BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Three individuals have emerged as the winners of the October 2024 Sol Tuna promotion monthly draw.

The draw took place successfully at ITA Hardware, located next to the Low-priced Enterprise building at Point Cruz in Honiara, earlier this week.

The prizes awarded in the October draw included a brand-new MITSUKI motorbike, a new portable generator, and a STILL FS 55C Brush cutter.

The selection of winners was conducted by random individuals from the audience present at the event, who drew Tuna Labels containing the names and contact information of the lucky recipients.

The winners of the Sol Tuna draw, announced yesterday afternoon, were not present at the venue but are expected to collect their prizes within the week. The winners are Mr Warren Sade, who claimed the first prize of a new motorbike; Ms Winney Upu, who won the generator; and Mr Wilfred Rove, who received the grass-cutter.

Paul Sikwa’ae, the Sales and Marketing Officer of Sol Tuna Ltd, told Island Sun that the monthly draw commenced in August of this year and will conclude in December.

He clarified that this initiative is part of Sol Tuna’s premium promotional activities.

“To enter the draw, simply purchase any Tuna product, remove its label, and write your name and phone number. It is quite straightforward. Similar draws will be conducted in November and December. The promotion is designed to give back to the community,” said Sikwa’ae.

He said that Sol Tuna aims to ensure transparency in their operations, allowing the public to witness the process.

“We want participants, especially those who receive prizes, to have confidence in the draw. They should see the process and receive their winnings in person,” he added.

Sikwa’ae also provided information regarding the label collection process, stating, “After collecting all the labels, we sort them. During this process, we disqualify any dirty labels, such as those stained with oil or recovered from bins. Labels must be clean, meaning they should be purchased from the store and disposed of in designated boxes.”

He said that approximately 30,200 labels were sorted for the October draw.

“The number could have been higher, but some were disqualified due to the criteria I have mentioned.” Said Sikwa’ae. “The grand draw for the monthly promotion in 2024 is scheduled for January 2025, featuring a Mega cash prize of $100,000. The distribution of prizes will be as follows: 1st place will receive $50,000, 2nd place will receive $30,000, and 3rd place will receive $20,000,” Sikwa’ae said.

By Loretta B Manele

For the government, unlike in past years preparing the budget these days is not easy.

Rexon Ramofafia, Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) expressed this in parliament on Monday, Nov 4.

The Member of Parliament for Fataleka constituency said the preparation of the budget is not easy because of the challenges and environment the country is in as compared to before 2019 where logging played a major role in financing annual budgets.

Ramofafia stressed that looking at the situation especially from the last four years up to now, bringing the budget to the table is a bit challenging for the government.

He said the government is looking at how best to bring the budget and according to their timing, they hope that it will be brought soon to parliament so the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) can scrutinise it.

“I am also happy that PAC assured parliament that the priority is for us to pass the budget.”

Ramofafia said the PAC chair pointed out that people are waiting to see how the budget will look like for the next year.

He said this is what the government, cabinet and caucus are concerned about thus before the budget makes it way to parliament, they want to be sure about the transformative programs that really need to be included in the budget.

By Loretta B Manele

The Special Economic Zone bill is vital for the private sector and a bill that has been in the making for more than 10 years now.

Harry Kuma, Minister for Industry, Commerce, Immigration and Labour (MICIL) echoed this in parliament during the motion of special adjournment of parliament for Nov 15^th.

He said a lot of extensive consultations have already taken place, penned on, done and a lot of money has also been spent in the process.

Kuma said it is important that reports from consultations done extensively under concerned stakeholders are revisited for the bill.

He pointed out that they have always said the private sector is the engine of growth so this bill stands as one of the bills that will allow the private sector to go to the rural areas if a special economic zone is declared there.

Kuma said the chairman of the Legislative Bills Committee (BLC) will have time to do consultations on the bill and can even start today because the bill is already here.

He noted that his ministry will not be able to support the bill in terms of finance for the committee to do country wide consultations because they have already done that and spent a lot of money in doing so.

Kuma said he understands that the budget is the government’s priority at the moment hence the bill may be deferred for next year.

In closing remarks, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said we all know it has taken years for the Special Economic Zone bill to get here and it is an important piece of legislation in terms of growing the Solomon Islands economy and attracting investors.

However, he said because of the tight schedule of their meeting they will look into the bill in the first quarter of 2025 when parliament resumes.

BY NED GAGAHE

The high cost of electricity is a major obstacle to the socio-economic growth of the Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Manele said, highlighting the financial burden it places on businesses, households, and the nation’s development prospects.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for main works at the Tina River Hydropower Development Project this week, Prime Minister Manele warned that rising global energy prices, driven by disruptions in fuel supply chains and conflicts in oil-producing regions, would worsen the situation, further straining the country’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.

“Let me begin by underscoring a fact that touches each of our lives and the future we envision for the Solomon Islands. That is the high cost of electricity.

“It’s a formidable obstacle to our nation’s socio-economic growth. From small business to large industries and within every household the financial burden of energy remains a significant challenge shaping the very core of our livelihoods and our nation’s development prospects.

“Today we are acutely aware that the high electricity tariff impacts not only the cost of doing business but also the well-being and daily lives of our citizens.

“Unfortunately, this situation is expected to worsen with rising global energy costs the result of disruptions in fuel supply chains and ongoing conflicts in oil-producing regions. These are global events beyond our control yet they have profound implications on our economy.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our dependence on imported fossil fuels for power generation exposes us to the global economic shocks that drive up electricity costs and undermine socio-economic progress across both private and private sectors,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that with the project, the country aimed to break free from dependency by harnessing the country’s abundant natural resources to provide reliable, affordable, and clean energy.

“This hydro project represents our commitment to sustainable development. For years this project has been a vision and a promise and today it becomes a reality.

“With it we move forward in diversifying our energy sector, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and building a greener, more resilient economy.

“Tina Hydro will not only lower electricity costs but also mitigate environmental impacts by reducing our carbon footprint, aligning with our global responsibilities. “This vision is not only about energy production, it is about also empowering our people, reducing costs for households and making Southern Islands a more attractive place for investment,” Prime Minister Manele said.

BY NED GAGAHE
The Tina River Hydropower Project officially commenced construction, marking a significant milestone in the Solomon Islands’ journey toward energy independence.

Prime Minister Manele was joined by K-Water Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Yun Seog Dae, Deputy Prime Minister Bradley Tovosia and other key government officials, stakeholders to witness the landmark ceremony on November 4 2024 at the project site.

This ceremony marks the official start of the “dam and powerhouse construction”, paving the way for a significant boost in renewable energy for the Solomon Islands.

The total project cost is approximately USD 211 million, and the hydropower plant is designed to have a total capacity of 15 MW, with an estimated annual power generation of 78 Giga Watt Hours.

Key Infrastructure includes a 71.5-metre-high and 234-meter-wide dam and a 3200 metres-long water conveyance tunnel, alongside the construction of the access road. which is also ongoing.

Delivering his keynote address Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele highlighted the project’s collaborative spirit, celebrating the partnerships among the government, international stakeholders, tribal leaders, and local communities.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforming the energy sector and highlighted the project’s role in delivering sustainable energy solutions that will drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life for citizens.

The project aims to supply nearly 68 percent of Honiara’s energy needs through renewable sources, reducing reliance on imported fuels.

“Tina Hydro is a testament to the strength of partnership and shared purpose between the government, our international partners, tribal leaders, landowners, and local communities,”

“It is therefore an honour to stand here today to mark the commencement of the main works for the Tina Hydro development project, a milestone in our journey towards energy independence and resilience.” he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted how these collaborative efforts ensure that the benefits of development reach grassroots levels, where affordable energy will have the most significant impact.

Manele also underscored the importance of this project in promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all citizens.

“We are advancing necessary policy, legal, regulatory, institutional and financial changes to create a conducive environment for projects like Tina Hydro. These reforms are essential for strengthening our energy security, ensuring sustainable management of resources and fostering innovation within the sector.

“We extend our deepest appreciation to K-Water and the Tina Hydropower Limited, our developers who have brought expertise, diligence and vision to the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Australian Government and other financial and technical partners who believe in this vision from the start. Thank you for your indispensable support. I also wish to once again recognize the core landowner-tribal representatives, community chiefs, women and youth whose dedication to this project has been credited.” Prime Minister Manele said.

K- Water CEO, Dr Yun Seog Dae spoke on the challenges faced since financial closing in 2019.
He highlighted the impact of high inflation during the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions due to the Russia-Ukraine war, which significantly increased project costs.

Despite these obstacles, Dr. Yun highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMRE), Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA), Tina Hydropower Limited (THL), Hyundai Electrical Engineering (HEC) in overcoming these challenges.

“With the belief that the sun always shines above the clouds, we stand at the starting line once again,” he stated, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to this moment.

The K-Water CEO said The Tina River Hydro Power Project aims to establish a major renewable energy source for the Solomon Islands, transitioning from fossil fuels to reduce electricity costs and enhance energy stability.

Dr. Yun also noted the potential for this project to strengthen bilateral relations between the Solomon Islands and South Korea, building on the diplomatic ties established between the two nations.

World Bank Country Director Stephen Ndegwa expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative and the collaborative efforts behind it.

“It is a true privilege to speak on behalf of all the financing and development partners who support this vital project. Today’s event represents a major milestone for both the project and the Solomon Islands.”
Ndegwa commended the Solomon Islands Government for its unwavering commitment and acknowledged the crucial role of landowners and local communities.
“Electricity is truly a lifeline for any modern economy. It powers essential services that support communities and improve lives, such as schools, healthcare, food production, and jobs.
He highlighted that the project, upon completion, will meet nearly 68 percent of Honiara’s energy needs with clean, renewable sources, significantly reducing the country’s reliance on costly imported fuels.
The project, led by a consortium of K-water and Hyundai Engineering, began its journey in February 2015 when it was awarded preferred bidder status by the Solomon Islands Government.
MMERE Permanent Secretary, Dr Chris Vehe stated as of now, USD$72 million has been disbursed out of a total project cost of approximately USD$211 million, with the hydropower plant designed to generate 15 MW and an estimated annual output of 78 Giga Watt Hours.
“Currently, the project is about 21% complete, with the access road finished and river diversion works for the main dam in progress.
“Excavation for the powerhouse foundation is also underway. The project aims for full completion by January 2028, after which commercial operations are expected to begin.
“The team is dedicated to ensuring smooth collaboration with all stakeholders to enhance the power infrastructure of the Solomon Islands and support the nation’s economic development.” PS Vehe said.
Meanwhile financing partners for the project includes World Bank, Asian Development Bank, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Australian Government, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, the Economic Development Corporation Fund of the Government of Korea, the European Investment Bank, the Green Climate Fund, the Japan Social Development Fund, the Global Infrastructure Facility, and the Energy Sector Management and Assistance Programme at the World Bank.