BY NED GAGAHE
Deputy Clerk to the Honiara City Council (HCC), Jefferson Patovaki, calls on city residents to be responsible in keeping Honiara clean and safe as the capital prepares to host the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) next month.
Speaking on the SIBC Radio Talk Back Show on Sunday, August 24, 2025, Mr Patovaki said the council is working closely with partners, including the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), to ensure the city is ready for the historic gathering.
“We are very happy, and I believe all the residents and local leaders here are happy as well. As the host city for the PIFLM, it is the first time for us to welcome all the leaders in the region, and it is a privilege. With this privilege comes responsibility to look after our guests,” Mr Patovaki said.
He explained that HCC’s role in the lead-up to the event includes waste management, law enforcement, and other essential city services.
He said HCC officers have already been visible in recent weeks carrying out clean-up operations across Honiara.
Mr Patovaki stressed that keeping Honiara clean is not HCC’s responsibility alone.
“Basically, our call to the public is to take responsibility for our city’s waste management. It is not the sole responsibility of HCC — it is everyone’s role,” he said.
To support the effort, the HCC Waste Management Division will be placing waste bins across the Central Business District as well as in the eastern and western ends of the city.
“Please look after them well. If you see the bins placed at locations, please take care of them,” Mr Patovaki appealed.
He added that maintaining a clean and safe environment should go beyond the PIFLM and become part of the city’s everyday life.
Meanwhile, RSIPF Supervising Assistant Commissioner National Operations, Francis Ramoni, echoed similar sentiments and calls on the general public to cooperate with police during the two major regional meetings in Honiara.
The 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and the 16th Pacific Water and Wastewater Association Conference and Expo are underway this week, from August 25–29, at the National Aquatic Centre in Honiara.
The city will then host the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting from September 8–12, including a leaders’ retreat in Noro, Western Province.
“I would like to urge our general public to be patient with us because there will be a number of traffic escorts during the movement of our leaders from the airport to their accommodation as well as to the opening ceremony venue. We need your support,” Mr Ramoni said.
He also appeals to residents of Noro to work with the police during the leaders’ retreat.
“Our good leaders are visiting us in a couple of weeks,” he added.
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