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Government transfers land titles to the Makira provincial government

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Press Release
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Lands Minister Hon. Avui, Premier Maka'a and officials of the Lands title handover signing.

The National Government yesterday held an official ceremony for the transfer of Perpetual Estates to the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced during his official address marking the Makira Ulawa province Second Appointed Day celebrations yesterday morning:

Garlanding of the Provincial Government Minister Hon. seleso

“The land being transferred now includes the whole of Kirakira township, as well as lands at Ngorangora, Pamua, Waimasi, Faghani, Namuga, Ghupuna, Malaulalo, Alangaula, and Moli on Ulawa Island. In total there are 97 Perpetual Estates being transferred.”

This is a fulfilment of the Prime Minister’s statement during last year’s Second Appointed Day celebrations when he stated the Government was in the process of transferring the Perpetual Estates in Makira to the Premier of Makira Ulawa Province.

Guard of honour inspection

Sogavare said the transfer process has been a long journey but with the support and hard work of expert government officials, the task has been achieved.

The Prime Minister advised the Premier and his Assembly to manage the lands well and in the best interests of the people of the people of Makira Ulawa Province with an eye on the future development for generations to come.

PM and Premier Maka’a

“Please ensure that you carry out due diligence in assessing potential lessees, that they have the financial capacity and local support to carry out their development projects, otherwise these lands could continue to lie idle for years to come.”

He encouraged the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government to continue to consult with the National Government to help identify the best ways to utilise these lands in the best interests of the people of the province.

Sogavare also thanked the Commissioner of Lands for his hard work and commitment to ensure that the transfer happens.

–OPMC PRESS

GUALE, SUN DEAL

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Solomon Power team at their stall at Marau during the Guadalcanal 37th Second Appointed Day Anniversary celeberation

10 communities identified

BY JARED KOLI

Guadalcanal province is next to tap into the sun’s eternal energy with the help of Solomon Power.

The state-owned enterprise has identified 10 pilot communities.

Solomon Power will build solar hybrid systems in these communities.

With success stories from two solar hybrid systems in Seghe, Western Province and Taro in Choiseul Province, the state-owned enterprise plans to roll out similar electricity power systems in the country.

A team from Solomon Power was at Marau in east Guadalcanal during the Guadalcanal 37th Anniversary celebration where they informed people about their plans for Guadalcanal province.

Solomon Power Planning Engineer, Palmer Anisi told Island Sun in an interview that these 10 communities have shown interest to have electricity in their communities and have applied to the Solomon Power for this.

The identified communities are Marau, Talibau and Bokasughu in the far east and southeast of Guadalcanal, Kolosulu in the highlands, Navola and Numbu in the Northeast, Mbabanakira in South Guadalcanal and Tanagai, Visale and Lambi in west Guadalcanal.

Mr Anisi said this compliments Solomon Islands Government’s goal to energise 100 percent of the country by 2050.

Solomon Power has conducted a feasibility study where they travelled to these communities and surveyed the economic settings of these areas.

“…after we design a system that will cater for these communities.

“We know that line issues in the country is sensitive, so we encourage communities to apply to us and we go around and do assessment and studies to identify power systems suitable for these communities,” Anisi said.

He said the two solar hybrid systems in Seghe and Taro have been working perfectly since they were installed.

“With this success, we want to roll out these similar systems to rural communities around Solomon Islands.

“Solar hybrid system mainly consists of solar panels, battery to store energy and diesel generator. We prioritise renewable source in the operation of this system,” Anisi said.

He said generator only works to charge battery when there is no sun. However, when the battery is fully charged, the generator is turned off.

“With this establishment of hybrid system, there will be less reliance on diesel and therefore lessen the tariff as well,” Anisi adds.

He said all communities have different settings, some have schools and clinics while others do not have these services.

Solomon Power analyses the data they collected and design a system that matches these communities.

“At the moment we target communities that have 100 or more households; we are also in the process to design systems that can cater for smaller communities.

“The electricity output of the Solar Hybrid system will depend on the communities, whether they have commercial activities, clinics, schools or resort,” he explained when asked.

Anisi said in Marau they have already conducted a survey and now in the process of finalising it.

Jab list for the provinces set

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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AstraZeneca vaccine. Photo by NDTV.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services, through the National Medical Store has finalised the distribution list and arrangements to transport vaccines to the provinces.

This was confirmed by Adrian Leamana, acting chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine radio talkback show at the SIBC in Honiara.  

“Ministry of Health and medical Services is also preparing to start rolling out vaccination to other provinces

“The national Medical Store has finalised distribution list and arrangement to transport the vaccines to other provinces in ongoing at this point of time,” Leamana said.

He said their goal is to vaccinate all eligible people especially 18 years and above.

This is very important during this time when the country has not yet has community transmission of the deadly virus, now is the country’s golden opportunity for us to get vaccinated.

On the same note, Dr Yogesh Choudhri, senior advisor to Ministry of Health of Health and Medical Services said, “Now we start the plan to roll out vaccination programme in different provinces. It will happen in first week or second week of this month.”

Minister for Health, Dr Culwick Togamana said, “Work on rolling out the vaccines to all provinces is in progress which includes distribution of vaccines and vaccination trainings for the remaining provinces.”

SIPA sidelines Red Cross food contract

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

Solomon Ports’ goodwill gesture in signing Red Cross catering service comes to an end in January next year.

This is after Ports decided to engage other local catering services in a bid it described as “sharing the service around for all food caterers”.

SIPA Chief Information Officer Ellison Pade confirmed this in an email to General Secretary of SIRCS, Clement Mauri.

Pade said the management has taken the decision not because of the service provided but because a lot of interests shown from smaller caterers who wanted to take part in providing such service.

“We are of the opinion that one and half year is enough for Red Cross,” Pade said in the letter.

“The economic impact of covid has financially affected everyone, therefore it is best to share the service around to all food caterers who have expressed their interest,” he added.

Pade said this does not mean it is the end for Red Cross.

“Maybe you can have your chance again in the future but with reduce quantity.

“You have provided an excellent and quality service, so not to be disheartened by the end of contract in June,” he added.

Furthermore, Pade said Solomon Ports is happy to renew the catering service contract up to end of January 2022.

“We will further renew the agreement if we need to following positive feedbacks and responses from staff.

“So far comments received from the general staff is very positive, in terms of food taste and quality, except that food delivery at times is pretty late,” he said.

Pade said this is the area that I see the Red Cross team needs to improve on, other than that you have provided an excellent service.

“In the month of Jan & Feb, I have noted that the food flavors and varieties served is very good.

“I will arrange for a contract to be signed anytime during the week,” he added.

Island Sun understands in 2019, few months catering services resulted in $258,000 for SIRCS.

This was for providing 250 plates a day at $35 per plate.

Pay your dues, Sade reminds investors

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY JARED KOLI

Guadalcanal Province premier Francis Sade has appealed to individuals, companies, and investors to pay up their dues to the province.

The Premier said the un-collected Land Property Rates and Land Rental Fees are usually not paid to the Guadalcanal Province and her people. 

“I therefore, appeal to every individual, companies / businesses, investors, organizations, Government Ministries, institutions and churches to respect the people of Guadalcanal and pay to the Province all Property Rates, Land Rental Fees and other legal fees due,” he said.

Premier Sade said the province needs the revenue to deliver services to its people so deserved from their government.

“Guadalcanal is and will be a home for all of us as my people and the Government will continue to avail land and resources to support national development efforts.  I expect all of us to be good corporate citizens, follow regulations and pay what is due to Guadalcanal province,” the premier said.

He said as part of his government’s revenue collection strategies, the recruitment of law enforcement officers is underway.

He reiterated last year’s speech at Visale that provinces need legal frameworks to strengthen revenue.

“The Provincial Assembly in October 2020 had Appropriate 10 provincial ordinances. The 10 ordinances are now still with the Attorney General’s chamber for months.

“I strongly request the Hon Prime Minister and Minister for Provincial Government to support Guadalcanal province to ensure the Attorney General’s Chamber facilitates the legal requirements/procedures needed and for the Minister responsible to urgently Gazette the Ordinances.

“These ordinances will help regulate activities in and improve the province’s revenue collection for sustainability of the province,” he said.

Constructors must vaccinate to enter MID premises: PS

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

NO constructors will be allowed to enter the Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s premises in Honiara unless they receive their first vaccination.

Permanent Secretary, Stephen Maesiola put this on notice after many constructors are seen roaming in the ministry’s premise every day.

Maesiola said he has given the constructors until Wednesday next week to get vaccinated before they can enter the Ministry’s premise.

He said the ministry also fears any community transmission of the coronavirus even though it is still to be seen.

In the meantime, the Government has approved a mandatory vaccination to all public servants, state-owned enterprises, and the private employees undertaking frontline work.

The cabinet approved the mandatory vaccination on Friday,  July 30, 2021.

Minister of Health and Medical Service Dr. Culwick Togamana  said any employee under these three categories who refuses to take the first Covid-19 jab by Aug. 31 will not be allowed to access their place of employment.

“The cabinet has approved the mandatory administration of Covid-19 vaccines for all public servants, state-owned enterprises, and the private employees undertaking frontline works like shipping agents and airlines,” he said.

“All employees under the above three categories will have 60 days to get their first dose of vaccine. If they chose not to take their vaccine by this period, they will not be allowed to access their place of employment; and if they still chose not to take the vaccine by the closing date of the period, Nov. 30, they have chosen to self-terminate their employment,” he added.

He said this also goes out to all employees under these three categories in the provinces.

The Solomon Islands cabinet set a national vaccination target coverage of 80% by November 2021.

Investigations on Vokia still ongoing

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Jamie Vokia. Photo supplied.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Criminal investigations against the former MP of North East Guadalcanal Jamie Vokia is still ongoing.

This is on the bribery allegation that occurred prior to the 2019 National General Election.

Responding to queries by this paper on the progress of the case, Police Media Unit said that the National Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) are investigating the matter.

“It will take time to thoroughly look into such case to bring before the courts,” Police said.

Vokia was ousted on three bribery allegations under the electoral act during the 2019 national general elections.

Vokia unseated his runner up, former MP Dr Derek Sikua 1,835 to 1629 votes, during last year’s election in one of the biggest election result upsets.

However, Sikua filed an election petition which court upheld in February last year, finding Vokia guilty on three grounds of bribery.

Justice Emmanuel Kouhota ruled that Vokia’s election as MP for Northeast Guadalcanal is null and void.

Vokia was tried on four grounds but Justice Kouhota dismissed one ground of bribery.

Low jab coverage for 55-yrs plus

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

There is low vaccination coverage for the 55-years-old and above category, it is reported.

This group also happens to the be regarded as the most-at-risk to covid-19.

Simon Burggraaf, World Health Organisation Honiara Office immunisation specialist, said this group have low coverage in terms of the vaccination unlike the younger age group.

“We have recorded low coverage of the 55 plus age group in terms of our vaccination roll out programmes. I call on everyone who have elderly uncles and aunties, parents and grandparents to come forward and get vaccinated.

“This is a most the at risk age group unlike the younger age group. The old population group are the one that turn to experience the more damaging side effects and mortality,” Burggraaf said.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana early this week said despite the continued push to increase the country’s vaccination coverage since the March 2021 launch, it is extremely disappointing and worrying to note that to date only 47,921 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, 1st and 2nd dose had been administered. Only 12,183 people had been fully vaccinated, with 1st and 2nd doses.

Togamana said this represents only 2.9 percent of the national target population of 414,327 people. Only 23, 555 people having received their first dose at this point.

He said in Honiara and Guadalcanal province combined, 10,000 plus people have completed their 2nd dose which translates to only 6.9 percent of the target population.

For the Choiseul and Western Provinces, about 3.3 percent and 1.2 percent of target population respectively had received full vaccination. The 2nd dose roll out for Malaita Outer Islands was also conducted last week Togamana stated.

“Fellow Solomon Islanders, the government is extremely concerned about the terribly slow uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in the country to a level that would protect our population from COVID-19 in the event the virus breaches our borders and reach our communities,” he said.

Police development programme awaits cabinet approval

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Commissioner Mangau and an officer of the SIPDP recently

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PERMANENT Secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Karen Galokale confirms that the next phase of the Solomon Islands Police Development Programme with the RSIPF is pending approval from cabinet.

In an interview with Island Sun, Ms Galokale said the Australian funded SIPDP and New Zealand Solomon Island Police Support Programme ended in June this year.

However, with regards to SIPDP they have reviewed and a newly designed programme completed and ready to be presented to cabinet for approval.

The New Zealand programme are asking for an extension of 12 months for review and also waiting on the New Zealand government for approval on a new programme.

She said though the next phase of the programmes is still pending, they are still rolling, the Australian and New Zealand advisors are still with the RSIPF doing their advisory role.

Galokale said her Ministry has already done consultation with stakeholders regarding the next phase of the SIPDP but they are waiting on the cabinet for approval.

She also said the Australian government already assured them of continuous support and now they are waiting on the Solomon Islands Government on their view and approval.

Galokale also explained that during the drawdown of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Island in 2017, there was an agreement signed between Solomon Islands with the two countries Australia and New Zealand for their continuous support to RSIPF in terms of capacity building and improving the capability of the RSIPF on a four-years program, that program ended on June 30 this year.

Police warn against ‘Te Ka Pas’

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Press Release
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POLICE have served letters to six people at the 01 Bus Stop area in White River, west Honiara, for illegal gambling known as ‘Te Ka Pas’.

Officers at City Response Unit (CRU) assisted White River Police and Honiara City Council (HCC) Law Enforcement Unit to serve the letters.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Honiara City Superintendent John Matamaru said complaints have reached the Commissioner’s office that “Te Ka Pas” gambling game is common and rapidly growing 24 hours and seven days a week at the White River 01 bus stop and surrounding areas.”

PPC Matamaru said this activity attracts a huge number of people including drunkards who caused all sorts of public nuisance and disturbances to nearby residences.

“These gatherings are illegal and also not in accordance with the State of Public Emergency (SoPE) COVID-19,” adds Superintendent Matamaru.

A strong warning has been issued to stop as of 3 August 2021. The people concerned have agreed and are willing to comply.

Whilst the team is still on the ground, some information came in that similar activity have also occurred at Banana Valley area.

The team attended that area and found people actually playing. They were also advised to stop immediately.

“White River police are closely monitoring the areas of concern; arrest will be done if anyone fails to comply,” PPC Matamaru emphasizes.

—–RSIPF

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