BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project Phase Two (SIRAP2) has been given the green light to upgrade roads in Gizo, marking a major step forward in improving another road infrastructure in Western Province.

Premier Billy Veo confirmed the development in an exclusive interview with Island Sun yesterday.

He said consultations are currently underway between the Western Provincial Government and SIRAP2 officials.

Veo said the project is expected to upgrade more than 20 kilometres of road within Gizo town, with priority to be given to the seaside road stretching from the eastern to the western end of the town.

“Priority will be given to the seaside road from east to western end of the town,” he said.

In addition to road improvements, Veo announced that plans are also in motion to address Gizo’s long-standing water supply challenges.

He said Gizo has been identified as one of the key development areas under the government’s 50th Anniversary development plan, with a focus on establishing a reliable and sustainable water system.

“We are looking at utilising this proposal to develop proper water supply for Gizo town,” Veo said.

He said drilling for boreholes is expected to commence later this month to identify suitable water sources. The plan involves pumping water into storage tanks before distributing it across the town.

Veo said access to clean and reliable water remains a persistent issue for Gizo residents and stressed that his government is working closely with Solomon Water to accelerate progress.

“Our people have faced this challenge for a long time, and we are putting pressure on Solomon Water to fast-track this development,” he added.

The dual projects are expected to significantly enhance living conditions and support economic growth in Gizo, one of the country’s key provincial centres.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE First Secretary (Political) of the Australian High Commission to Solomon Islands, Mr Luke Upton, has commended the people of Uriaupo for the successful completion of their Community Hall Project.

Speaking during the official handing over ceremony at Uriaupo in Vella La Vella, Western Province, Upton said the new facility stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to building a safer and more sustainable future.

He described the project as a concrete example of the strong and enduring partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia.

Upton said Australia continues to support approaches that empower communities to take ownership of their own development.

“This is exactly what we see here today at Uriaupo community.

“Today, we are not only celebrating the opening of a community hall, but also a stronger future where we build together under the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership,” he said.

Upton acknowledged the efforts of the project coordinator and all those involved in bringing the project to fruition, describing the outcome as a great success.

He also recognised the support from the Western Provincial Government, as well as the chiefs, women, youth and children of Uriaupo community for their collective contribution.

Upton said the new community hall will serve as an important resource for Uriaupo and surrounding communities, supporting a range of activities and development initiatives in the years ahead.

“On behalf of the Australian High Commission, I want to express sincere congratulations to everyone involved in making sure this project came to life,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

COMMUNITY leaders, stakeholders, women and youths gathered in large numbers at Uriaupo village on Monday to witness the official handover of a newly completed community hall.

The project was funded by the Government of Australia through its Community Partnership Program, marking another milestone in supporting rural development initiatives in Western Province.

Speaking during the ceremony, Ward 8 Provincial Member Kadiba Alu expressed his appreciation to the Australian Government for its continued support towards community-driven projects.

“Your continued support reflects a strong and enduring partnership that will contribute meaningfully to the development aspirations of my people of Ward 8, specifically here at Uriaupo,” he said.

Alu said the new community hall represents more than just a physical structure.

“This is a place where people will come together to share, learn, and grow. It will create opportunities for enrichment and development for everyone in the community,” he said.

Alu also acknowledged the efforts of the project committee, contractors, and individuals who contributed to the successful completion of the facility.

He reaffirmed the Western Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting community-led developments in partnership with donors.

“We will continue to work closely with our donor partners and communities when it comes to developments that benefit our people,” Alu said.

He calls on the people of Uriaupo to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance for future generations.

Project Coordinator Gaylin Marly Matiuru said the handover symbolises a journey built on unity, sacrifice, and strong partnerships between the community and its supporters.

“This project was born out of a real need within our community. For many years, we lacked a proper space to meet, plan, celebrate, and address issues affecting our daily lives,” she said.

Matiuru explained that community gatherings were often held in unsuitable venues or open spaces, limiting effective coordination and development efforts.

She said the new hall will play a vital role in strengthening community governance and decision-making processes.

“It will also serve as a venue for training, meetings, and social events, while supporting women and youth initiatives,” Matiuru said.

She said the benefits will be felt across the entire community and beyond.

“It will improve communication, support skills development, and strengthen social connections.

“It will especially support our women and youth by giving them a space to organize and actively participate in development activities,” Matiuru said.

She also conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Australia for their generous support.

“You have given rural communities like Uriaupo the opportunity to turn our dreams into reality. What may seem like a simple project becomes, for us, a life-changing milestone—bringing hope, unity, and a stronger future for our people,” Matiuru said.

The newly opened facility is expected to serve as a central hub for community activities and development initiatives in Uriaupo for years to come.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Rising global oil prices due to the ongoing middle east crises are expected to slow the country’s economic growth and increase the cost of living.

Dr Luke Forau, governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) said this in his presentation at the Public Symposium themed “From the Middle East to the Pacific: Understanding the Global Oil Shock and Its Economic Implications” held at SINU last week.

He said that the domestic economy is directly affected through reduced purchasing power when fuel prices rise.

He adds that while incomes tend to remain unchanged in the short term, the increase in prices means people can afford less, leading to lower spending and reduced investment.

“This, in turn, slows overall economic growth and could even push it into negative growth if conditions worsen. In the immediate short term, estimated at one to two months, the country is likely to see a decline in nominal Gross Domestic Products (GDP) as import payments rise due to higher fuel costs. The effects are expected to become noticeable between May and July,” he said.

Mr Forau said that sectors that rely heavily on fuel, such as transport and logistics, will be the first to feel the pressure.

“Increased transportation costs are also expected to drive up food prices. As a result, consumers will face higher market prices. Other key sectors, including fishing, manufacturing and construction, are also expected to be affected.

He said that in the medium term, over the next 12 months, continued crises instability could deepen the impact, with effects spreading further into the provinces.

“Past trends, such as the 2022 spike in electricity tariffs during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, suggest similar patterns could re-emerge. On the government side, fuel taxes, which account for about 4 percent of total revenue, may increase in the short term due to higher prices. However, declining foreign reserves and tighter lending conditions could place additional strain on the financial system, affecting both businesses and households,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Provincial Government (WPG) has approved 18 community development projects that aim to improve the lives of people across the province.

Premier Billy Veo confirmed the development, saying the projects align with WPG’s three-year rolling development plan.

He said funding for the projects will come from both the provincial government and the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), following the province’s successful qualification for the funding program.

“Few weeks ago, we passed our provincial budget of SBD45,818,725. This year we also qualify for the PCDF which is a good outcome for our province.

“So, part of our budget will complement the PCDF to fund our community development projects,” Veo said.

He said the Western Provincial Administration is currently facilitating the projects and preparations are underway to handover the project to respective recipients for implementation.

Despite a decrease in this year’s provincial budget, Veo expressed confidence that financial performance will improve in the second quarter.

He also welcomed the province’s second qualification for PCDF during his tenure, describing it as a positive achievement he hopes to sustain.

Veo said the PCDF remains a critical funding source that supports essential community-based projects that directly benefit the people.

He said a special meeting will be held later this month to discuss the province’s long-term direction, particularly its 10-year development strategy.

“All of these efforts are for one purpose, and that is to help our people, our province and our country move forward,” Veo said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Provincial Government is planning to invest $15 million into the development of key subcentres across the western region of the province, as part of its broader strategy to improve service delivery and stimulate rural growth.

In an exclusive interview with Island Sun, Premier Billy Veo said the government’s development focus is now shifting towards the western side of the province, including the Shortland Islands, Vella La Vella and Ranongga.

He said three priority subcentres have been identified under the development plan—Korovou, Kekoso and Koroivuku.

Veo said the initiative is expected to require significant financial resources, but the provincial government is confident that funding support from the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) will help meet part of the costs.

“Western Province has qualified for the PCDF since 2024, and we believe we have the financial capacity to drive these development plans.

“We are planning to invest $15 million towards this development aspiration while also seeking assistance from our donor partners.

“It will take time, but my government is optimistic about delivering these projects before our tenure lapses,” he said.

Veo explained that each subcentre will include administrative offices as well as residential facilities to accommodate provincial government staff.

He went on to say that the development will also create opportunities for government ministries and non-governmental organisations to establish offices within these centres, bringing essential services closer to rural communities.

Veo said administrative processes are already underway as the province moves to implement the ambitious development programme.

He said the development plan is part of Western Province’s preparations towards statehood.

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