BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A team from the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) is currently in Western Province delivering a program aimed at strengthening community responses to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

The initiative focuses on improving community understanding of survivor-centred approaches, strengthening knowledge of referral pathways, and promoting collective responsibility in protecting women and girls.

Nine communities across the province have been selected to participate in the program, which includes the establishment of CARE Community Committees.

These committees consist of trusted and respected members of the community, including chiefs and traditional leaders, women leaders, youth representatives, faith leaders, community volunteers, representatives of persons with disabilities, and local service providers where available.

Key stakeholders involved in the initiative include provincial government representatives and members of SAFENET.

The CARE Committees are being formed to strengthen community-level mechanisms for the prevention of and response to SGBV.

They will serve as focal points within communities to raise awareness, promote safe and supportive responses to survivors, and facilitate referrals to appropriate services through existing SAFENET mechanisms.

SIPPA says the activity marks an important step in strengthening grassroots protection systems and improving links between communities and formal support services for survivors of violence.

The association acknowledges that survivors in remote and rural communities continue to face challenges in accessing essential services, including health, psychosocial support, protection, and legal assistance.

Limited awareness and weak referral systems often increase the risks faced by survivors.

Through its Empower HER Project, SIPPA is working to establish community-based SGBV protection networks in selected communities in both Western Province and Temotu Province.

The program in Western Province is being implemented from March 18 to 27, 2026, while activities in Temotu Province are scheduled from March 19 to 27, 2026.

The initiative is carried out in partnership with SAFENET members and a gender-based violence consultant from Alinea International.

The outreach highlights ongoing efforts to build safer communities and ensure survivors of violence receive timely and appropriate support.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) has issued an ultimatum to the Isabel Provincial Government (IPG), demanding a formal response to a series of serious allegations by Friday, March 27, 2026.

In a letter dated March 19, 2026, Minister for MPGIS, Rolland Seleso, called on the Premier of Isabel Province to address concerns raised in the 2021/22 Audit Report, as well as allegations of executive interference in procurement processes and other related issues.

He said the concerns were initially communicated by the Permanent Secretary of MPGIS in correspondence dated February 22, 2026, but to date, no formal response has been received from the provincial authority.

“That correspondence outlined serious issues arising from the 2021/22 Audit Report and raised allegations of executive interference in the provincial procurement processes,” Seleso said.

He said the assessment team and the Provincial Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) indicate that the issues remain unresolved and may have worsened.

Serious allegations raised

Among the key allegations outlined in the letter is the alleged involvement of the provincial executive in the tender process. Reports claim the executive directed the Finance Division to process payments totalling SBD2.2 million to Sonic Phase SI, despite the Tender Evaluation Committee recommending another company, PAC Pacific. It is further alleged that Sonic Phase SI did not submit a tender during the procurement process.

The letter also highlights breaches of provincial procurement regulations and conflict of interest concerns. It is alleged that the executive overruled the Tender Evaluation Committee and awarded contracts to Members of the Provincial Assembly, including the Kolpakesa Hall Rest House project valued at SBD564,242, along with two other ongoing contracts.

Purchasing of machines and awarding of contracts with spending of SBD3,664,617.

Additional allegations include the withholding of critical financial information required for PAC deliberations due to pressure from the Premier’s office, as well as creating fear within the provincial workforce through threats of termination.

Possible consequences

Seleso said the allegations point to possible breaches of procurement regulations, standing orders, and raise serious concerns about conflict of interest within the provincial executive.

He said the irregularities could result in Isabel Province being disqualified from Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) support, potentially leading to losses exceeding SBD6 million.

Seleso said a comprehensive explanation is required as to why members of the provincial executive should not be held personally liable for funds linked to machinery purchases and contract awards made in breach of procurement procedures.

He said the final determination of financial losses will be made following a Joint Oversight Committee meeting scheduled for April 2026.

“Please note that, should I not receive a satisfactory response within the next two weeks, the Ministry will proceed with the necessary recovery actions, including payroll deductions, as permitted under applicable regulations,” Seleso warned.

He also said failure to address the issues could result in significant consequences for the province, including the potential loss of more than twelve key development projects.

Seleso cautioned that continued non-compliance may force the ministry to take additional steps, including launching a special investigation and making a submission to Cabinet for possible dissolution of the Provincial Executive.

“Failure to provide satisfactory clarification may compel the MPGIS to consider additional measures, including a special investigation and a submission to Cabinet regarding possible dissolution of the Provincial Executive, should it be deemed that the Executive is no longer acting in the best interests of the people of Isabel Province,” he said.

The Isabel Provincial Government is expected to respond before the March 27 deadline.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Government is looking to utilise unused fuel storage capacity in the country as part of efforts to strengthen national fuel security.

Secretary to the Prime Minister for Special Duties, Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers, revealed this during the Prime Minister’s fortnightly press conference on Sunday.

He said while Solomon Islands currently has sufficient fuel supply, there is existing storage capacity that remains unfilled.

“We have storage capacity that is currently unfuelled, so we are looking at ways to at least fill that capacity so that we have enough supply,” Sir Dr Rodgers said.

He said discussions are underway with the country’s two main fuel importers, South Pacific Oil (SPOL) and Markwarth Oil, to explore the possibility of maximising storage use.

Sir Dr Rodgers noted that Markwarth Oil holds the largest storage capacity, which presents an opportunity for the government to increase national reserves if fully utilised.

He said filling up the available storage could allow the country to maintain fuel supply for up to four to five months.

“This is part of our long-term planning to ensure we have sufficient reserves in the event of any disruption,” he said.

Currently, Solomon Islands has fuel stock that can last up to 60 days for diesel and aviation fuel, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply can last between 30 to 40 days.

Sir Dr Rodgers said maximising storage capacity would provide an added buffer and improve the country’s preparedness against external supply shocks.

He added that the move is part of broader government efforts to improve efficiency in fuel management and ensure energy security for the country.

The initiative comes as global fuel supply uncertainties continue to affect markets, prompting the government to review both short-term and long-term strategies to safeguard supply.

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BY NED GAGAHE

A significant increase in fuel prices is expected in the Solomon Islands by the end of May, according to Secretary to the Prime Minister for Special Duties, Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers.

Mr Rodgers revealed this during the Prime Minister’s fortnightly press conference on Sunday, saying the anticipated rise is due to a sharp increase in global fuel prices.

He said importers have already begun purchasing fuel at higher costs, with prices from the Singapore refinery rising by nearly 60 percent.

“Once the Price Advisory Committee reviews and adjusts the current pricing, we will expect a jump,” Rodgers said.

He added that current fuel prices are unlikely to change until the end of April or early May, as prices are reviewed every two months.

Despite the looming increase, Rodgers assures the public that the government is working on measures to cushion the impact.

He said possible interventions include removing taxes on fuel imports or subsidising importers to ease the burden on consumers.

A fuel security working group—led by the Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Mines and Energy—is currently assessing options to soften the expected price hike.

Rodgers said discussions are ongoing with the country’s two main fuel importers, South Pacific Oil (SPOL) and Markwarth Oil, to strengthen supply capacity and stability.

He confirmed that the country’s current fuel stock remains secure, with supply levels sufficient for up to 60 days for diesel and aviation fuel, and 30 to 40 days for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

“Our fuel supply chain remains stable at this time,” he said.

Rodgers also said that Solomon Islands has a relatively shorter supply route of about 31 days compared to other Pacific nations, which average between 45 to 52 days.

He said the only potential risk would be a disruption at the Singapore refinery, although recent information indicates it has sufficient supply for up to six months.

Meanwhile, the government is also exploring ways to increase national fuel storage capacity, which could extend supply coverage to between four and five months if fully utilised.

Rodgers said while an increase in fuel prices is inevitable, the government is focused on ensuring it is not as severe as projected.

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