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Shanel rejects PAC recommendation

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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THE Minister for Civil Aviation and Communications, Peter Shanel

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Communication and Aviation, Peter Shanel Agovaka has rejected the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) recommendation that the 161 towers are not ‘viable’.

PAC made the recommendation after the Telecommunication of Solomon Islands (TCSI) Interim Commissioner, Calvin Ziru told PAC recently that their position goes along with the KPMG report.

Experts of KPMG New Zealand came up with the report after the Government planned to borrow money from Exim bank in China to build 200 towers.

After the report came out, the Government downgraded it to 161 towers and signed a contracting agreement with the vendor and contractor, Huawei/China Harbour Engineering Company Limited.

Shanel said he got advice from Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), some groups overseas and Ministry of Finance and Treasury which said this project is “viable”.

He said KPMG has different set of numbers because they did their calculation on 200 towers and not 161 towers.

“How they calculate in terms of interest rate, they calculate on different rate?

“We calculate on very modest interest rate. This is the reason why the figures do not match,” he said.

Shanel said CBSI helped them in the calculation which made him and Minister of Finance and Treasury to agree on the project.

Apart from that, Shanel said in the past, former Minister of Finance, late Columbus Abe made a loan to tar seal the main highway in Honiara.

“We work on numbers, CBSI helped us in the numbers, when I look at that, I and Ministry of Finance agree

“That time, I said, how can we repay the loan.

“Today we repaid the road,” he said.

Shanel said for the towers project, Government is expected to repay it in last than 20 years.

“It is for the good of the people of this country to bring people closer to the rest of the world.

“They use telecommunication for trade, information to gather, study and do anything in internet,” he added.

The 161 towers is 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).

According to Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the SINBIP will be fully funded with a 20 years’ term concessional loan of approximately $66 million from the Exim Bank of China at one percent (1.0%) interest rate.

The government expects to complete the first 48 percent of the 161 towers before the Pacific Games in November 2023.

This should enable people, especially in the rural areas, to enjoy the games even if they do not come to Honiara.

HCC: new betel-nut market at Gegema January 2023

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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BY NED GAGAHE

HONIARA City Council (HCC) will open a new betel nut market at Gegema in January next year.

This is according to HCC Market Manager Mr Nelson Sakui.

Sakui told journalists this when he was asked about the council’s plan for a new vendors market in the city following its decision to ban betel nut selling at the newly upgraded Kukum Market.

Sakui said HCC has already chosen the site at Gegema between Vara Creek and Marble Street.

“This site is not really a permanent place, but at least we provide venue for our betel nut vendors since we will be working on closing all illegal vendors areas in the city.

“So, it is expected that by January 2023 the market should be fully operational.

“Consultations has been ongoing throughout the year; HCC has received some objections from certain residents but it’s HCC land.

“There are advantages to that for the residents in terms of economics.

“They will hugely benefit out of it. Land clearance has already commenced except for back-filling of the site which is expected to commence soon,” Sakui said.

Sakui also clarified unofficial reports that a site at the Kukum seafront was recently cleared to make way for a betel nut market.

Responding to that Sakui said permission was sought from the HCC to allow betel nut vendors but since the land belongs to a private business owner, the council cannot issue vendor licence to private business owners to run vending on their land.

Maelanga defends govt

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

DEPUTY Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga has defended government on issues of boat building, drainage system in Honiara, road maintenance and building of wharves around the country.

Maelanga, also Minister of Infrastructure Development, was responding to the recommendations made by Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on his ministry’s programmes.

Speaking during the debate of the 2023 Appropriation Bill 2022 in Parlaiment yesterday, Maelanga said a team was sent out this year to Langalanga lagoon in Malaita province to assess the boat builders there.

He said the people of Langalanga are known for building boats and transporting people and cargoes in the past.

“We have prepared a report and there will be support given to them when it is finalised,” he said.

Further to that, Maelanga said the Ministry also supported the private sectors and other constituencies which own ships as well.

Regarding Honiara’s drainage system, Maelanga said there will be another contractor next year to work with the current contractor to look after the drainage systems and the bad state of roads in the capital.

Honiara’s drains usually get blocked during rainy weather, which results in debris overflowing on the main road.

Furthermore, he said for the maintenance of roads in Honiara and the provinces, it’s an ongoing project, where some are funded by World Bank.

Maelanga said work on Chea wharve in Marovo, Western province is expected to start soon, after their Member of Parliament, Chachabule sorted out the land issue with the landowners.

Further to that, Maelanga said the Ministry is also preparing to open the wharves in Tulagi (Central Islands) and Ugi Islands in Makira Ulawa.

HCC: private security firm to look after Kukum market

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
One-of-the-two-Kukum-Market-building-facility-that-was-recently-opened

BY NED GAGAHE

Honiara City Council (HCC) is looking to private security firms to look after the newly opened Kukum Market.

HCC Market Manager Nelson Sakui revealed this to local journalists at the reopening of the market on Friday last week.

“Currently we are working on outstanding issues of the Central Market.

“We tried as much as possible to make Kukum Market a role model for Central Market and other markets as well in Honiara City.

“So, our plan now moving forward is the security will not be directly under employees of HCC.

“We will outsource it to a private firm.

“Hopefully with the help of the private security firm, they will work along with the help of HCC Law Enforcement Officers.

“We are anticipating that the issues and challenges faced at the Central Market will not a as visible at the Kukum Market,” Sakui said.

FAMILY AFFAIRS CUT OUT

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister for Women Youth Children and Family Affairs Freda Rotutafi Rangirei.

MWYCFA sad $1.3m missing in govt $4.6b budget

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Women, Youths, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) is saddened to see their submission for $1.3 million to establish a Family Affairs Division not included in the 2023 Appropriation Bill 2022.

The MWYCFA Minister had asked Government to set up a Family Affairs Division to work with all Christian churches in Solomon Islands in order to reduce violence against women and girls and all forms of abuse to children.

Minister Freda Rotutafi Rangirei​​ expressed this during her debate on the $4.6 billion budget in Parliament yesterday.

She said one of the most powerful ways to reduce all forms of violence and abuse to women and girls is working together with churches like Solomon Islands Christian Association and Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association.

“This is to enable churches preach to their congregations the Family Protection Act 2010 and Child Family Affairs Act 2017 in collaboration with biblical doctrines, in order for our Lord and Saviour to transform families, children and youths for brighter future,” she said.

“We believe all these violences and abuses as well as youths’ misbehaviours will become less so that our Hapi Isles would be peaceful Solomon Islands again.

“True transformation comes from God and if we support our churches with this $1.3 million each year, we can be able to see transformation in our youths, children and families where less violence and abuse will be experienced.

“True transformation, harmony and peace comes from God,” she said.

Rangirei said they have “fostered this understanding with our churches and was the idea given to us”.

She said since nothing will be given, the Family Affairs will not be supporting churches next year.

The debate continues in Parliament today, December 8.

Dead body found at Fiu River bridge

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Police in Auki are treating the finding of a dead body on December 6 at the Fiu river as a ‘likely murder case’.

The body was found just after 7am under the Fiu bridge, and has been identified as a man in his 30s who was from Fulikaomae, a village in the outskirts of Auki town.

RSIPF Operation Manager at Auki, Sergeant Charles Eddie Koto said initial reports say the deceased was last seen with a group of boys along the river on Sunday.

Koto said a fight broke out between them and the deceased fought with one of the boys.

Koto said the dead body has injury marks and police are investigating whether they are related to the fight on Sunday.

He said Auki police have already identified some of the boys whom they will bring in for questioning.

Koto said the body of the deceased was brought to Kilu’ufi hospital yesterday and kept for post mortem which was arranged for today.

He appealed to families and relatives of the deceased and parties involved to remain calm and allow police to carry out investigations.

Koto urged those who may have information about the incident to report to police.

He conveyed condolences to the immediate families and relatives of the deceased.

Witness in murder case gives testimony

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

HEARING of evidence in the case of a man alleged of murder has started at the High Court.

James Tangasuna is charged with one count of murder in relation to the death of a 50-year-old man at Keuna Village in the Marumbo area of West Guadalcanal on June 14, 2020.

A Prosecution witness told court yesterday he saw the defendant hit the deceased with a two-feet long 3×2 timber, and the deceased fell onto the ground with blood running out of his nose.

The witness said the incident occurred between 1am and 6am on June 14, 2020.

He said prior to the incident a fundraising was held at the village and the defendant was drinking alcohol.

The allegation said the accused and the deceased were both drunk and had an argument before the incident.

It is alleged the accused got hold of a piece of timber with both of his hands and struck the victim twice. The first strike allegedly landed on the back of the victim’s head, and as the victim fell to the ground, the accused then gave the second strike which landed on the left side of his head including the victim’s left shoulder.

Police said the deceased fell unconscious on the ground with blood coming out from his mouth and nose. The deceased was then transported to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) for medical treatment.

The deceased remained in a critical condition for eight days until he died on June 22, 2020 at NRH.

The trial will continue today.

Public Prosecutor John Wesley Zoze appears for the crown while Benham Ifutoo represents the accused.

Police officer’s traffic case hits court today

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case of a police officer alleged of crashing a police vehicle into the Holy Cross Cathedral brick wall in Honiara in 2019 is set for mention before Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison today, 7th December 2022.

Markie Rokoto a police officer is currently suspended in relation to this alleged traffic incident.

The incident reportedly occurred between 10.30pm and 11pm on February 19, 2019 at the Holy Cross Cathedral along the Mbokonavera road.

The allegation said that Rokoto drove at a high speed along the Mbokonavera road while under the influence of liquor and was heading south when he ran the vehicle into the Holy Cross Cathedral brick wall near the road and overturned.

It was also alleged that there were two other police officers in the vehicle with Rokoto during the accident.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown.

Gov’t expects $1.2b budget deficit next year

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Opposition Leader Matthew C Wale.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands Government is expecting a budget deficit of $1.2 billion next year.

This is one of the highest budget deficits since 2016.

Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale highlighted this during his debate on the 2023 Appropriation Bill 2022 in Parliament on Monday.

Wale said total expenditure estimates are set at $4.9 billion.

He said net of $320 million from donors and government revenues of $3.2 billion, this leaves a budget deficit of $1.2Bn to be funded by borrowing.

“The first question this House must ask is whether borrowing to finance this deficit is responsible.

“Members need to ponder on the question as we review this budget,” he said.

Wale said with the exception of 2018, the government has been running deficits in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, & 2022.

“It is significantly increasing that deficit for 2023.

“That makes it a total of seven years in a row that the government budget would be in deficit,” he said.

Wale said the fundamental reason government budgets have consistently been in deficit is clear – high expenditure in the face of decreasing revenues from a narrow base.

“It ought to be common sense policy that if you want to increase expenditure that you enhance the capacity of the revenue base.

“Without expanding the revenue base and stimulating growth in it, government runs the risk of imposing too heavy a burden on the economy by consistently setting high levels of expenditure,” he added.

Furthermore, Wale said there was a time, not too long ago, when government had cash reserves of almost $1 billion.

“Those reserves were squandered over the two-year period 2015 & 2016.

“Cash reserves are essential to the government in a small open economy such as ours. Cash reserves present government will multiply options to prop up and stimulate the economy in difficult times,” he said.

Wale said without cash reserves, government must either live within its means, or borrow to fund an expansionary fiscal policy.

Further to that, he said since 2015, government has pursued an expansionary fiscal policy, and the data is clear that policy has been on the back of deficit financing.

“And given that most Solomon Islands households struggle on hand to mouth situation, it is clear the expansionary fiscal policy has not benefited the vast majority of our people.

“This is a serious charge on fiscal policy that government would do well to reflect on,” he said.

“It is good to pursue an expansionary policy in difficult economic times to stimulate domestic demand.

“However, coupled with such a policy there must be a clear plan of how to get government back into the black,” he said.

“Consistent budget deficits into the mid to long term is irresponsible, as it means government is reliant on borrowing over too long a timeframe for the running of its normal services.

“Donor support masks the real dire situation in government finances,” he added.

Wale said Government can, and at times must, move to deficit financing.

“But this should be only for the shortest amount of time necessary to spur growth in the economy.

“There is need here for government to review its fiscal stance,” he added.

MHMS eyes Copen communication plan

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services is looking at forming a health communication plan against copen, says Minister Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana.

“MHMS will put together efforts to form a of strategic health communication plan against copen which is now being discussed by the health promotion team of the Ministry of Health and Medical,” Togamana said.

When more information is gained on copen – its short term, medium and long term effects, the Ministry will develop health communication material for such drugs or the substance that is illegal, he adds.

He said the development of this material will have to be developed in collaboration with the Ministry  of Education and Human Resources Development, Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services, Ministry  of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs and other relevant stakeholders and non-governmental organisations.

“But most importantly work will engage students who are noted to be affected by the copen substance,” he said.

Togamana adds, they are also looking at working with law enforcement agencies and communities affected by copen.

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