BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

PREMIER of Western Province Billy Veo has strongly emphasised that the implementation of development projects must be transparent, inclusive and guided by best practices to ensure lasting benefits for communities.

Speaking during the socialisation of the Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan (SINIIP) Dossier in Gizo yesterday, Veo said any development initiative must involve proper consultations and community awareness from the outset.

He said also development projects must be community-centred to promote local ownership and ensure sustainability.

“Community engagement and participation are essential for the success of any infrastructure projects,” Mr Veo said.

He said infrastructure investments have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for people in Western Province through better access to services, job creation and increased economic activities.

“Most importantly, these investments will improve the quality of life of our people by enhancing access to services, creating employment opportunities and stimulating local economic activities.

“Projects that will be presented today have the potential to address some of these challenges and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of our province,” Veo said.

He said leaders have a responsibility to ensure that development projects are implemented in a transparent, inclusive and sustainable manner.

Veo also highlighted the importance of environmental protection, social safeguards and respect for customary landownership throughout the planning and implementation processes.

He said development must be balanced with the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations.

“I encourage all stakeholders present today to actively contribute to discussions, raise concerns where necessary, and provide constructive recommendations to strengthen project outcomes,” Veo said.

He acknowledged development partners and technical agencies for their continued support in helping Solomon Islands achieve its national development aspirations.

“Your partnership remains invaluable in delivering quality infrastructure that is resilient, sustainable and responsive to the needs of our people,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Veo calls for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure development projects deliver meaningful and lasting benefits.

“As we look forward to 2026 and beyond, let us work together in the spirit of partnership, accountability and shared responsibility to ensure these projects deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for the people of Western Province,” he said.

The SINIIP dossier socialisation brought together government officials, stakeholders and development partners to discuss priority infrastructure projects that aim to support sustainable growth and improve livelihoods across Western Province.

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The unstable weather conditions experienced in the country have disrupted police operations in Malaita Province. 

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea spoke to the paper about one incident that occurred last week in Roone, South Malaita.

He said they had received an urgent call where a fight broke out between a mentally ill woman and her two brothers, but due to high seas they were not able to intervene.

Superintendent Ramosaea said the incidents occurring in locations without road access are the most complicated ones.

When asked if they have speedboats and outboard motors to use during bad weather, he said they have two outboard motors, but they are not suitable for use during rough seas.

“We have two boats, but we can’t use them because they are not suitable for rough seas and high swells at the South Malaita seashores,” he said.

He said he will still send his officers to attend to the incident on a later date.

“So, we will wait until we have stable weather before our police attend to the incident,” he said.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Students across the country are beginning their mid-year school break as examinations draw to a close this week.

At Selwyn College in Northwest Guadalcanal, students will begin travelling home following the completion of their examinations and school thanksgiving activities.

In a notice to parents and guardians, ACoM Education Secretary Desmond Waita said form one to form five students will leave for their four-week holiday break on Thursday, June 18, after the school’s Thanksgiving Church Service.

Form Six students will depart on Friday, June 19, after completing their Test (CAT).

Mr Waita said the first trip to Honiara is scheduled to leave the school at 8am.

He urges parents and guardians to make the necessary arrangements to receive their children upon arrival.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to make the necessary arrangements to receive their children upon arrival,” the notice stated.

Mr Waita thanked parents and guardians for their cooperation throughout the term and wishes all students a safe and enjoyable holiday.

The four-week break provides students with an opportunity to rest and spend time with their families before returning for the second semester.

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Communities in North Malaita Province have been experiencing water rationing due to months without rain.

This is occurring as the country is being placed under an El Nino Watch by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS), which alerts public across country to be wary of increased risks of drought, water shortage and tropical cyclones.

North Malaita communities are feeling the impacts of the drought and fear it will worsen if their small streams also dry up in the coming months if the dry condition continues. 

Stephen Tolinao from North Malaita confirmed to Island Sun on Monday this week that the water issue is now becoming a real problem for them.

He said most affected people are those who depend on and use water supply and nearby small streams. 

“Yes, it is real and is now affecting us, especially the communities like Loina, Asia, and Adaua Primary School, which depend on and access water from the water supply,” he said. 

He said that people have to travel one to two kilometers inland and up the hills to get water. 

“So, currently, we have to walk for almost one or two kilometers before we get water from the water source inland,” he said.

The Malu’u Area Health Centre in North Malaita is also facing a water problem.

Concerns also raised is that if the dry spell lingers it will cause health risks to the health staff and patients of the Area Health Centre.

Meanwhile, the SIMS El Nino Advisory said that the developing El Niño conditions can significantly impact communities across the country if early preparedness measures are not taken.

It adds that potential effects include long dry spells, reduced water supplies, threats to food security and increased pressure on public health and community wellbeing.

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Met Service issues advisory on increasing risk of drought, water shortage and tropical cyclones

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has issued an El Niño Watch for Solomon Islands warning of heightened risks of drought, water shortages and tropical cyclone occurrence than average in Solomon Islands.

The latest El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Advisory was released yesterday following climate indicators showing conditions moving towards an El Niño event.

According to SIMS, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean and changes in the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) are progressing towards meeting El Niño criteria.

ENSO is the primary climate driver influencing year-to-year weather variations in Solomon Islands and consists of three phases: El Niño, which brings warmer-than-normal conditions; Neutral, which reflects near-normal conditions; and La Niña, which brings cooler-than-normal conditions.

SIMS said that the developing El Niño conditions could have significant impacts on communities across the country if early preparedness measures are not taken.

It adds that potential effects include long dry spells, reduced water supplies, threats to food security and increased pressure on public health and community wellbeing.

SIMS pointed to the severe 1997–1998 El Niño event as an example of the risks involved, noting that drought conditions at the time affected many parts of the country, particularly Western Province and Rennell and Bellona Province.

The ENSO advisory urges households to conserve water, prepare for possible dry conditions and stay informed through official weather updates and cyclone warnings.

Farmers are encouraged to closely monitor crops and consider measures to reduce the impact of dry weather on food production.

SIMS said preparedness efforts should be inclusive and has provided guidance to support people with disabilities during extreme weather events.

The Meteorological Service encourages all Solomon Islanders to remain vigilant and take early action to reduce the potential impacts of a developing El Niño.

“Preparedness today can reduce hardship tomorrow,” the advisory said.

According to the advisory, SIMS is assessing the situation and will soon produce its Tropical cyclone (TC) outlook for 2026/2027 cyclone season by October.

For Solomon Islands, three El Ninos stand out in history:

The 1997–1998 “Super” El Niño: This remains the absolute historical benchmark for climate disasters in the country. It caused near-total failures of staple food crops due to a critical lack of rain. The Western Province, Rennell and Bellona Province, and outlying areas like Basakana Island in Malaita Province were hit the hardest, suffering from extreme water shortages and famine conditions.

The 2015–2016 Event: Classified globally as another “very strong” El Niño, this period severely reduced seasonal rainfall across the country. The prolonged dry spells devastated subsistence agriculture, systematically dried up rural streams, and triggered acute water scarcity in highly populated zones.

The 2009–2010 Cycle: Parts of Guadalcanal and neighbouring islands went without single drops of rain for months at a time. Natural freshwater streams completely dried up, forcing joint, urgent interventions by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and local water authorities to supply rural communities.

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