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‘Build-use and forget’ syndrome must stop: Galaigu

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BY NED GAGAHE

Caretaker Premier of Central Province Polycap Galaigu has appealed to School Board of Managements and School Administration in Central Islands Province to refrain from the “build-use-use-use and forget” syndrome that is prevalent with a lot of public infrastructure and gifts from development partners.

Speaking at the handover of boys dormitory building and ablution block on Wednesday 20th March 2024 at Siota Provincial Secondary School, Mr. Galaigu urges School Board of Management and Administrations to put in place maintenance and repair programme with the appropriate budget allocation on annual basis.

“Let me reiterate, we must refrain from the “build-use-use-use and forget” syndrome that is prevalent with a lot of public infrastructure and gifts from our development partners. In addition, I am aware that in the recent years, there have been instances where school properties have come under threat from a few community members, I beg you to refrain from such untoward behaviors.

“I appeal to the students, staff and school managements to take good care of the facilities and to use it with respect and with the overall intention of ensuring that it continues to serve students now and into the future.” Mr. Galaigu said.

Caretaker Premier Galaigu expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the province to the Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP) and in particular the two key donors of ESSP, the Governments of Australia and New Zealand in partnership with SIG through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).

“A major project of this magnitude is not an easy undertaking in the Solomon Islands, where building materials have to be sourced and shipped from Honiara to Siota. More importantly, the translation of the plans into the physical infrastructure requires leadership, commitment and the concerted efforts of a number of stakeholders, most of who are represented in this handing over ceremony. On this note, I thank the contractor Willies Construction for your professional work and completing this project in time. I also thank the project managers in ESSP and the Ministry of Education for monitoring and ensuring the completion of this project.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, let me close by reiterating the appreciation of the Provincial Government and the people of Central Province and more especially the teachers, students, school board of management and communities in and around Siota to the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development for selecting Siota PSS to be a recipient and beneficiary of the Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Program or ESSP in short.” Galaigu said.

SCHOOL ASKS FOR MORE

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Siota PSS appeals for new dormitory for girls and a new science lab

BY NED GAGAHE

Siota Provincial Secondary School, one of the oldest secondary schools in the country has expressed the desire for a new dormitory for girls and new science laboratory for the school.

School Principal Mr. John Gomi made the request during the handover of new two-storey boys dormitory and ablution block last week funded by the governments of Australia and New Zealand through the Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP) in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD).

Mr. Gomi told delegates attending the handover ceremony on March 20 which include Australia High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Rod Hilton, New Zealand High Commission Political and Economic Advisor Nelson Kere, MEHRD Deputy Secretary Cooperate Services Coldrine Kolae and Caretaker Premier of Central Islands Province Polycap Galaigu.

Siota PSS took delivery of new boys’ dormitory and an ablution block. The facilities are equipped with modern amenities that will accommodate 118 male students from form 1 to form 6, providing a safe, secure, and clean environment aimed at positively influencing the local community and creates a space for growth and development.

“I’m sure there is no harm to request another dormitory of similar plan for the girls. It is my request for you our guests today as the source of such building to be given another chance to the girls, very similar opportunity and mind set given to other schools. In other words, I have the honors to ask you now to assist the school again for another dormitory for our girls especially when considering gender equality or gender balance.

“Not only that, As the Science graduate, Siota PSS has no science laboratory and so I was not so useful here. We also need a science lab here as this is the premier school of the Central province for effective science learning. I don’t see any reason for Siota PSS to be forgotten compared to other small Community High schools already equipped with Science Lab funded or donated by the Ministry.” Mr Gomi said.

Meanwhile, this new education infrastructure is part of ESSP’s broader efforts to improve access to quality education across all provinces in the Solomon Islands.

This significant investment demonstrates Solomon Islands, Australia, and New Zealand’s commitment to providing quality education infrastructure for all children in Solomon Islands.

The boys dormitory and ablution block advances educational opportunities, fosters growth, and contributes to the overall development of Siota Provincial Secondary School and its surrounding areas.

ESSP provides the strategic direction and implementation arrangements for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) combined investment to support the Solomon Islands Government to implement its Education Strategic Framework (ESF) 2016-2030 and the National Education Action Plan.

ESSP hands over new facilities to Siro and Siota schools in Ngella

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A group photo of guests and students of Siro CHS.

BY NED GAGAHE

The Australia and New Zealand Government funded Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP) project continues to touch the lives of rural communities as two schools in Central Islands Province, Siro Community High School (CHS) and Siota Provincial Secondary School (PSS) received their two- storey dormitories plus ablution blocks on March 19 and 20 respectively.

His Excellency Rod Hilton, the Australia High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, New Zealand High Commission Political and Economic Advisor Nelson Kere, Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Coldrine Kolae and Provincial Premier Polycap Galaigu were there to witness the completion and official handover of the project.

These newly constructed infrastructures will be able to accommodate up to 60 female students and 118 male students, addressing the crucial need for safe, secure, clean environment and also the need for adequate housing and sanitation facilities.

The infrastructures are equipped with modern facilities aimed at providing comfort and well-being of students, nurturing a conducive atmosphere for learning and personal growth.

Funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government – MEHRD. The ESSP programme underlines the commitment to bolstering educational infrastructure and fostering an environment conducive to learning and development.

Speaking at the handing over at Siro CHS and Siota PSS, Deputy Secretary Coldrine Kolae said the completion of the school infrastructures is a manifestation of the strong partnership between the three governments towards improving access and quality of education.

He said providing a proper learning environment and developing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities for schools is one of the criteria for a school to be registered as a training institution.

“In our new Education Act, WASH facilities must develop and be accessible to all. That is in order for a school to be registered as required in our Education law,” he said.

Kolae acknowledges donor partners, especially the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP) for their continuous support to the education sector.

In his remarks at Siro and Siota Australia High Commissioner Rod Hilton said “the partnership between the Australia, New Zealand and Solomon Islands governments in education, reflects our shared values and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people here in Solomon Islands.

“We are so proud to have been part of the provision of these essential facilities. By investing together in education, we are investing in the future of this these wonderful young people and the future of the whole nation.

“So, let us remember that the impact of this project extends far beyond the walls of the school. By providing friendly and safe accommodation for female students, we are not only investing in their academic pursuits, but also helping to empower them to reach their full potential.” High Commissioner Rod Hilton said.

Zealand High Commission Political and Economic Advisor Nelson Kere said New Zealand is proud alongside Australia to witness the official handover of the facilities which will improve access to education.

He said the completion of the projects is the result of the hard work and commitment of all stakeholders involved.

Caretaker Premier Polycap Galaigu said Siro CHS and Siota PSS are amongst the very few boarding schools in the province and having such appropriate and standard boarding facilities is essentially a need that cannot be over-emphasized.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP) and in particular the two key donors of ESSP, the Government of Australia and New Zealand which also had the support of SIG through MEHRD.

“I am informed that this is an investment of more than $5 million dollars (Siro project nearly $3 million and Siota $2 million). I appeal to the students, staff and school management to take good care of this facilities to use it with respect and with overall intention of ensuring that it continues to serve students now and into the future.” Mr Galaigu said.

School Principal of Siro CHS Maxley Ausanau thanked Australia and New Zealand governments.

The support coming from your governments with the involvement of MEHRD, Central Islands Provincial Government (CIPG), CIP Education Authority and contractor is a testament of the shared commitment to Solomon Islands education in improving access to quality basic education for all the children of Solomon Islands.

“The construction of our girls dormitory made possible through you generous funding, stands as a symbol of the strong partnership between our nations. Your investment is not only in bricks and mortar but in the future of these young minds echoes the spirit of cooperation and global solidarity.

“We recognize the far-reaching impact this dormitory will have on the lives of the girls who will can it home. It transcends borders, fostering an environment where education become a bridge to opportunity and empowerment.” He said.

Meanwhile, School Principal of Siota PSS John Gomi also echoed similar sentiments.

Mr Gomi said the unwavering support aligns with the school’s shared belief in the transformative power of education.

He adds that completion and handover of the infrastructure at Siota is a tangible result of the collaboration – will be a haven for learning, growth and realization of dreams.

40 Communities benefit from SI – Australia community partnership grant

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High Commissioner Hilton with Project Coordinator of the Safoa Community High School Classroom , Temotu Province shaking hands after the signing.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

A signing ceremony held on Friday has marked a milestone for 40 communities nationwide as they are set to benefit from the Solomon Islands –Australia Community Partnership Grants 2024.

4O project coordinators and the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton signed the contracts to formalise the delivery of the projects directed towards various needs of each communities.

These needs include solar lighting, Water and Sanitation, Water tanks, Community and School Halls, Sea walls, Staff houses, Youth Centres, Classrooms, Clinics, Rainwater catchment and harvesting projects,

For this round, communities from Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Central, Guadalcanal, Malaita, Renell and Bellona, Temotu and Honiara are the successful recipients.

High Commissioner Hilton announced that this single round to date, is the biggest intake of recipients for its community infrastructure grants program   in the Solomon Islands, totalling up to SBD9million.

Administered by the Australian High Commission in the Solomon Islands, the grants program supports community-led projects to improve living standards.

He congratulated the recipients and explained that their selections were based on “merit” as his office was impressed with their applications.

Regardless of the duration of the projects, Hilton assured the recipients that these project have “clear economic outcomes” for their respective communities.

He reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to the country’s development aspirations describing Australia “as the number one infrastructure partner of Solomon Islands”  

He then confirms his office’s partnership throughout the duration of the projects.

“Tagio (thank you) for being champions of your communities, we look forward to partner with you all to carry out the projects” Hilton added.

The signing ceremony took place at the Heritage Park Hotel.

20-yo male assaults elderly woman in Choiseul

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Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau

BY ROMINAH FAKA

A 20-year-old male has been arrested for reportedly assaulting a 62-year-old woman in Sasamunga village, south of Choiseul province.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau told a press conference on Thursday 21 March that the incident occurred on March 9.

Mr Mangau said the suspect was attempting to cut down some trees beside the area belonging to the elderly woman when she approached him and asked him not to.

The suspect got angry with the woman and assaulted her.

People who were nearby intervened and separated the man from the elderly woman.

The matter was reported to the Taro police, and the man was arrested.

Mangau appeal to people of Solomon Islands, “we are a country that we rich in culture practices therefore, we have to respect our elderly people by not mistreating them but always show respect manners when approached by elderly person”.

Man dies in Choiseul after falling off logging truck

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Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau.

BY ROMINAH FAKA

A 39-year-old man has reportedly lost his life after falling off a logging truck in Choiseul.

Police commissioner Mostyn Mangau told a press in a recent press conference the incident occurred on March 11 at the Gito logging camp.

The victim had been sitting in the trailer of the logging dump truck, which was carrying a fuel tank in the trailer, he said.

As the truck climbed a hill, the fuel tank rolled and hit the victim causing him to fall off the trailer, Mangau said.

The victim sustained serious injuries from the fall was rushed to the nearest care centre for medical centre, however he was later pronounced dead, Mangau said.

Commissioner Mangau said police are investigating the matter, and that reports are expected shortly.

Mangau reminds people who work in the logging industry to always be mindful of their safety.

Prosecution to summon suspect in foiled drug export case

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Court has summoned a man in a drug bust case to attend court on Thursday 21 March at 9am.

Beatrice Umea and Etekia Kauai are charged with attempting to export a prohibited item. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Both did not attend the previous hearing on the case and court issued a summons for them to do so.

However, yesterday Mr Kauai did not turn up, and court instructed both prosecution and investigators to summon Kauai in the next hearing, which is today.

The two accused are charged in relation to an allegation on June 19, 2019 at the Henderson International Airport.

Prosecution alleged the accused packed eight packets of marijuana inside a speaker in 20 cm by 20 cm plastic bags. This was taken to the airport, where accused Umea was on check-in duty for Solomon Airlines.

It was further alleged that Kauai took the package to Umea and she accepted the package as unaccompanied luggage, but tagged the package to a passenger whom she had already checked in.

When the package went through the screening, suspicious arose, the speaker was unscrewed and the packets of Marijuana were found, before it was loaded onto the flight.

The police then arrested both the accused and charge them jointly for one count of attempting to export a dangerous drug under the Dangerous Drugs Act.

Public Prosecutor Steward Tonowane is appearing for the Crown.

RSIPF prepares for hotspots on Malaita for polling day

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PPC Malaita, superintendent Lesley Kili.

BY SAMIE WAKORI

Police will maintain a heavy presence in hotspots around Malaita province during the April 17 polling day.

Malaita provincial police commander Lesley Kili said several hotspots have been identified by police on the island of Malaita.

Kili in his talk at Sulufoloa/Ata market this week said one of the hotspots is within Ata in Baegu/Asifola constituency.

“Police at the moment are aware of hotspot areas around the province. Hotspots are places that registered election related commotions in the past or threats.

“Like for some constituencies, disturbances had experienced in various polling stations during the registration process and even objection and omission.

“Even some places had posed threats that police are aware-on. And place as such, heavy police presence will be in those areas to make sure a peaceful election,” he said.

Kili said this is also to ensure there will be no threat or any form of influence on voters, election officials, electoral processes and general public at large during polling

“We are preparing and we will send officers to the hotspot areas during the election to monitor threats and disturbances,” he said.

Kili also said that from now till April 17, Auki police will continue to visit communities in the province with awareness programmes on NGE.

He said this is important for people to understand electoral laws and processes and support police to ensure a successful election for Malaita province.

Former MPA urges Guale candidates on TRC report, state govt system

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

A former member of the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly has urged Guadalcanal candidates to prioritise the Federal Constitution 2018 and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report if they come into power.

Silas Lauvisu who was the provincial member for Wanderer Bay, Ward 5, West Guadalcanal 1998-2001 emphasised that it is time for a state government system.  

“We need the state government system so that Guadalcanal can look after our own and the other provinces also look after their own affairs,” he said.

A staunch supporter of the state government system, he believes that the provincial government system in place since independence has not brought about significant changes for people of Guadalcanal and other provinces.

The draft Federal Constitution was initially handed over to the Government in 2019 after 10 years of consultation throughout the country and aims to change the British’s unitary system to a Republic system.

Lauvisu also highlighted the importance of the TRC report and said this needs to be settled swiftly as it is a long-standing issue for those affected during the ethnic tension.

As political parties and independent candidates are in full swing with their campaigns, Lauvisu warned Guadalcanal voters to thinking critically.

“I call on the voters to be serious in making decision and should cast their votes for candidates who have demonstrated the vision to deal with the TRC report and Federal Constitution,” he said.

Lauvisu added, “If we vote in wrong people, these will be delayed and not be implemented in time.”

Apart from wanting to see more done for the Federal Constitution and the recommendations of the TRC, he acknowledged the efforts put forward by the previous government.

RSIPF prepares for hotspots on Malaita for polling day

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PPC Lesly Kili.

BY SAMIE WAKORI

Police will maintain a heavy presence in hotspots around Malaita province during the April 17 polling day.

Malaita provincial police commander Lesley Kili said several hotspots have been identified by police on the island of Malaita.

Kili in his talk at Sulufoloa/Ata market this week said one of the hotspots is within Ata in Baegu/Asifola constituency.

“Police at the moment are aware of hotspot areas around the province. Hotspots are places that registered election related commotions in the past or threats.

“Like for some constituencies, disturbances had experienced in various polling stations during the registration process and even objection and omission.

“Even some places had posed threats that police are aware-on. And place as such, heavy police presence will be in those areas to make sure a peaceful election,” he said.

Kili said this is also to ensure there will be no threat or any form of influence on voters, election officials, electoral processes and general public at large during polling

“We are preparing and we will send officers to the hotspot areas during the election to monitor threats and disturbances,” he said.

Kili also said that from now till April 17, Auki police will continue to visit communities in the province with awareness programmes on NGE.

He said this is important for people to understand electoral laws and processes and support police to ensure a successful election for Malaita province.

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