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HONIARA’S RAIN CURSE

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Groundbreaking ceremony of the Kongulai water treatment plant held yesterday. A significant milestone on the journey to deliver safe, sustainable, resilient and reliable water supply and sanitation services to all people in the Solomon Islands.

… to become a thing of the past, soon

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Whenever it rains in Honiara, the water supply gets cut-off in most parts. This has been an ongoing problem which notably began in 2018.

But, a ground-breaking yesterday could see the end to this ‘Honiara rain curse’ in a matter of months.

The ceremony marks the beginning of work on a new water treatment plant at Kongulai water source – Honiara’s main water source.

The new Kongulai water treatment plant with a capacity to produce 15 million litres of treated water daily will enable Solomon Water to continue its service delivery ensuring safe, quality water for customers.

Speaking to the launching event Unit Head Solomon Islands Pacific Country Office, Asian Development Bank, Elmar Elbling, on behalf of the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (UWSSSP) and its development partners – the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, says the ground-breaking event marks a significant milestone on the journey to deliver safe, sustainable, resilient and reliable water supply and sanitation services to all people in the Solomon Islands.

“The demand for sustainable and safe water services in urban and peri-urban areas in Solomon Islands is increasing rapidly, considering the high population growth rate in urban areas.

“When commissioned later this year, the Kongulai water treatment plant with a capacity to produce 15 million liters of treated water daily, will improve the lives of more than 140,00 people living in the greater Honiara area

“The frequent shutdowns due to heavy rain and high turbidity (water), which impact households and businesses throughout the greater Honiara area will become a thing of the past,” Mr Elbling said.

Gloria Hong on behalf of Solomon Water said it was a long time coming and despite challenges in the last few years, Solomon Water continued to and still remains firm in its commitment to see the Kongulai Water Treatment project enabled.

“Todays (yesterdays) ground breaking ceremony marks the start to the largest project undertaking by Solomon Water to –date.

“This water treatment plant shall enable Solomon water to continue its service delivery ensuring safe, quality water for customers.

“Upon its completion and in its operational capacity the treatment plant will ensure that clean water is produced during high turbidity – the main cause for many unfortunate disruptions in the past,” Ms Hong said.

Deputy Secretary for Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Daniel Rove says the delivery of this project will provide significant long-term benefits for local people and for local businesses in Solomon Islands.

“We expect a lot of people and local businesses to be involved in the building of this water treatment plant and the joint venture will provide employment opportunities for up to 70 people depending on the different work requirements.” 

The project was possible with the generous support from donor partners, these are the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the European Union / government Union.

Reopening of embassy not US response to any country’s action: Charge d’affaires Comeau

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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From (L-R) Taylor Ruggles, Russell Comeau and Colin Beck.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE US has said its reopening of an embassy in the Solomons is not a response to any country’s action.

Russell Comeau, chargé d’affaires ad interim, United States Embassy Solomon Islands told a press conference this after yesterday’s official opening.

“We have been engaged in the Pacific push for almost a decade now. The realisation of our presences matters not only in the Pacific but around the world, this is not confined with the Pacific 

“Reopening of our embassy is not an action of us responding to any other countries action this is Untied States striking out on its own work plans.

“What witnessed today is the realisation of the commitments we made in the Indo Pacific strategy,” Comeau said.

Taylor Ruggles, director EAP/ANP, United States Department of State, says the core to their strategy in the Pacific is for peaceful open Indo–Pacific.

“It is not focused on any one country. But it’s about the values that we share, the democratic values, the development objectives, the peaceful aspiration and the partnership that we established throughout the region,” Ruggles said.

Colin Beck, permanent secretary to Solomons foreign affairs ministry (MFAET) and the only government representative at the occasion, said the reopening of this mission is welcomed by the government and people of Solomon Islands.

“It is a manifestation of the rich historical ties we share, the ongoing friendly relations between our two countries, and ushers renewed ambitions to deepen our bilateral partnership,” Beck said.

US visas will still be managed in PNG 

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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US Embassy in Port Moresby, PNG. Photo credit - https://pg.usembassy.gov.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

US visas will still be managed by the embassy in Port Moresby, PNG.

The newly reopened United States embassy in Solomon Islands confirmed this yesterday.

This was echoed by Russell Comeau, chargé d’affaires ad interim, United States Embassy Solomon Islands.

“The US Visa will still be managed at Port Moresby, PNG.

“Unfortunately, US visas request here is quite low so it is difficult to have that justification.

“Perhaps if we have more interests in Visa to US we can get an officer here.

“But we have a great team in Port Moresby, they are very responsive, we get visas very quickly.”  

On the same note Taylor Ruggles, Director EAP/ANP, United States Department of State says “We have discussed how we can better serve Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island countries that do have visa issue.

“This is an interim presence, it will too early to speculate what our long term looks like in terms of facility but as we go along we having discussions with colleagues on how we can incorporate our services. So, stay tuned,” Ruggles said.

The only Solomon Islands government official to attend the low-key reopening of the US embassy was Collin Beck, permanent secretary to the ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAET).

Mr Beck said the opening of the US embassy in the Solomons is a new era in terms of new relations and beginnings.

“Despite not having their presence on the country we still have the relationship through Moresby. Now they are in town we are basically have the opportunity to explore more opportunity on a daily basis in terms of looking at all issues.

“So we will be talking each other, we will be listening to each other and we will be working with each other going forward,” Beck said.

AMERICA IS BACK

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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US Embassy office in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

US re-opens embassy in Honiara in low-key

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

UNITED States of America (USA) officially opened its embassy in Solomon Islands yesterday in Honiara.

The low-key event was attended by the Solomon Islands foreign affairs permanent secretary, Collin Beck.

Thirty years after it closed its embassy in Honiara on July 30, 1993, the US is reopening its doors in a small building shared with other offices at the Commonwealth Street, along the road leading to the wharf.

In reopening the embassy USA is hoping to broaden opportunities to engage with Solomon Islands, says Mr Russell Comeau, chargé d’affaires ad interim United States Embassy Solomon Islands, speaking at the reopening press conference.

 “This embassy we hope to and expect to broaden the opportunities to engage with Solomon Islands, to increase access.

“Becoming an embassy is really the first step as we moving toward establishing more permanent facilities and deploying diplomatic personnel.

“We hope to get a bigger team out here in the Solomons deliver the initiatives we are working in partnership with around the region,” Comeau said.

He said the US embassy in Solomon Islands will serve in key platforms from which US government will continue to develop its partnership in the Pacific based on shared values, democracy, human rights and the rule of laws.

United States Secretary of State Antony J Blinken says, “Am grateful for our partnership in Honiara and across Solomon islands.US and Solomon Islands will work together tackle issues in the Pacific community.”

Taylor Ruggles, Director EAP/ANP, United States Department of State adds they have seen over time that having no presence on the ground makes communication very difficult

“When we are not present on the ground, communication becomes difficult its harder for us to understand the priorities of the Solomon Islands Government to maintain the contact with the People.

“In order for us to communicate our policies and messages to the people and the government of Solomon Islands the Biden administration has prioritise re-establishing the embassy here in the Solomon Islands,” Ruggles said.

Colin Beck, permanent secretary to the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade congratulates United States on the technical opening of the US Embassy in Solomon Islands on behalf of the government.

“The reopening of this mission is welcomed by the Government and people of Solomon Islands,” Beck said.

He said the Embassy in Honiara is the 164th US diplomatic mission in a foreign country.

“The reopening of this mission is welcomed by the government and people of Solomon Islands. It is a manifestation of the rich historical ties we share, the ongoing friendly relations between our two countries, and ushers renewed ambitions to deepen our bilateral partnership.

“But most importantly, the establishment of the Embassy shows the people of Solomon Islands that US is here, and will be for the long haul,” Beck said.

Good news for Gizo residents

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA

WESTERN Provincial Assembly has passed a budget worth $500,000 to buy a water truck for Gizo residents.

This is a good news for Gizo residence as they depend entirely on rain water to cooked, wash and drink.

It is still unclear when the provincial government will purchase the water truck.

Island Sun understand that water shortage is a long standing issue which has affected people residing in Gizo for over 20 years.

Early this year, Solomon Water rolled out the first phase of its Gizo Water Project digging boreholes at Mile 6 and other parts of Gizo.

The budget allocation and Solomon Water Project will definitely address the water shortage in Gizo.

Man alleged of sexually abusing 7-year-old still without lawyer

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man alleged of raping a seven-year-old girl in November 2022 is still without a lawyer to represent him in court.

The case was called again for mention yesterday; however, the defendant is still without a lawyer and the case was further adjourned to February 15 for mention.

Meanwhile Bobby Harunari of the Public Solicitor’s Office who appeared  in court said he will inform his superiors to allocate a lawyer for the defendant.

The defendant who cannot be named for legal reasons is currently facing five counts of raping a girl under 15 Contrary to Section 139 (1) and two counts of Indecent Assault Contrary to Section138 of the Penal Code (amendment) Sexual Offences Act 2016

The rape incident happened on November 20, 2022. 

Police said during the arrest of the defendant that such behaviour is inhuman and is a very serious crime. Rape bears a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

231 leprosy cases from 2018 to 2022

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Director for Tuberculosis/Leprosy program Dr Henry Kako.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

A total of 231 cases of Leprosy have been recorded from 2018 to 2022.

This is according to   the Director for Tuberculosis/Leprosy program Dr Henry Kako.

“Solomon Islands between years 2018 to 2022 recoded a total of 231 leprosy. It is not going to be easy as we think, but ending it must be the challenge to all countries in the world that have not yet zero leprosy elimination,” Kako said.

He says this gives the country 0.65 – 0.75 per 10,000 populations as the country continues to sustain elimination target.  

“The detection rate of above years was 5.80 – 6.75 per 100,000 populations,” Kako said.

He adds, seven provinces are till reporting cases within that period and are as follows, Honiara, Malaita, Guadalcanal, Western Choiseul, Central and Temotu provinces.

“Among the seven provinces reporting cases Honiara City Council, Guadalcanal and Malaita annual reporting cases have been accounted for most reported cases,” Kako said.

Yet, he stressed with the availability of leprosy services in most of the clinics in the country and trained staff on leprosy, the country should be easily on the path to eliminating leprosy.

The theme of World Leprosy Day reads “Act Now. End Leprosy”. The event was marked earlier this week.

Fa’abasua hits back at Malaita’s non-executives

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Former provincial secretary of Malaita, Fredrick Fa’abasua has spoken out against false claims by the non-executive of the province directed against him.

The non-executives have included Mr Fa’abasua in allegations listed in their reasons for their motion of no confidence against Premier Daniel Suidani and his MARA government.

The accusations by the non-executives say “the premier directly appointed Reach Consultancy, a firm owned by the former PS Mr Fredrick Fa’abasua to work on the ‘15 years Malaita Development Aspiration’ by-passing the normal tender compliance and procurement processes.

“Further still, the acting PS David Filia Tuita was conveniently by-passed by the premier to allow REACH consultancy to proceed without signing a formal binding contract following the executive’s approval.

“Consequently, the consultancy fee of $SBD60,000 awarded by the premier ($SBD32,000 of which has been paid to the REACH consultancy firm) constitutes an illegal payment.”

Responding to the accusations, Fa’abasua, who is the director of Reach Consultancy firm, said his firm has a signed contract with MPG, not MARA government as alleged and it signed on the October 10, 2022.

“Where do I get the approval and authority before signing the contract? The original executive decision to engage someone to work on the Malaita Development Aspiration 2050 was made on 18 June 2020.

“However, this was not done and so, on 23 September 2022, the MARA executive met and further cemented that decision thereby requesting Reach consultancy firm to work on this matter.

“I was then formally conveyed that decision by the premier’s office on 07 October 2022. When receiving the letter, I then raised the issue of procurement with the premier’s office.

“Due to the urgency of this task that needs to be done as partners are waiting upon the MARA Government, the premier formally writes to the Provincial Secretary acting as the Chairman of the Provincial Tender Board asking for a waiver of the procurement process base on the urgency.

“This received the approval from the PS acting. It was only then that I went on to sign the contract,” he said.

Fa’abasua said his team has delivered the task given and formal presentation of a copy of the Malaita Development Fifteen Years Aspirations was made to MARA executive at the provincial chamber on November 28, 2022.

He said the plan is the first of its kind for Malaita province that links with other greater plans of the Solomon Islands government, regional and international plans.

Fa’abasua said although the mover of the motion saw it fit to put this as part of their allegations, there is one more truth that the public needs to understand here.

“Anyone in his right mine will not go around and publicly claim that if the motion of no confidence is passed then I and my firm will still be engaged by the newly formed government.

“These statements were echoed at a public meeting at Kilusakwalo on Sunday 29 January 2022 even without my knowledge and consent.

“What a hypocrite! I said this because in the first place my name and firm has been tarnish because of what he and his team proposed in their motion.

“Yet, in their effort to garner public support, my name and firm was again used to score political points and public support.

“This is not good politics to say the least,” he said.

SICTU supports COLA rise for public servants

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands Council of Trade Union is supporting the 6.5 percent ‘Cost of Living Adjustment’ for public servants in the country.

Solomon Islands Public Employees Union (SIPEU) had submitted the proposal to the Ministry of Public Service last year to help public servants keep up with high rising costs of goods and housing.

SIPEU is currently waiting for Cabinet approval on the proposal.

SICTU President, David Tuhanuku said they are waiting for the outcome of Cabinet’s deliberation on the proposal.

He said SICTU will hold a meeting to decide their official stand, depending on the outcome of the Cabinet’s decision.

General Secretary, Robert Au, told Tavuli News in an interview that the 6.5 percent is with the Public Service and working on it.

“They trying to look at the budget side of it and will submit to Cabinet for endorsement and perhaps this first quarter, we should know what time it should be implemented for all the public servants.

“So, the 6.5 percent will go across the board,” Au said.

Furthermore, on the rental scheme for public servants, Au told Tavuli News that Cabinet did not get back last year, for reasons they want to totally look at how it could be implemented for all public servants in the country.

“Our wish is that we want to see rental housing assistances go to the public servants so that they can arrange their own housings.

“Maybe some of them can go and secure loan through the financials institutions that are available, or the Solomon Finances Limited, which is one of the subsidiaries of Solomon Islands National Provident Fund,” he said.

Au said SIPEU is continuing monitoring that and checking with the government and with the Public Service.

“I understand they are still yet to submit the review they carried out last year.

“I am still to get back to PS after the New Year. Iam hoping when the PS settles down, we can have a meeting to look at the progress and updates on that one,” he added.

Apart from that, about 100 nurses are planning to depart to Australia to work in age care, due to low salary level they received and could not afford to meet the increased cost of living in the country.

Forms 3 and 5 results Friday

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Permanent Secretary for MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie.

BY NED GAGAHE

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) Dr Franco Rodie says year nine (form 3) and 11 (form 5) examination results will be released tomorrow, Friday, February 3.

In an email to Island Sun yesterday, Rodie said results will be posted via MEHRD’s website and can be accessed there.

Rodie said form seven placements have been released and signed off by Minister yesterday (Wednesday) and are now accessible from the MEHRD website.

The release of the form-seven results has brought relief to parents, supporters and fee payers who criticised MEHRD for the delay.

Most schools nationwide both primary and secondary schools have already kicked of class on January 23 and are now well into their second week of normal classes.

Meanwhile, concerned parents, guidance and fee payers are advised to go to MEHRD’s website if they wish to find our the placement of their children.

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