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NATIONAL SPORTS STADIUM CONSTRUCTION SET

Written by
Peter Zoleveke II
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and the Chinese Ambassador HE Li Ming with government officials, CCECC Mr Huang and the Guadalcanal Premier Francis Sade dig to officially mark the launch of construction.

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

The official ground-breaking ceremony for the 2023 Pacific Games National Stadium project was marked as history in the making for Solomon Islands together with its bilateral partners as construction work is set to commence.

Prime Minister, who is the Minister for the 2023 Pacific Games Manasseh Sogavare has expressed his gratitude as the country takes a step further towards hosting the major regional sporting event – for the first time.

PM Sogavare said after formally establishing diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the exchange of notes, and discussions the initial support from PRC has commenced.

“It is one of the largest infrastructure projects, funded and built by the People’s Republic of China in any of PRC’s partner Pacific Island countries,” Sogavare said.

Guadalcanal Premier Francis Sade presenting a gift to CCECC Country Manager Mr Huang

The national stadium will consist of seven sporting infrastructures;

1 – A 10,000-seat national stadium which includes 1,000 VIP seats,

2- An Aquatic centre hosting a 50-meter competition pool, and a 25-meter training pool,

3- A six-court tennis centre

4 – A full-sized training track and field with a full-sized soccer/ rugby field

5 – A 90 meters by 50 meters multi-purpose hall

6 – A 5-aside competition hockey field

7 – A double story food court and office space building for the Games Organising Committee

“The facilities will focus our energy as a nation to provide sustainable venues to be used for grass root sports, high performance sports, and community events for the next several decades,” PM Sogavare said.

Chinese Ambassador HE Ling Ming delivering his remarks

“Four key principles underpin the detailed attention paid to the design stage of all facilities for the 2023 Pacific Games. These four principles are:

All facilities must be multi-purpose. Each facility can be used for multiple sports, and community activities.  Even the pool complex was designed to be multipurpose. It can convert to family pool as well as a competition pool. 

All facilities must be high-quality, low maintenance and sustainable.  Quality materials and construction standards, solar power generation, water retention, and green areas are incorporated throughout the PG2023 complexes. 

All facilities are accessible to all users, especially citizens with physical disabilities. The facilities belong to all Solomon Islanders. Disability would not be a barrier.

All facilities are multi-use. The design of the facilities incorporated sports requirements, but also office and support areas to allow the National Sports Council as well as National

NSC Joe Sika presenting the building permit to CCECC Country Manager Mr Huang

PM Sogavare further commends PRC and the winning construction bid company the China Civil Engineering Construction Cooperation [CCECC].

HCC TAD DELAYED

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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New City Council executive yet to be gazetted by PMO

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Newly appointed members of the Honiara City Council executive are yet to be blessed by the Prime Minister.

Regardless, the new executive are already carrying out their new portfolio roles.

The Secretariat to the prime minister could not comment when contacted last night on the matter.

Honiara City Council (HCC) Mayor Eddie Siapu says he appointed members of his executive after his election on April 15.

However, Siapu said the Prime Minister Office is still to formally gazette the appointment of the members.

Siapu, who replaced former Mayor, Wilson Mamae, told Island Sun yesterday that his executive members have performed their functions already.

He said his office is only waiting for the formal gazette from the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Initially, Siapu appointed Robert Oge of Kukum ward as his Deputy after he withdrew as candidate for Mayor in the conference room just before the start of the election.

This led to Siapu defeating Reginald Ngati of Vura ward by 14-6.

His full executive members are:

  1. Francis Idu – Chairman of Finance
  2. Dorah Irio – Chairwoman of Trade and Commerce
  3. Luciano Sikwae – Chairman of Lands and Planning
  4. Clement Terewairi – Chairman of Education
  5. Charles Awaisuga – Chairman of Health
  6. Charles Lesimaoma – Chairman of Law Enforcement
  7. Mostyn Saferio – Chairman of Tourism
  8. Wilson Mamae – Chairman of Sports, Women and Youths
  9. Leonard Sai – Chairman of Works

Siapu is still to appoint the Chairman of Waste Management.

Fred Warereau is currently the Acting clerk after Rence Sore was removed from his position.

After his victory, Siapu assured residents in Honiara that his administration will take into serious consideration the never-ending ‘short bus routes’ that are affecting city commuters daily.

Meanwhile, Siapu said he would respond later to latest revelations that he had been privately using a hilux the council purchased last year.

Wale queries vaccine roll-out

Written by
Press Release
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OPPOSITION leader Matthew Wale has called on the Prime Minister to further clarify government’s roll-out of covid-19 vaccination throughout the country.

Wale made this call in view of the Covid-19 situation in India that seems to be out of control.

This has affected India’s capacity to manufacture AstraZeneca vaccines for exports, as it is focused on its domestic situation.

The Prime Minister earlier announced that the government had requested 600,000 doses of AstraZeneca from India, half to be paid for by the Government, and the other half was requested under India’s bilateral assistance to Solomon Islands.

Wale points out that in view of India’s desperate domestic situation, and given that Solomon Islands was hoping to procure the majority of its vaccines from India, it is important that the Prime Minister outline what other options the government is exploring.

The Opposition Leader however emphasized the need to ensure government only procures vaccines approved for use by World Health Organization.

“People who received their first vaccination jabs in April are due for their second jabs in June.

“The second jab will need to be of the same vaccine used for the first dose – AstraZeneca.

“It is obviously important that enough supplies arrive before the start of the second dose for those needing it, and for the continued roll-out of the vaccination programme throughout the country,” Wale said.

Sinopharm vaccine update on emergency use soon

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE country is expecting World Health Organisation approval for Sinopharm vaccine emergency use soon, says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

“We expect some updates from WHO regarding its approval for Sinopharm vaccine emergency use soon,” Sogavare said.

He said national covid-19 vaccine technical working group of the Ministry of Health is preparing its presentation on the approval of the Sinopharm to the National Drug, Medicine and Therapeutic Committee to be submitted as soon as the WHO approval process comes through.

Sogavare said 50,000 doses provided by China are kept at the National Medical Store. The government is closely monitoring the WHO approval process for this vaccine.

Further to that he said the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine that have rolled out had been approved by WHO and is in use in many countries. Based on the WHO approval, this vaccine is safe and so far in Solomon Islands, they had not yet seen serious side effects

Sogavare said like all other vaccines and medicines, the AstraZeneca vaccine does have mild side effects in some people following the vaccination. These side effects may include light-headedness, dizziness, mild headaches or tiredness and sweating. These side effects usually pass within 24 hours, and some are relieved by taking paracetamol.

“Since roll out of COVID-19 vaccination in the country, there has not been any cases of Anaphylaxis, which is the severe form of reaction or allergy to the vaccine. Such reactions would normally occur within 15 to 30 minutes of receiving the vaccination,” he said.

Chefoo betrays gaps in our covid preparedness: Wale

Written by
Press Release
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LEADER of Opposition Matthew Wale is concerned with the actions alleged to have been taken by the shipping agent of MV Chefoo recently, which was in direct breach of the Standard Operating Procedures governing the clearance of foreign ships.

Wale said he is quite concerned that officers of the shipping agent boarded the ship before it was cleared by the Health team, thus endangering not just their own health safety but also that of the community.

Wale has cautioned the Oversight committee to pay particular attention to this shipping agent, stressing that there is the suspicion that this shipping agent is given special treatment by the Oversight committee in the clearance of their vessels.

“This, if true, may pose a risk to the SOPs not being thoroughly followed,” the Opposition Leader said.

He calls on the Oversight Committee to investigate this matter, and if confirmed to be true, there must be some punitive measures taken against this particular shipping agent and its officers involved.

Further, he expressed grave concern about the lack of enforcement of SOPs on log ships.

The Opposition Leader said he has received reliable information that a number of log ships were not cleared by health teams but proceeded to allow local stevedores to come onboard and head to log ponds to load their cargo. The stevedores live on board for several days as they do their work.

“This is a terrible gap in the country’s Covid preparedness and fight. If true, this poses a significant risk to the country’s health safety.

“These local stevedores return to their families and communities after loading without being tested and the risk to their communities and the wider country cannot be overlooked.

“This matter has been left as it is for too long, it is worse than negligence,” Wale added.

The Opposition Leader therefore calls on the Prime Minister to take immediate steps to eliminate these risks. And review the enforcement of SOPs on foreign log ships.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

One Link Director case for plea

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case against One Link director Gerard Tauohu is listed for plea today at the Honiara Magistrate court.

Tauohu earlier faced 33 counts of false pretence under the penal code, and one count of unlicensed financial institution under the Financial Institutions Act 1998.

However, after further investigations, prosecution acquitted him of all the initial charges and charged him with simple larceny.

Tauohu was arrested by police after receiving complaints from One Link mentors and customers who had not received their payments from the director as promised.

Allegation said that Tauohu obtained more than $400,000 from six mentors between December 2019 and February 2020 and failed to pay them their promised interests.

He then allegedly escaped to Malaita and was arrested after police received complaints from the scheme’s mentors and customers who had invested in the scheme last year but were yet to receive their payments.

One Link Pacifica customers had allegedly invested a total of $56,440,4575 in the scheme but police had only managed to recover $336,891.20.

Jonathan Auga of the Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown while Ronald Dive represents the accused.

NPHL predeparture testing soon: PM

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE National Public Health Laboratory will soon be doing pre-departure covid-19 testing, says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Sogavare said so far over 1,000 tests have been done for pre-departure requirements.

“All pre-departure testing will soon be done at the National Public Health Laboratory,” he said.

Sogavare stressed the molecular laboratory has now performed about 13,000 covid-19 tests to date.

He said more than 10,000 tests are to fulfil our quarantine requirements for incoming travelers.

Sogavare adds, covid-19 testing for all crews on incoming logging vessels, and all stevedores on outgoing logging vessels are now done at the laboratory at Gizo hospital.

“So far Gizo hospital has processed almost 500 tests.”

Bangladeshi’s case moved for May 18

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison has adjourned the case of a foreign national for May 18, 2021 for mention.

The accused appeared in court yesterday and had his case further adjourned.

The Bangladesh national faces counts of rape, indecent act, criminal trespass and count of intimidation.

Regarding the rape charge, police alleged that the accused raped an underage girl on unknown dates early this year.

Prosecution alleged that the Bangladeshi raped the 11-year-old girl in an area in East Honiara.

According to Police the case was reported to the Henderson police station by the mother of the victim.

Police said the victim’s mother called in at Henderson Police Station and reported that her daughter was raped by a Bangladesh national in his bedroom.

The mother said she only knew of the incident when she heard stories from other girls about what happened to her, it was at that time the mother asked her daughter and confirmed that the accused has been doing sexual action on her about a week ago but she was afraid to tell anyone about it.

Journos reminded to do duty with professionalism

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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The Hon Prime Minister who is also the patron of MASI delivering the MASI night’s keynote address

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

LOCAL journalists in the country have been reminded to do their duties with professionalism.

This call to remind journalists of their duties was echoed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during the World Press Freedom Day event organised by the Media Association of Solomon Islands and partners.

“I want to encourage our press and media to do your duty with the utmost professionalism. Your credibility depends very much on the confidence and the trust that the public has in you.

“The government will always support you, and we expect the press and media to discharge their duties in a professional and ethical manner.

“At the end of the day, it is the people that we serve.

“As we mark this day, I call on everyone to ensure the information continues to remain a public good,” said Sogavare.

He said there are other media outlets that continue to discharge their duties in a professional manner.

“I therefore wish to acknowledge the role of the media in supporting the government to disseminate information to the people,” Sogavare said.

Journalists briefed with CAUSE project grievance redress mechanism system

Written by
Ben Bilua
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CAUSE Officials and Journalists who were part of the discussion

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

JOURNALISTS in Gizo yesterday were briefed with Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE) Project’s Grievance Redress system.

The discussion was held at Gizo hotel and was conducted by Kevin Teferomu – CAUSE project Safety Officer and Lawrence Nodua – CAUSE Project Communication Officer supported by CAUSE Project Community Liaison Officer (CLO), Gizo Project Implementation Unit, Penny Siliako and Resident works supervisor here CAUSE Project Gizo Edwin Ghasapio were also present during the discussion.

In his presentation Mr Teferomu said CAUSE project has a standard procedure to resolve grievances.

He explained that the procedure is codified in the project’s policy which is endorsed by the World Bank and relevant Solomon Islands government agency

Teferomu said there are proper channels to launch a complaint and that is through standard procedures established under the project policy.

“Those who gone through Infrastructure Service delivery training (ISDT) know this policy.

“There is a form available at our provincial offices so as at the head office where Graduate trainees with grievance can fill.

“The form will go through an appropriate line of command find best solution.

“In addition, there is a box made available at our offices where trainees or public can drop their complaints.

“As per the policy, the issues will be deliberated within two weeks and feedbacks will be delivered or announced,” he explained.

Teferomu said there have been issues where complaints were raised outside of the standard procedures and this has created some misunderstanding in the community.

He further states that this policy is a guide to create better relationship with the project but also create better understanding of the way the project is operated.

“Such policy has penalties in an event workers are not following the guidelines these include, warning, reprimand, suspension from the project these applies for both people who project employed on a short term basis and staff of the project.”

Meanwhile Nodua said media plays a key role in information dissemination and at the same time educate people.

He thanked mainstream media for continuous reporting of the project’s milestone achievements.

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