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Bus operators called on to stop illegal short route or face licence cancellation

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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City Clerk Justus Denni

BY NED GAGAHE

Honiara City Clerk Justus Deni has called bus operators to stop illegal short routes in the city or face prosecution and cancellation of business licence.

In a statement, Deni said failure to comply will result in the following actions.

Deni explained that when a person pays a business licence to run a public bus service from Honiara City Council (HCC) there are conditions attached to it.

“HCC Business Licence conditions pursuant to section 4 (1) (a) (i) of HCC’s regulation of business licenses bill 2011, are as follows;

“Firstly, a bus service must display a destination sign at the front of your bus service during all service hours; and

“Secondly, a bus service must completely serve the displayed destinations during all service hours.

“Furthermore, it states that if a breach of these conditions you are liable for a penalty or revocation of your valid business licence,” Deni said

Deni said providing a reliable, safe and affordable bus service in the city should be at the convenience of all Honiara residents and the visitors, he therefore, appealed to the bus operators to adhere to HCC business licence conditions.

Western province leaders cry foul over national govt’s refusal to foot $500k lobbying bill

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Billy Veo

BY BEN BILUA

The newly elected Assembly of Western Province is facing another challenge as the national government has refused to meet the cost of accommodation which was incubated during the process to form the executive.

Premier Billy Veo said his executive has been informed that the government will not meet their accommodation costs.

He said the issue has put more pressure and burden on the Western Provincial government to source internal funds to meet the costs.

Breaking down the costs, Rence Sore said the total expenses for both camps incubated during the executive formulation are estimated to be around $500,000.

He said the Ministry of Provincial Government should be the one paying the cost as the elected leaders were emphasising their legal mandate to form an executive or government.

“According to the law, Provincial Assembly members are legally binding to their role as leaders as soon as they were declared winners during counting, unlike members of parliament, the counting of their official performance begins after the parliament’s first sitting after the election.

“Looking at this legislation, I’m sure the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening is responsible to meet the cost,” Sore said.

Jeffrey Wickham said the government’s action is questioning as that the government broke its own laws – the very law that they want to promote.

“This is a clear indication of the government’s incompetence and lack of sympathy towards the people of Western Province.

“Western Province contributes a lot to the economic development of this country with the highest contributor to the economy. This is how the government acknowledges our people and resources. Pathetic,” he said.

Wickham said it is high time for the government to speed up the amendment of the Provincial Government Act as well as the statehood.

He said he is sick and tired of the weaknesses and incompetent leadership is shown by the national government through its ministries.

Island Sun understands that this is yet another headache that the government through the Ministry of Provincial Government has placed upon leaders of Western Province.

Last week this paper, published an article that states that Western Province has been missing out on PCDF allocation worth 1.4 million dollars for the last quarter of last year.

SI yet to make stand on Japan’s plan to dump nuclear treated water into Pacific

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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MFAET Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck

BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands is still to make an official stand on Japan’s decision to dump more than a million tonnes of nuclear treated water into the Pacific Ocean starting this year.

Government will rather wait for scientific evidence first.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Mr Collin Beck says Solomon Islands’ position on Japan’s plan to discharge radioactive wastewater from the stricken Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean will have to be based on scientific findings and proof that it is safe for Japan to do so.

Mr Beck uttered this statement during the MFAET media conference last Wednesday.

Japan is proposing to commence dumping the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS)-treated water this year; however, the Pacific Islands Forum countries have asked Japan to defer its plans awaiting an independent panel of scientists.

Speaking during the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) weekly media conference on Friday Secretary to Prime Minister (SPM) Dr Jimmie Rodgers confirmed that during the recent visit by the Japan Foreign Ministers Yoshimasa Hayashi this matter was also discussed.

“The short answer is yes, that was part of the discussion. I was with the Prime Minister’s meeting, and basically the message here was Japan is still looking to try and inform the Pacific Island countries on two main things one is that, they are awaiting the final report from the International Agency (IEEA) they are waiting for the report there.

“And of course, there is an independent scientific group that was appointed by the PIF that has gone to Fukushima to conduct their assessment and is led by the Prime Minister for Cook Islands.

“So, on those two the assurance from Japan was that, if the reports show that anything inside the water is going to be detrimental or harmful Japan will not be going to release the water into the ocean.

“And then on our side there was a concern by the PIF scientists that they were not being given some documents that they needed for their assessments because the report is only as good as the information they get.

“So, on our side we have requested the Foreign Minister to provide to our scientific group through the PIF the information they request.

“So, the government requests Japan to provide whatever information our scientific team needs so that they can also come up with their deliberation.

“Our position in this, is that we will be guided by the scientific assessment, so whatever scientific assessment says about some reasons to worry about the risk despite how small that would be our position.

“And the commitment by the Japanese’s government is that, if there is any risk they will not discharge.” Rodgers said.

On April 13, 2021, Japan’s government unanimously approved that TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) dump the stored water to the Pacific Ocean over a course of 30 years.

Japan’s government said the dumped water will be treated and diluted to drinkable standard.

“Nearly 12 years ago, a massive earthquake and tsunami triggered a nuclear catastrophe at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi plant,” Euro News Green reported last month.

“The nuclear reactors have been decommissioned – a process which will take 40 years to complete.

“But the shutdown has stalled over the build-up of vast quantities of water used to keep the damaged reactors cool.

“To free up space, operator TEPCO want to release 1.3 million tonnes of the wastewater into the sea. They claim that the water is filtered to remove most radionuclides, making the release safe.”

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says the proposal is safe, but neighbouring countries have voiced concern, BBC reported in January this year.

The water is filtered for most radioactive isotopes, but the level of tritium is above the national standard, operator Tepco said. Experts say tritium is very difficult to remove from water and is only harmful to humans in large doses.

1 TOWER PER WEEK

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Chairman of NHA and Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers.

Delays lead to only 20 percent of 161 cell sites by November: SPM Rodgers

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Huawei/China Harbour Engineering Company Limited is expected to construct around 20 percent of the 161 towers on Guadalcanal before the Pacific Games by November.

This is reportedly at a rate of one tower per week.

Initially, the government had planned to see about 48 percent of the 161 towers installed by November.

Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr Jimmie Rodgers confirmed this to media last Friday.

He said, “The main reason for the delay is the inability of Solomon Telekom to make a decision on our request to partner with government in the delivery and operations of the towers.

“The technical/finance teams waited for a good part of 2022 to engage with Telekom management and engineers to visit and confirm sites.

“Compounding the delay is also the fact that Ministry of Communication and Aviation is unable to secure funds early in 2022/2023 to dispatch the technical survey teams because it takes time to secure funds.”

Furthermore, in 2023, Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination planning process for Development Budget takes time before the Ministry of Finance and Treasury can clear payments.

“Our teams only got the funds early March 2023 and are now in the site.

“The way we are going and with a rate of one tower per week it is possible to aim around 20 percent,” he said.

The 161 towers are part of the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project or SINBIP.

The SINBIP is one of the priority projects of the National Government. 

The SINBIP is consistent not only with the DCGA Policy Statement, but is also in line with the Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan (2013), National ICT Policy (2015), and Solomon Islands National Development Strategy, 2016-2035 (2016).

In terms of funding, the statement confirms that the SINBIP will be fully funded with a 20 years’ term concessional loan of approximately CNY448.9 million from the Exim Bank of China at one percent interest rate.

Australia, NZ show support for 2024 elections: PS Beck

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MFAET Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck

By EDDIE OSIFELO

AUSTRALIA and New Zealand have shown commitment to support Solomon Islands conduct its National General Elections in April 2024.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade permanent secretary, Collin Beck confirmed this to media on Wednesday.

Mr Beck said Australia has committed to support a large portion of the election.

“Basically, support of elections covered in a big way,” he said.

Beck said what is left is the need for letter of financial arrangement in terms of actual commitment.

But he said when look at numbers of Australia and NZ covers necessary supports.

Furthermore, he said this is ensure part of elections process to have national ID, area we ask to try find funds for that.

“If we see we can do that, cheaper to do that when we do bio metric registration,” he added.

Apart from that, Solomon Islands senior officials have met with Australia in Brisbane, Australia from 14-15 March 2023.

Beck said Solomon Islands is asking Australia to look at some of our bigger transformative projects, especial Australian Infrastructure Financial Facility.

He said Solomon Islands will also be advocating for Australia’s bid to host the Conference of the Parties 31 (COP 31) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2026.

Police say no referral yet relating to OAG audit report on misuse of covid-19 funds

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Police say despite the Auditor General having released its report showing millions of covid-19 funds misused, there has been no case opened.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau confirmed this yesterday at the police weekly conference.

Last month, the Auditor General released its audit report of three government ministries which found widespread non-compliance from April-December, 2020 in their spending of public funds allocated for covid-19 preparedness and response.

Responding to questions raised Commissioner Mangau said referrals for investigation will be forwarded to his office and they will look into the file for investigation.

He said there has been no referral since the report was released.

Last month it was published in the media that Office of the Auditor General investigated how three ministries procured goods and services using covid-19 funds from April to December, 2020.

They are the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) under the ministry of environment, climate change, disaster management & meteorology (MECDM).

The OAG report published last month and called on the national government to strengthen its procurement processes.

$90 million was spent by MHMS, NDMO and MID in 2020. They used the disaster relief fund to spend on goods, services and works to support the response to the pandemic.

MHMS spent $26 million, MID – $14.9 million and NDMO – $49.5 million.

However, the report found that most of these spendings were made though “truncated procurement process”.

When the state of public emergency was declared on March 25, 2020, government’s normal procurement procedure was replaced by the use of Bid Waiver system – an alternative procurement system which was used in exceptional circumstances in which ‘observing the normal requirements would result in detriment to the people or assets of the Solomon Islands’.

The bill waiver system was abused. For example, some works were completed and paid for before the bill waiver was approved and contracts signed in ‘cart-before-horse’ style.

Since the tender process was absent, conflicts of interest were not declared. There was high risk of nepotism, wantok business and offering contracts to family members, relatives, friends or associates.

Bloated prices of goods and services popped up which ate away the covid-19 funds.

For example, $400 for one pillow and $130 for one blanket, provided to the national referral hospital (NRH), seen in an invoice of $99,500 dated May 25, 2020.

Documents were missing, which would have provided information to prove that public funds were well spent.

In many cases, documents show that amounts have been manipulated by hand. For example, a payment voucher made out for a $11,089 payment was manually changed to $110,089.

Some businesses which were not registered under the Company Haus were awarded contracts.

Addressing copen in Honiara not for authorities alone: Police

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Copen drug.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says that addressing the use of Copen by school students and children is not for authorities alone to address.

He says parents too must teach their children at home.

He said selling of drugs and other illegal items is happening on the streets, markets and market vendors.

“Parents must teach their children of the effects of copen drug.

“It is our responsibility to teach our children at home, Police and other stakeholders will try as much to do awareness but it is the parents to teach their children not to buy those drugs from street sellers.

“We will be working with the Honiara City Council to address street markets but parents must be responsible for their own children,” Mangau said.

Recently a joint awareness by Police and stakeholders was conducted in schools around Honiara on the Copen drug.

Copen is a new drug with potential harmful effects that is becoming popular in schools and youths in communities in Honiara and the provinces.

Copen is a mixture of tobacco and other substances like Colgate toothpaste and coral lime which creates a “high” effect. Users often experience vomiting and headaches after its use.

Zero tolerance for absconded workers: PS Beck

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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MFAET Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck

BY NED GAGAHE

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Collin Beck has issued a stern warning to seasonal workers not to flee their designated companies signed under their contracts.

Mr Beck says they are aware of the issues where workers abandoned their work they signed for and seek other opportunities.

Beck said this when he was asked on how MFAET will deal with the issue during MFAET’s media conference on Wednesday.

“The contracts are tied to the visa, once a worker is absconded, he or she is basically breaking the law of the host country.

Beck said they are aware of some cases but it is not that big that affects the entire programme.

“There is zero chances, workers who did that are doing that at their own demise.

“They are basically breaking the contract and will be eliminated from the system.

“It should never undermine the chances for other workers participate in the programme,” Beck said.

Meanwhile, Beck urged those who will participated under LMU to behave properly, follow rules and not to do illegal activities that might undermine the LMU programme.

Second land reform awareness held for landowners of Bellona and Rennell

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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Some of the Participants. Photo credit - UNDP Communications.

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

A follow-up awareness on land recording was held for Honiara-based landowners of Rennell and Bellona province last week.

Wednesday’s session was for landowners of Bellona, and yesterday one was held for Rennell landowners.

This follows an initial session held at the UNDP office on February 17 this year, in which Honiara-based landowners of both Rennell and Bellona were introduced to the idea of registering their land with the land recording unit of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS).

MRD PS Dr Samson Viulu presenting the reviewed CDF Act. Photo credit – UNDP Communications.

This awareness on land recording is part of a nation-wide peacebuilding project spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with stakeholders including the World Vision, government ministries such as MLHS and Rural Development (MRD).

Land recording is an integral part of peacebuilding. It has been identified that land issues is one of the main factors of conflict in the country. And, one of the main issues relating to land is ownership.

This is theoretically mitigated by having the ownership recorded in official government records, which is kept with MLHS.

About 50 chiefs and community elders of Bellona convened for the two-hour workshop at Heritage Park Hotel on Wednesday evening.

MRD permanent secretary Dr Samson Viulu and team gave a presentation on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Act which is being reviewed and amended, explaining the relevance of land recording towards the CDF plans of establishing constituency development growth centres (CDGC).

National Recorder for the MLHS Mary Tegavota revisited the process of registering and recording land with the participants.

Question & Answer segment of the programme followed, in which a heated debate over land ownership system of Bellona as opposed to the proposed land recording exercise ensued.

The workshop closed just before darkness, with many participants still not fully grasping the concepts which were intended for them to understand.

Some participants recommend further consultations.

A participant commenting on land reform. Photo credit – UNDP Communications.

It is understood that following yesterday’s workshop with Honiara-based landowners of Rennell, the team comprising UNDP, World Vision and MHLS personnel will revisit Rennell and Bellona to carry out a follow-up workshop.

Prominent landowner and community leader of West Rennell Richard Pautangata, speaking to Island Sun following the February-17 workshop, welcomed the idea of land recording and the awareness workshops.

“This initiative by the UNDP, World Vision and MLHS is very important in many aspects, not only just for peacebuilding.

“And, these trainings make aware the people of Rennell and Bellona the processes involved in registering and recording our lands, and know that these important information are stored with the rightful authority.

“Land recording will of course have its challenges, such as bring forth disputes, but this is expected in the search to find out who are the correct owners of lands in the two islands.

“Also, it will educate our youths on who the rightful landowners are, and teach them more on our cultures and traditions,” Mr Pautangata said.

China’s international development agency visits Solomon Islands

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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CIDCA Vice Chair Tang Wenhong (sitting, left) signs with SSPM Albert Kabui, with Chinese Ambassador HE Li Ming (back standing left) and PM Sogavare looking on. Photos credit - Chinese embassy media.

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

China’s international development cooperation agency (CIDCA) has visited the Solomon Islands with more cooperation and assistance to look forward to.

The CIDCA delegation led by its Vice Chairman Mr Tang Wenhong held site visits to China-aided projects such as the Pacific Games stadium and dormitories, held discussions with government line ministries regarding development cooperation between the two countries, and signed an MOU with the government on Global Development Initiative (GDI).

According to the Chinese embassy, this MOU will lead to “cooperation in society and livelihood, health care, infrastructure, social governance, culture and sports, human resources and think-tank exchanges under the GDI framework”.

The CIDCA delegation also paid a courtesy visit on Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

CIDCA Vice Chairman Tang Wenhong shakes hands with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

In their discussions with the government, Mr Tang and his delegation gave detailed presentations on China foreign aid policies and practice.

“Since China and Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations in 2019, our bilateral cooperation has yielded tangible and fruitful outcomes, setting up a good example of mutual respect, solidarity and cooperation for all developing countries in the world,” Tang said.

“As a good friend, reliable partner and genuine brother to Solomon Islands, China upholds the principles of mutual respect, friendly consultation, common development and no political conditions attached in its development cooperation with Solomon Islands.

“I am so happy and proud to see in my own eyes the China-aided projects such as the Pacific Games Stadium, SINU dormitories (Athletes Village) and rural development support covering all nine provinces have made important contribution to help SI in hosting PG2023, boost social-economic development of the country, and deepen friendship between China and SI.

“The CIDCA attaches great importance to the development cooperation with Solomon Islands, and will keep pursuing more tangible benefits for the people of Solomon Islands.”

(Left-right) A CIDCA official, China’s ambassador to Solomons Li Ming, CIDCA Vice Chair Tang Wenhong, PM Manasseh Sogavare, National Planning and Development Coordination Minister Rexon Ramofafia, SSPM Albert Kabui, SPM Dr Jimmie Rodgers.

The embassy reports that the CIDCA and Solomons’ government also “signed the Exchange of Notes on Sports Technical Assistance to support training of 80 Solomon Islands athletes in China for three months and sending Chinese coaches to train SI athletes before PG2023.

“The training includes: athletics, weightlifting, boxing, taekwondo, judo, table tennis and swimming.”

The CIDCA advises China’s government on foreign aid and ensures China’s aid programmes “achieve better coordination and greater impact”. It reports directly to the State Council.

PM Sogavare meets with the CIDCA delegation.

Established in March 2018, the CIDCA “aims to formulate strategic guidelines, plans and policies for foreign aid, coordinate and offer advice on major foreign aid issues, advance the country’s reforms in matters involving foreign aid, and identify major programs and supervise and evaluate their implementation. Specific assignments will be allocated to different departments”, according to the CIDCA website.

CIDCA also supervises and evaluates the implementation of Chinese major programmes, such as the distribution of covid-19 vaccines and overseas infrastructure projects.

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