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Call on Renbel premier to update Renbel people on his government’s progress with 100-day policy

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Renbel

BY MORRIS NAFU

A call has been made on the Premier of Renbel province to update the people of the province on the progress his new government has made on its 100-day policy.

A spokesman for a group of concerned elders from West Rennell brought the matter to the media following what they claim as silence from the new government over slow and inaction by premier Derick Pongi and his executive.

The spokesman who prefers to be called by his first name, John, says since passing the meagre budget of $3million, premier Pongi and his executives have travelled and spent two months in Honiara paying courtesy calls while the people of Rennell and Bellona are suffering from a lack of ship since the national general elections.

“After the April elections, our leaders left us and forgot about us,” spokesperson John said.

“There has been no ship to the two islands, and premier Pongi and his new executive are in their second month of courtesy calling.

“Premier Pongi’s 100-day policy states 31 to 60 days they will be carrying out road maintenance to hills and sections of the road to East Rennell, and they have not done so.

“Dialogue with the province’s investors, review business licence payments, lease agreements, and work on the province’s policy framework. All these they have not done.”

Spokesperson John said the people of Rennell and Bellona are concerned why and how Premier Pongi and his new government are not bothering to inform them on the progress of their government.

“Some members of Premier Pongi’s government upload selfies and other non-relevant material on facebook without ever considering that we the people want to hear what their progress is,” spokesperson John said.

He adds that now, according to Premier Pongi’s 100-day policy, they should be engaging with the people of the province, “building trust and promoting the government’s vision and priorities”.

“Premier Pongi’s first 100 days plan says after 61 days they should be travelling to the wards and engage with the public of Rennell and Bellona, reviewing current ordinances and work on making new ones, review provincial admin staff, review provincial assets and lands, carry out negotiations for the Bellona and East Rennell substations, hold consultation meetings on the fisheries ordinance, work on the province’s second appointed day, and work on the road construction road project for Rennell.

“All of these things listed, premier Pongi and his government have failed to do, as they continue to live in Honiara and pay courtesy visits while a lot of things are needed to be done with the province,” spokesperson John said.

Spokesperson John said he has been reliably informed that Premier Pongi and his new government are still confused how they will lead the province and are not strictly fulfilling their 100-day plan.

When sought for comments yesterday, Premier Pongi said that he will not be responding to these raised concerns unless the complainant comes out with his real identity.

“The concerns are true and legitimate and  I have every answer but I will not respond unless the anonymous chief is willing to reveal himself as I am not responding to ghosts,” said Premier Pongi.

Solomon Water faces backlash by unhappy customers over ‘years’ of bad service

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MORRIS NAFU

Unhappy customers have raised concerns over the lack of professionalism, accountability, and inappropriate actions by the Solomon Water which apparently have been going on for ‘many years’.

Topping the list of complaints raised by unhappy customers against the water authority are: cutting water meters without any prior notification, not notifying customers about any policy changes, charging customers based on guess work or estimates, and in some cases cutting off the water supply to customers from water-pipes outside of the customers’ residences.

These activities have been an ongoing practice causing inconvenience for the general public as water is a necessity of life, according to the unhappy customers.

Unhappy customers say they have decided to raise this matter with the media following years of repeated bad experiences with the water authority, Solomon Water, which is the sole provider of the water service in the country.

“For many years, SolWater personnel just turn up and cut the water meter off when we forgot to pay our bills, without any prior notification on a looming deadline,” one customer says.

“For years we have raised our complaint over lack of prior notification to the head office, and each time we keep receiving assurance that we will be notified next time, but then it happens again, and this cycle continues,” the customer says.

Another customer shares that his residence has an outstanding water bill which he had an agreement with SolWater to repay via monthly instalments, but last month SolWater suddenly cut off his water supply two weeks before the next pay-date.

And, when he went to the SolWater office to enquire, he was told that there was a new policy which demanded that he paid the whole outstanding bill. This customer was never notified about this change in policy.

Another malpractice by SolWater is its usual tendency to calculate water bills using guess work, estimates, without actually reading the customers’ water meter.

The unhappy customers say this is unfair and results in them being overcharged, and has been the water authority’s normal practice for many years.

One of the unhappy customers share: “Few instances, SolWater cut off my water supply not at the water meter beside my house, but at a pipe joint near the public road nearly 100 metres from my house.

“This is very risky because members of public now know where that pipe leading to my house is, and there is the risk that anyone with mischievous or bad intentions can tamper with it, affecting my family.”

These allegations point to an organistation which is unprofessional, lacks accountability and provides bad service.

The unhappy customers call on Solomon Water to improve on these areas of complaint.

“SolWater is a state-owned enterprise and a service provider, it cannot continue acting unprofessionally with its malpractices with impunity. It has to be answerable.”

In response via email however, the Solomon Water Authority said Solomon Water conducts meter readings according to a fixed schedule, and bills are generated based on these readings.

“In instances where staff cannot access a property due to reasons such as locked gates or the presence of dogs, staffs issue an estimated bill.

“This estimation is typically based on an average usage of 40 kiloliters.

“However, once actual meter readings are obtained, any necessary corrections to the bill are made.

“Additionally, our meter readers take photos of the meter readings to ensure accuracy and transparency.

“Customers are encouraged to review their bills and reach out to the Solomon Water customer service outlets or contact directly if they have any concerns or discrepancies.

“With Regards to water cutting issue Solomon water expressed their understanding of causing inconvenience by unnotified water cuts and strive to handle these situations professionally.

“Our policy includes providing a 14-day notice to customers before any disconnection action is taken. Notifications are sent via email for those who have provided their email addresses, and via SMS for domestic customers with mobile numbers,” statement said.

Statement further added, it is crucial for customers to keep their contact information up to date with the authority to ensure they receive these important notices.

“Solomon Water identifies accounts eligible for disconnection, and executes the disconnection and subsequent reconnection.

“Policies relating to meter reading, billing schedules, tariffs, and disconnections are communicated to customers during the onboarding process to ensure they are well informed,” statement further added.

46th Independence Day, Monday

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

 Independence Committee Vice Chair William Misibini said that the Country’s 46th Independence Day will be celebrated at the National Stadium in East Honiara on Monday 8 July.

This year’s Independence Day fall on Sunday July 7.

“This year we turn 46. Solomon becomes 46 years old as of this year 2024,’’Mr Misibini told local media during a Press conference at the SIBC Conference room on Thursday 4 July.

Vice Chair Misibini said that the theme for these years 64th Indepencday celebration is ‘Charting our United and Transformative Future Together.

“This theme come about as a result of the so many facing us a country. So it’s good that all of us unite and collaborate for good of our nation,’’ said Misibini.

He said that the first of two main activities is the thanks giving service which will be held on Sunday 7 July at the St Barnabas cathedral and followed by main Parade at the National Stadium on Monday 8 July.

He said that to mark the important event of the country, there will be organised additional entertainments activities which will take place starting as on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Meanwhile the Director of Culture Dennis Marita said that the Float parade will be part of the celebration on the 8th of July.

“The parade will start early in morning before the official program. It will consist of vehicles, represented by Government ministries, School, NGOs. State own enterprises, and our diplomatic missions,’’ said Mr Marita.

“The float parade will consist of two groups. The first group will start in the western end of the city to the National Sport Stadium. This group will start at MID. For the Eastern end they will start the Henderson police station to the national stadium,’’ he said.

He said that the float parade is expected to start at 6:30 am on Monday morning and arrive at the National stadium by 7:30am before the official program.

Former POB officer jailed more than 2 years for stealing

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Former officer of Pan Oceania Bank (POB) Shuyee Eli Yan has been sentenced to two years, four months imprisonment for stealing.

Principal Magistrate Beneteti Tearo delivered the sentence ruling to Ms Shuyee yesterday.

Shuyee entered into an early guilty plea against 12 counts of larceny by servant and three counts of forgery.

She committed the offences between June 28, 2021 and August 26, 2022, when she worked for POB.

Shuyee stole a large amount of money from Saibuloa Landowners Associations account by transferring through internet banking to the account of other POB customers or users.

She then instructed those customers or users to withdraw the money from their account and give the money to her and she then gave commissions to them.

The total amount of money Shuyee stole was $310,000 and the money has never been recovered.  

Shuyee also forged signatures claiming to be signed by three signatories to the Dangi Tughu Account in an application for the release of the dormant account.

Also, she forged a letter titled authorised to transferring of funds from Dangi Tughu account to Saibuloa Landowners Association account in which she forged the signatories to the account.

She also forged a POB withdraw slip with the sum of $25,000 under the Dangi Tughu account that contains forged signatures of two signatories of the Dangi Tughu account.

Court ordered her sentence to be run concurrently and spiritual counseling to be rendered during time spent in Rove.

Delilah Kukura of PSO act for Yan and Vernon Taupongi of DPP act for crown.

PM ELECTION JUDGMENT SET

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The High Court of Solomon Islands.

Tentative judgment for PM election validity case set for July 6

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The High Court is set to make its judgement on the case by Opposition leader Matthew Wale challenging the validity of the prime minister’s election on July 6.

The Member of Parliament for Aoke-Langalanga who has been reappointed as the Leader of Opposition after his unsuccessful bid for the prime minister’s position.

Mr Wale is seeking various legal declarations concerning the prime ministerial election.

The primary declaration is an order declaring that the timeframe specified by the Governor General for the delivery of the nomination for the Prime Ministerial Election, was from Monday April 29 at 10am to Tuesday 30 April at 4pm as outlined in the Election Notice issued by the Governor General on April 29 did not comply with the mandatory four-day period prescribed under Schedule 2, paragraph 1 (b) of the Constitution Law of Solomon Island.

In Schedule 2, paragraph 1 (b) of the Constitution mentioned the place, date and time for the delivery of nomination papers to the Governor-General, must not be later than four days before the scheduled election meeting.

In court yesterday the private lawyer Gabrial Suri who represent the claimant Wale argues the inadequacy of the timeline, citing the constitutional requirement of a four-day period prior to the election date.

The hearing was heard before Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer where Suri made his oral submissions in highlighting the claimant claim of the timeframe specified in the delivering of the nomination for the Prime Ministerial Elections which should be within the four days mandatory period prescribed under the schedule 2, paragraph 1(b) of the Constitution law.

However, in respond to the claim, Primo Afeau Legal Service who appeared for Governor General provide to the court his written submissions and orally respond to the claimant claim, saying that Governor General Sir David Vunagi did not make any error during the election of Prime Ministerial Election as claimed by Wale.

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer also received oral and written submissions from the Attorney General Chambers in relations to interpretations of the schedules.

Court sought a tentative date for judgement to be delivered on July 6, 11 am.

One Link case mentioned in court

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The One Link case was mentioned at the magistrate court yesterday for interim-hearing.

Prosecution and defence told court that parties have no issues to raise regarding the upcoming trial at this stage.

The accused Makasi Dolaiano was excused from appearing in court. Court suspended the case for July 31 for next interim-mention.

Prosecution allegations say Dolaiano stole $336,891.20 that was kept as an exhibit for a trial in the Honiara Magistrate Court in October 2020.

It was further alleged that the accused was said to be one of the officers manning the exhibit storage facility at the time when the $300k went missing in October 2020.

The $300k belong to One Link Pacifica customers.

Police recovered the monies after they arrested the manager of the money investment scheme in April 2020.

The 300k was initially kept at the exhibit storage facility at the Central Police Station and then transferred to the exhibit storage facility at the Rove Police Headquarters where it went missing.

George Gray of Public Solicitor’s Office represents Dolaiano and Mrs Olivia Ratu Manu of Office of Public Prosecution act for the Crown.

Woman faces court for murder plea

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Zilma Ben who is charged with murder, aiding and abetting will face court on July 11 for plea.

Prosecution told court that the disclosures were only provided to the defence counsel yesterday.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea questioned prosecution regarding the delay in serving the disclosures to defence, as in a previous court hearing, the court had directed the prosecution to provide these disclosures to the defence in a timely manner, as it will allow defence to properly obtain instructions from the accused for plea.

Defence informed court they would need time to look through the file before obtaining instructions from the accused to take her plea.

Court adjourned to July 11 for plea.

It was alleged on early hours of December 17, 2023 between 1am and 2am Nelson Magi the (first accused) and his wife Zilma Ben (second accused) and another female were on their way back to Jackson ridge after attending a party at Lau Valley.

They stopped on the main road next to Lau Valley SDA church.

They were all appeared to be drunk, loud and arguing with each other.

Opposite of the church was a group of people sitting down telling stories under a tent.

The (first accused) Nelson Magi turned to the group of people who were sitting under the tent and said “who of you strong and one of the people in the tent answered him by saying no one is strong”.

Magi approached them, grabbed a chair and threw it with force to the person who talked back to him earlier.

The deceased niece ran back to the house and woke up the deceased who was sleeping at that time.

The deceased went to the scene and tried to separate the first accused and the other person from arguing.

The deceased lead Magi away from further confrontations. However, the he assaulted the deceased by applying a front snap kick at him causing him to fell backwards at a distance.

The Nelson Magi then walked away towards his wife the Zilma Ben.

The Zilma Ben shouted at her husband Magi loudly and aggressively saying “go back and kill the deceased”.

Whilst shouting, she also threw stones at deceased house.

Magi then turned back and attacked the deceased on the rib/chest area with a piece of timber.

The deceased lost balance and fell down unconsciously on the ground.

He was rushed to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) but was pronounced dead.

Steward Tonowane acts for crown and Lazuaus Waroka act for Zilma Ben.

Ngossi ward independence sports day this weekend

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Ngossi Ward Councilor (Cr) and Chairman of the HCC Works Division, Honorable Rex Konofilia recieving the support from SIFF TD Moses Toata yesterday.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE NGOSSI Ward Independence Sports Day is set to take place this weekend, from July 6th to 8th, at the White River Field and Basketball Court.

The event, an initiative by Ward Councilor (Cr) and Chairman of the HCC Works Division, Honorable Rex Konofilia, aims to bring communities in West Honiara together and uncover local sporting talent.

Speaking about the event, Konofilia confirmed that two sports will be featured over the three days: 3×3 basketball and seven-a-side soccer.

“The theme for the sports day is ‘Iumi Tugeda fo Ngossi Ward,’ which translates to ‘Together for Ngossi Ward.’ We want to foster a sense of unity and friendship through these games,” he said.

Registration is now open for community teams wishing to participate, with a modest fee of $100.

 Konofilia emphasized that the seven-aside soccer tournament is exclusively for teams representing their respective communities, while the 3×3 basketball competition is open to any teams within Ngossi Ward, allowing communities to combine and form a team.

The Ward Councilor also expressed gratitude to the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and the Honiara Football Association (HFA) for their support.

 “A big thank you to SIFF Technical Director Moses Toata and the team from HFA for providing balls and other equipment. We hope to make this an annual event and develop football in West Honiara. Our ultimate goal is to identify talent and form a soccer team to represent West Honiara in top leagues like the HFA,” he told SunSPORTS.

With the surrounding communities eagerly anticipating the event, the games will kick off at 9:00 AM sharp. Teams interested in participating are urged to contact the provided number, 7777150, to register.

Prizes for the winning teams, proudly sponsored by the Ward Councilor, will be presented on the final day after all competitions conclude.

The NGOSSI Ward Independence Sports Day promises to be a fun-filled and exciting weekend, fostering community spirit and potentially uncovering the next generation of soccer talent from West Honiara.

Junior becomes the first Solomon Islander to earn Sanda Martial Art coaching certificate

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Tafoa Siosi Junior and lecturer Zhao Bin (Expert on Sanda rules and judging methods)

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

National Karate athlete, Siosi Tafoa Junior has completed the seven-day Sanda Martial Arts coaching course in Shangai China.

Junior told SunSPORTS that attending the seven-day training has made him the first Solomon Islander to earn a Sanda Martial Art Coaching Certificate.

“The training starts on June 27th and ends on the 3rd of July in Jiangyin City, Shanghai China.

“I was selected by the Oceania Wushu Federation to train as a Sanda coach.

“Sanda is Chinese full-contact fighting which is a national sport for all Kung Fu Wushu practitioners,” Junior said.

He also stated that he was selected alongside three coaches from Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa.

“The training consists of both theoretical sessions on completion rules and regulations, training methods, injury prevention, and recovery.

“Practical sessions include learning Sanda attacking, grappling, and defense techniques.

“It’s a good sport because anybody can play it regardless of which martial arts background one has to pursue.

“Having vast experience in Karate, I found out that Sanda rules are easy to follow because they focus more on basic striking techniques like kicks and take-downs,” he said.

He explained the difficult part is it requires a lot of training and mental toughness to be able to overcome its full contact, where most Sanda fighters are very strong.

“That’s why they can often call it the Chinese Mix of Martial Arts (MMA).

“Those with boxing backgrounds in Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo can easily adapt to this fighting system.

“Sanda is derived from traditional Chinese Kungfu, and I encourage our local Kungfu, Wing Chun, and Mao Ya Kan athletes to have a try because Sanda is approved by the International Olympic Committee as a sport and is currently being practiced around the world,” Junior explained.

He added thanking the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Solomon Islands for supporting his trip.

“Special appreciation goes to the Oceania Kung Fu Wushu Federation for the support as well.

“This trip aims to establish a Solomon Islands Kungfu Wushu federation registered under the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI).

“The federation will run its program separately like other sports federations,” he added.

Junior also believed that his trip to China had opened a new pathway to combine all martial arts into Sanda and try out playing full-contact combat sports.

“I am now a fully certified coach as I have passed my theory and practical Sanda coaching exams in Jiangyn China, so students from every club can be part of this,” he urged.

Meanwhile, the seven-day course was run by the International Wushu Federation in collaboration with the Chinese Kung Fu Wushu Association.

BROKEN PROMISES

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IFA President Lyndon Bako.

…Buala Capital League 2023 Winners Left Empty-Handed

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE winners of the Buala Capital League 2023 (BCL23), which concluded last year, are still awaiting their rightful prizes, sparking concerns about football development in the Isabel Province. The league, hosted at the Jejevo field in Buala, saw eight teams compete for provincial glory, but the celebration has been dampened by delays and allegations of mismanagement.

According to a representative from one of the winning teams, issues surrounding prize distribution have been a recurring problem for football in the province. “Last year, the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) provided funds to Provincial Football Associations (PFAs) to host leagues in the nine capitals. The Isabel Football Association (IFA) formed a local organizing committee (LOC) for the Buala Capital League, promising medals, trophies, and cash prizes,” they explained.

However, the representative added, “after the league concluded, nothing happened.” This has left the top four teams lodging complaints with the IFA and the BCL LOC, seeking answers and much-deserved recognition.

Siza Ataban, the BCL LOC Coordinator, acknowledged that the LOC received prize money from the IFA President for the league winners. However, he revealed that the amount was reduced from what was initially promised, causing a delay in the presentation ceremony.

In response to these concerns, IFA President Lyndon Bako told SunSPORTS that the IFA had already provided the exact prizes to the LOC for distribution to the winning teams. “Unfortunately,” he said, “the LOC misused the cash prizes, and this has caused the delay in staging the presentation.” Bako further stated that the IFA had already purchased the trophies and medals and sent the cash prizes to the Chairperson and Secretary of the LOC, placing responsibility for the current situation squarely on the LOC’s shoulders.

As a result, the IFA has washed its hands of the matter, urging the LOC to sort out the issue. However, with no resolution in sight, the winners of the Buala Capital League 2023 continue to wait for their moment of recognition and celebration.

Meanwhile, the top four teams waiting to receive their prizes are:

1st Buala Warriors FC

2nd Maglau Talisman FC

3rd Kmaga FC

4th Koregu FC

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