BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Minister for Finance and Treasury of the Central Islands provincial government, MPA Dangal Meleha, has outlined the budget strategy and policy direction for the Central Islands province’s SBD 34,381,840 budget for 2026/2027, recently passed by the provincial assembly.

The budget comprises of SBD 8,231,685 in recurrent expenditure and SBD 26,150,156 in capital expenditure, reflecting the provincial government’s strong commitment to investing in the productive sector.

Meleha said the policy direction for this year’s budget is guided by four strategic pillars.

Under empowerment, the focus is on equipping communities particularly youths, women, and children with the tools, opportunities, and support systems needed to actively participate in and drive socio-economic development.

Under transformation, the government aims to accelerate positive change across the province by improving infrastructure, strengthening service delivery, and promoting economic diversification to enhance livelihoods.

He added that the resourcefulness pillar promotes the efficient, transparent, and sustainable use of available resources to maximise development impact and ensure value for money in all public investments.

Meanwhile, the future-oriented development pillar, which sets a 5–10-year vision, underscores the importance of strategic long-term planning to secure a resilient and prosperous future for the Central Islands province.

Meleha said these priorities align with current investments and the province’s long-term development goals.

The Minister also revealed that the province’s 10-year strategic plan is currently in draft form and will soon be presented to the assembly for approval.

“I am delighted to highlight that the 10-year strategic plan of the province is now in its draft form, with the support of the IEDCR project, and will be brought before this House for final endorsement,” he said.

The SBD $34,381,840 budget was passed under the theme “Empowering Transformations, Resourcing Our Future,” underscoring the government’s commitment to driving positive change and laying a strong foundation for future development in Central Islands province.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Sagupari led Government of Change and Rural Transformation (GCRT) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving infrastructure and driving economic empowerment across Central province.

This forms a key part of the provincial government’s policy direction, which aims to empower communities and encourage self-reliance.

Speaking at the recent full assembly meeting in Tulagi, Premier Kenneth Sagupari outlined his government’s priorities for the upcoming financial year.

These include improving rural infrastructure, strengthening healthcare and education services, and promoting economic initiatives to support self-reliance among citizens.

Premier Sagupari said the government has introduced several key initiatives to improve livelihoods across Central province over the next five to ten years.

Among the initiatives highlighted are:

• Strategic Master Planning:
  The government will table a 10-year Strategic Plan, alongside master plans for the Pavuvu mini township and the Hakama Agricultural Growth Centre. These plans, which focus on tourism and infrastructure development, have already been submitted to the executive government for initial discussions.
• Modernisation of Tulagi:
  A concept plan for a 30 to 40-room hotel linking Bangai Island is currently underway. Once implemented, the project is expected to serve as a key architectural feature in the modernisation of the provincial capital.
• Accountability Measures:
  The provincial executive has mandated a series of audits, including financial, compliance, operational, internal, and forensic audits. These will be carried out across all non-devolved ministries, including police, health, and education, to ensure transparency and accountability in service delivery.
• International Partnerships:
  The government is finalising a sister-province agreement with Hubei Province. A delegation is expected to travel in the coming months to formalise the partnership in the second quarter of 2026. Strengthening investment partnerships with both foreign and national investors remains a top priority to boost economic potential.
• Sustainable Energy Development:
  Consultations will begin on Savo Island regarding the proposed geothermal project. The government says community voices will play a key role in guiding investment decisions. A feasibility study from the Ministry of Mines and Energy is already available to support this process.
• Provincial Ordinances:
  The government is prioritising the tabling of several provincial ordinances, expected in the first or second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, pending progress by the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening and the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Premier Sagupari also revealed that he has joined other provincial premiers in submitting revised PAMSAD entitlements.

He added that consultations involving the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) will be conducted to finalise the review.

The revised entitlements are expected to take effect either in this year’s national government’s supplementary budget or in the 2027 budget.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

For JQY Construction Limited, being contracted to construct the new agriculture complex in Malaita is not just about carrying out a job, but it is also about giving back to the community.

A representative of the contractor, Young, made expressed this during the official groundbreaking ceremony in Auki, Malaita Province, last week. 

He said the construction of the new building complex is not just a project for the contractor, but a way of giving back to the people of Malaita Province. 

“Being given the opportunity to construct the office is not just a job for any contractor. It is my way of giving back and showing appreciation to the people of Malaita who have helped me in my journey,” he said. 

He also assured the government, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the people of Malaita Province that the construction of the complex is not their first project, as they have completed similar projects in the country. 

He said that they will do their best to construct the building complex to high-quality standards.

Mr. Young said that JQY Limited is committed and will ensure that the project will deliver benefits beyond the infrastructure and also provide job opportunities for locals.

He also reaffirmed their commitment to delivering this project on time and to a higher standard.

He added that through dedication and teamwork with its partners, they are confident that the project will be completed according to the project’s timeframe.

Photo: Supplied

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Rural communities in and surrounding Ward 28, in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, will now be able to enjoy access to good network coverage after the successful installation of the Sinasu Tower on Wednesday, April 9.

The installation and activation of the tower, which was done in the middle of this week, has improved network coverage in the ward and provided access to essential information relating to the weather and updates about the province and country. 

According to William Kaobata, the chairman of the Bonale landowners, who is behind the building and construction of the tower with the Huawei team, it was truly a milestone achievement for his people in Ward 28 and surrounding communities. 

He said the new network coverage, rural entrepreneurs, students, and individuals can now rely on good network coverage to access information from their homes, unlike before.

“Now, we can access 4G network coverage at our homes, unlike before that we had to move to locations where good coverage was available, such as seaside areas and up in the hills, to make calls or do internet research,” he said. 

Kaobata thanked the Huawei company, engineers, and locals who were part of the construction of the project. 

He also acknowledged the partnership between Huawei, Solomon Tower Limited, and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).

Island Sun understands that the Huawei tower will be launched sometime this month.

Photo: Supplied

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Auki Forestry and Agriculture officers in Malaita Province held a one-day training for the first two groups of youth apprentices at the provincial chamber’s conference room yesterday. 

The training focused on forestry and agricultural aspects that are very relevant and important for the youth apprenticeship members. 

In an interview, Frank Samo Sari, Malaita Provincial Youth Coordinator said the training also deliberated on successes, failures, and ways forward for improvement. 

He said he was confident that the youth members were participating well in all the apprenticeship activities. 

“Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Youth Apprenticeship Program in Malaita Province for its successful implementation on the ground so far.

“It is encouraging to see a considerable number of youths participating and engaging in apprenticeship activities, particularly in the fields of agriculture and forestry,” he said.

Despite these achievements, he said that a number of challenges have been raised by the participating youths during their field activities.

He said the challenges raised include the unfulfillment of commitment to provide allowances to participants, along with failed lunch hour and transport arrangements and weather conditions.

In the meantime, he thanked the youths for the feedback and promised to improve the training the next time around.

“Based on your feedback, I will improve to ensure this program is progresses and engages more youth,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

RELIEF efforts to assist victims of Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila in Western Province have been delayed due to a lack of funding, leaving affected communities increasingly vulnerable as food shortages loom.

Deputy Provincial Secretary of Western Province and Acting Chairperson of the Western Province Disaster Committee, Collin Potakana, confirmed that while a response plan has already been finalised, implementation has been put on hold due to financial constraints.

“We are just waiting for funds into our account. Hopefully by next week,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Potakana explained that the disaster response team is waiting for support before rolling out relief operations to affected areas across the province.

As authorities wait for funding, communities devastated by the cyclone are raising urgent concerns over their worsening situation, particularly the growing threat of food insecurity.

In Malole on Ranogga Island, a teacher identified only as Mary warned that families could face hunger within days as their food gardens were destroyed by the powerful storm.

“People will go hungry in the next four to five days.

“We are currently surviving on the few gardens that were spared,” she said.

Similar concerns have been echoed in Valapata village on Vella La Vella.

Resident, Ian Lelokana said the destruction of food gardens has left families with very limited food supplies.

“We hope help will come soon,” he said.

In Iriqila, the situation is no different.

Member of Provincial Assembly for Ward 10, Freedom Tozaka, described the impact of the cyclone on his constituents as severe, with many losing both homes and livelihoods.

“Some of my people lost their entire gardens and others lost their houses. This is a serious situation and I hope help will reach my people soon,” Tozaka said.

With communities across Western Province facing mounting hardship, calls are intensifying for immediate assistance as officials work to secure the necessary funds to launch the long-awaited relief effort.

Photo: Supplied

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