generation.”

Another objective of this partnership as stated is to support the work of the education ministry in terms of data management to understand the needs of students and teachers in every village so as to make good allocation of resources.

Williams emphasized that strengthening sector coordination to make investments with development partners and agencies across Solomon Islands must also involve work collaboration.

She voiced that this is very important and it is not just about the opening of a new classroom or delivering new school books but about delivering effective education that will remain for a long time in Solomon Islands.

Williams stressed that it is also to ensure that we have foundation; a place where a child is able to access quality basic education.

She said today, Solomon Island students are achieving above average rates in the region for literacy and numeracy.

“This achievement is something that the education ministry, teachers, parents and every student in Solomon Islands must be proud of.”

However, Williams also pointed out that there is still a long way to go and that it is involves work to remove barries to ensure that children in Solomon Islands complete their education, teachers have the tools they need inside the classroom and that schools are provided with the resources they need.

She also took the opportunity to thank everyone who was involved in ESSP.

“To the minister, congratulations for your astonishing achievements under this partnership and thank you very much for your excellent working relationship we have fostered over the years.

To Australian colleagues, thank you for the opportunity to collaborate and for your commitment to best practice development principles.”

“To the ESSP programme management team, thank you for your hard work and unwavering dedication for supporting the programme over the last five years.

To partner organisations, thank you for the contribution you have made to the programme and sharing your expertise across a range of activities.”

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