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STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP

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Isabel Province and Government forge stronger corporation for infrastructure development

A recent productive meeting between the Isabel Provincial Government (IPG) and the Minister for Infrastructure Development (MID) Manasseh Maelanga concluded with a renewed commitment to collaborative infrastructure development for the province.

The visiting delegation was led by the Premier of the Isabel Provincial Government, Lawrence Hayward, accompanied by his Minister of Works Gregory Koutini and Provincial Secretary Norman Hiropuhi.

The meeting centred on securing crucial shipping support for the Isabel Development Corporation (IDC) and acquiring essential machinery to boost the province’s infrastructure capabilities, a media statement by MID yesterday said.

The Premier outlined the need to enhance service delivery, particularly in the maritime sector, and highlighted plans to work closely with Members of Parliament from Santa Isabel to execute provincial initiatives.

“Open and transparent communication between the National Government and the provinces is paramount,” said the Premier.

“Closer collaboration is essential for the effective implementation of national projects at the provincial level.”

The Premier also formally requested the declaration and gazetting of key roads in Isabel Province as public roads to prioritise their maintenance and development, the MID statement said.

The Premier expressed his gratitude for the National Government’s support, including the provision of a vehicle for provincial use.

While acknowledging budgetary constraints, Maelanga assured that shipping assistance requests would be carefully considered based on priority and alignment with the Ministry’s resources.

Maelanga also stressed the importance of developing a robust Public Works Division (PWD) framework within Santa Isabel as crucial for sustainable infrastructure progress, supporting the Premier’s call for National Government assistance in establishing this framework.

A key outcome of the discussion was the designation of the Jejevo Bridge as an emergency priority, with the MID Deputy Secretary Corporate Andrew Houlia announcing its immediate processing for tender.

Houlia assured the delegation that MID will review current submissions from IPG and evaluate ongoing projects and further request for submission of updated provincial requests.

MUPG to implement 26 PCDF projects this year

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Makira Ulawa Premier Stanley Siapu

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Makira Ulawa provincial government plans to implement a total of 26 projects in the province under its Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) program for 2024/2025 financial year.

The projects will implement through a funding SBD8.3 million awarded to the province following their recent requalification for the PCDF program.

Premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu made the statement highlighting the importance of cooperation among leaders and people of Makira Ulawa province to implement the projects

“We managed to pass the recent PCDF assessment and able to access around SBD8.3 million to implement 26 approved projects in the province.

“The fund was portioned, and 20 percent of it was allocated for administration of the province.

“This includes; renovation of provincial offices, residents and other government infrastructure within the provincial headquarter,” he said.

Siapu furthered that 80 percent of the fund will go toward the productive and social sectors in the province.

He said this includes; education, health, community development projects, women, youth, church projects and other infrastructure projects in the province.

Siapu however, shared the challenge they face in executing the fund prior to the end of the current financial year on March 31st, as provided for under PCDF manual.

He recalled the PCDF assessment was carried out in October 2024, and results were released in late December 2024.

Adding after then, the Makira Ulawa provincial assembly had its revised budget toward the end of January 2025.

“Seriously, we only have about two months to implement the 26 proposed projects.

“That’s our challenge, and we are working against time as much as possible to implement the projects within this short period of time.

“At the moment we are working on tendering the projects and we hope implementation of projects will begin prior to March 2025,” Siapu said.

The premier was concerned on the PCDF manual that if they don’t implement the projects prior to March 31st, 60 percent of the fund will return to the national government.

That will leave the province with 40 percent to roll over.

Considering the lateness of awarding the PCDF qualification status to MUP, it would be an advantage if the PCDF team under MPGIS to ponder the situation by Makira Ulawa provincial government, according to Siapu.

He said this is by wavering the clause under the PCDF manual to allow room for Makira Ulawa to implement the fund.

Regardless of that, Siapu said MUP is prepare to do its best to meet requirements under the funding program, knowing very well they just qualified for the program.

In the meantime, he said MUP is currently preparing for the next PCDF assessment that expect for next month.

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Ruling on which party to bear petition cost in Vokia’s case further adjourns

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The ruling for application of withdrawal of the election petition and who to bear the cost of the case against Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal Constituency Jamie Lency Vokia was further adjourned to February 18.

On Tuesday this week was supposed for the ruling to be delivered however, it was vacated and relisted for Tuesday 18th February at 1:30pm.

On the previous hearing the petitioner and his lawyer Mr. Gabriel Suri filed an application seeking leave to withdraw the petition, claiming that his two remaining witnesses were being interfered with the respondent Vokia, which petitioner claimed it affected their credibility as witnesses.

As a result, the petitioner believes that there is no need to proceed to the trial.

The petitioner and his lawyer seek the court for the cost to be paid by the respondent Vokia, claiming that his interference with the petitioner witnesses affected the credibility as witnesses, which leaves the petition no chance but to filed for withdrawal of the two grounds of bribery which will no longer proceeded to the trial.

In response to the petitioner and his lawyer Mr. Suri application, the respondent and his lawyer Jillian Soaika submitted that the petitioner witnesses themselves sought help from the respondent Vokia, therefore allowing the alleged interference.

Soaika stated that, if the witnesses had not approached the respondent, he would not have interacted with them.

Therefore, Soaika submitted that the petitioner Brandley Lenga will be the one who paid for the cost as they were the one who initiate the withdrawal.

The ruling on February 18 mainly for the primarily focus on the issue of who to pay the cost either petitioner or respondent.

Initially, there were four different occasions of bribery and three occasions of undue influence which the petitioner filed against the respondent.

On September 2, 2024 court ruled the application to strike out the petition by dismissing the three occasions of undue influence along with two allegations of bribery. Living only two grounds of bribery to proceed to trial.

Ms. Jillian Soaika appear for the respondent Jamie Lency Vokia and Gabriel Suri representing the petitioner, Bradley Lenga.

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Minister highlights AI’s impact on education

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

MINISTER of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD)Tozen Leokana has emphasized the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping traditional learning and teaching.

Speaking at the International Education Day commemoration held yesterday at King George National Secondary School, the Minister addressed the theme, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”

“AI is not a distance concept: it’s here,” Leokana remarked.

“..reshaping classrooms and teaching methods. From personalized learning paths that adapt to each student’s pace to intelligent tutoring systems providing real-time feedback. AI is making education more inclusive and effective,” the minister noted.

Leokana acknowledged that despite the challenges facing the country such as difficult geographical terrain, limited resources for quality education, particularly in rural areas, a shortage of qualified teachers, and insufficient access to digital learning tools—the integration of AI has become increasingly crucial.

“The government recognize AI as a tool to enhance not replace education and is committed to investing in such technologies to expand access,” Leokana said.

The minister also pointed out that AI-powered virtual learning platforms hold the potential to bridge the gap between rural and urban schools, helping to level the playing field for students in the rural areas of the Solomon Islands

This year’s International Education Day event saw participation from staff and students of King George National Secondary School, Selwyn College, Woodford International School, White River School, and other stakeholders.

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Siapu raises alarm on logging operations in Makira Ulawa Province

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu, has raised concerns about the scale of logging operations in the province.

He described the situation as deplorable, despite logging being the province’s major revenue source.

“As we understand, loggable trees are depleting, and production is declining.

“In the next few years, there will be no logging operations or companies left to pay licenses to operate in the province.

“This would indeed be a setback for the province’s revenue collection, and we must start looking at alternatives—exploring other opportunities to strengthen provincial revenue,” Siapu said.

He revealed an alarming scenario in which most of the logged trees at various log ponds in the province are nearly the size of coconut trees.

“But the national government controls logging operations by issuing licenses, while the province only imposes business licenses and facilitates timber rights hearings.

“With the current situation, my government will sit down this year and assess the issue,” Siapu said.

He also noted that, at present, they lack available data on logging operations in the province.

Siapu said this is one of the critical challenges they face, especially since the provincial forestry office in Kirakira has been without an officer for quite some time.

However, he assured that they have been working on the matter and expect someone to take up the post soon.

“From there, we will explore how best to work with the Ministry of Forestry and Research to strengthen the office.

“Additionally, an operational forestry office would provide the executive with information to help them deliberate on steps to take regarding logging operations in the province.

“Otherwise, we will continue cutting undersized trees, as is currently happening,” Siapu said.

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MPG signs MOU on YECA with SINYC and MYC

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Malaita provincial government has signed a MOU on Youth Economic Climate Action (YECA) project with Solomon Islands National Youth Council and Malaita Youth Council on Monday this week in Auki, Malaita province.

The MOU is to solidify the partnership between MPG, SINYC and MYC on the youth led economic and climate action project in the province.

The project aimed to strengthen the capacity of youth to drive economic growth through climate-smart agriculture, enhance access to entrepreneurial opportunities, and increase youth participation in building resilience to climate change.

Programs under the project surrounded YECA and it has been piloted in three (3) communities in Malaita province include; Oibola community in Langalanga, Namosalabe community in Central Kwara’ae, and Adakwa community in East Malaita.

Chairman of the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress, Mr Harry James Olikwailafia expressed excitement to partner with MPG on the project.

He highlighted the significance of the project and potential positive impact it will have on young people in Malaita Province.

Mr Richard Olita, who is coordinating the YECA project in Malaita province applauded MPG for portraying commitment to collaborate on the project.

He said his team is preparing to visit the pilot communities and meet with youth groups to begin the implementation of the project.

President of Malaita Provincial Youth Council, Mr Philip Subu also expressed gratitude to Malaita provincial government for partnership on the project and SINYC for selecting Malaita province for the initiative.

He said the project will have positive impact on young people in Malaita province.

The Youth Economic and Climate Action (YECA) is funded by Plan International Ireland, supported by EU Commission through Plan International Pacific Solomon Islands and implemented by Solomon Islands National Youth Congress.

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FROM $240M TO $700M

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Opposition calls for government to terminate deal with ADB over Honiara international ports upgrade budget blowout

The Leader of the Opposition Matthew Wale has expressed strong objections to the manner in which ADB and the government are managing the upgrade of the old Honiara international wharf in Honiara.

Originally agreed at SBD 240 million, the project cost has now skyrocketed to approximately SBD 700 million, despite being seven years overdue with no construction yet underway, a statement from the Opposition Office yesterday said.

The funding arrangement splits costs equally, with ADB covering 50 percent and the Solomon Islands Ports Authority funding the remaining 50 percent, the statement said.

“There is absolutely no justification for this budget blowout. The government must immediately terminate the funding agreement with ADB and allow the Solomon Islands Ports Authority to take full control of the project,” Mr Wale said.

The Leader of the Opposition highlighted that the Ports Authority has already demonstrated its technical engineering capability through the successful completion of the Noro Wharf upgrade at a fraction of the cost of hiring overseas contractors.

Furthermore, Wale said the Ports Authority has the financial capacity to fund the entire project without requiring government borrowing.

“The budget blowout means that the 50 percent to be funded by Ports Authority will also increase, and it will almost certainly wipe out most of the cash reserves of the Authority built up over so many years. This cannot be justified,” Wale said.

Wale further criticised ADB’s recent track record in the Solomon Islands, pointing to its coercion of Solomon Water into selecting the lowest bidder for the Kongulai Water Treatment Project, which resulted in the contract going to an unreliable service provider.

“It appears ADB is repeating the same disastrous approach with the Honiara Wharf upgrade,” Wale stated.

The Leader of the Opposition urged the Solomon Islands government to be more discerning in these matters, warning that the government’s tendency to sign onto project funding agreements without due diligence leads to excessive and unjustifiable costs.

Wale said he suspects international companies exploit Solomon Islands government’s incompetence in negotiations that result in cost blow outs that are simply unjustifiable.

And it seems the International Financial Institutions involved in funding the projects are only too willing to oblige, the Opposition statement adds.

“The problem is that Solomon Islands ends up with unjustifiable increased excessive borrowing. The young people of Solomon Islands will end up having to pay for the bad decision making of the government. Take Tina Hydro project as an example, a 15MW hydro project that should only cost less than UD50m is now going to cost more than USD400m,” Wale said.

Wale said our government’s incompetence, and the complicity of funding agencies are conspiring to pile up unnecessary borrowing on Solomon Islands must stop.

Wale urged Government to immediately terminate its agreement with ADB and to allow SIPA to proceed with the project independently.

“Let us do this project ourselves by allowing Ports Authority to get it done. We will be proud when we have shown we have done it ourselves,” Wale said.

A commitment to transforming our urban spaces

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By Loretta B Manele

The launching of the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement 2 (CAUSE) project is a commitment to transforming our urban spaces.

Allan Lilia, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) stressed this at the launching of CAUSE 2 project on Friday last week.

He stressed that the occasion is a reflection of a commitment to transforming our urban spaces, empowering communities and creating opportunities that will leave a lasting impression on the lives of our people. 

Lilia said while it marks the beginning of the second phase of the CAUSE project, the work ahead requires commitment, collaboration and dedication from all sectors.

He expressed that this will not be without challenges but with the right focus and determination we can ensure that the roads we build, the drainage systems we improve and the opportunities we create are not just for today, but for generations to come.

Lilia said the project is built on the foundation of strong partnership between MID, Honiara City Council, the Ministry of Lands and Housing and Western, Malaita and Guadalcanal provincial governments.

He added that each of them has a role to play to ensure that the project delivers its intended benefits efficiently and effectively.

Lilia also took the opportunity to acknowledge Solomon Islands’ development partners.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our development partners, the World Bank, and the Australian government for their steadfast support and investment in Solomon Islands urban future”.

Lilia said their contributions go beyond financial assistance and they represent the shared vision of resilient, well-planned and inclusive cities where no one is left behind.

“Let us leave here today inspired and committed to make CAUSE project 2 a success and may our dream be a lasting change”.

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National Business Forum set for first quarter of 2025

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PS for MCILI Riley Mesepitu.

BY NED GAGAHE

The National Business Forum will now take place in the first quarter of 2025, following approval from Cabinet.

Permanent Secretary (PS) Riley Mesepitu confirmed that the forum was delayed due to the high number of activities and major events that took place in 2024.

However, the government has secured the necessary approval, and the event is now set to be held early this year.

“We had to ask the Minister to delay the event last year due to the packed schedule of activities. Now, Cabinet has approved the change, and we are planning to hold the National Business Forum during the first quarter of 2025,” PS Mesepitu said.

Mesepitu explained that the forum’s planning and coordination are ongoing, with discussions scheduled to take place in their upcoming Heads of Department (HOD) meeting.

The forum will be coordinated in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister.

“We are hoping to host the event during the first quarter of this year, and we have already secured a budget for it. Additionally, we are grateful for the support of some donor partners who are helping us,” he added.

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Guguha clinic faces spike in Malaria cases amid drug shortage

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BY NED GAGAHE

Guguha Clinic in Maringe Kokota, Isabel Province, has reported a surge in malaria cases, with 69 confirmed in less than a week.

The clinic has also confirmed that it is running out of essential malaria drugs.

In an interview with this paper yesterday, Eddy Boe, the Registered Nurse and Nurse-in-Charge at Guguha Clinic, explained that the clinic has been overwhelmed by the rising number of cases since February 5, 2025, when Boe first began his post at the clinic.

“So far, the malaria situation has been serious. On Friday, February 7, we recorded 23 positive cases. Over the weekend, we saw a total of 36 cases, and since Tuesday and Wednesday, we have recorded 10 more cases. We are still conducting slide tests, and more cases may be coming in,” Boe explained.

“The symptoms we’re seeing include headache, fever, and body pain, which are similar to those of the viral flu circulating.”

Boe stated that while the increase in cases has been concerning, one of the most significant challenges has been the shortage of essential malaria medications, such as Coartem and Primaquine.

“We were given only one box of Primaquine and no full supply of Coartem. I’m now preparing to go to Buala to order new stocks,” he said yesterday when the paper contacted him.

The surge in malaria cases has raised questions about the possible cause of the outbreak. While some locals speculate that the increase may be linked to people traveling from Honiara during the Christmas holiday season, Boe emphasized that malaria cases were already present in the area before Christmas.

“We are still unsure whether the cases are imported or locally transmitted. We need to track the cases more closely,” he added.

Boe also mentioned that while he recently attended a malaria training hosted by Buala Hospital, there is still a need for more effective community engagement and follow-up on positive cases.

“We have identified someone in the villages to help follow up on positive cases, but we need more support from the health promotion team at Buala to help with awareness in the community,” he said.

Community leader Rueben Dotho echoed Boe’s concerns, calling for a major clean-up in the area.

“Since Christmas, we have been suffering from this. With the arrival of the new nurse and his microscopist, we are starting to tackle the problem, but more needs to be done,” Dotho said.

“The rise in cases is partly due to people not completing their treatments, likely because of the drug shortage or negligence.”

Dotho also highlighted the importance of community clean-up efforts.

“There has been no serious intervention so far. The community leaders and I are now organizing a major clean-up this week to reduce the breeding sites for mosquitoes.”

The outbreak has raised alarm, with the increasing number of cases pointing to a potential malaria epidemic in the region.

“The environment here is contributing to the rise in malaria cases. It seems like an outbreak now, as the transmission is widespread across the community,” Boe said.

Fortunately, there have been no reported deaths or complications from malaria at this stage.

Both Boe and Dotho are calling on local authorities to intervene urgently, emphasizing the need for drug supplies, increased awareness, and coordinated efforts to combat the outbreak effectively.

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