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Kilufi hospital upgrade brings new hope for Malaita: Asilaua

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BY TONY IROGA

Malaita Province Premier Elijah Asilaua this week welcomed the handover of the Kilufi Hospital Improvement Project, describing it as a major milestone that will strengthen healthcare services across the province.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony on Tuesday this week, attended by Prime Minister Matthew Wale, Japanese Ambassador Keiichi Higuchi, government ministers, development partners and health officials, Mr Asilaua acknowledge the Governments of Japan and Solomon Islands for their strong partnership.

“This is not just the launch of another infrastructure project.

“It is a celebration of friendship, a strengthened partnership, and our shared commitment to improving the lives of our people through better health services,” Asilaua said.

He said the project reflects the long-standing friendship between Japan and Solomon Islands and demonstrates what can be achieved through cooperation between national and provincial governments and international partners.

He said the upgraded hospital comes at a critical time, with many health facilities in Malaita in need of improvements.

“About 55 percent of our health facilities have not undergone renovation in the past five years, while another 41 per cent have only received minor repairs.

“This project will help improve healthcare services for our people and reduce referrals to the National Referral Hospital in Honiara,” he said.

He said the upgraded facilities, including emergency and outpatient services, operating theatres, delivery rooms, medical imaging and special care units, will improve the quality of healthcare for communities across Malaita’s five regions.

“The Kilufi Hospital Improvement Project will modernise our healthcare facilities, strengthen clinical services, improve patient care and provide a safer working environment for our health workers,” he said.

He also paid tribute to doctors, nurses and other health workers for their dedication despite difficult working conditions.

“This project recognises your commitment and provides you with better facilities so you can continue delivering quality healthcare to our people,” he said.

He urges the people of Malaita to protect the new investment and continue supporting healthy communities.

“Healthcare is a shared responsibility. Governments can build hospitals, but healthy communities are created when everyone works together to protect and improve public health,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan, the Solomon Islands Government, JICA, Kitano Construction Corporation and all partners involved in delivering the project.

“We look forward to continued cooperation and future investments that will further strengthen health services for the people of Malaita and Solomon Islands,” he said.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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Hou meets China’s Foreign Minister Wang in Beijing

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BY NED GAGAHE

China and Solomon Islands have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties following talks between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Rick Houenipwela in Beijing this week.

During the meeting Foreign Minister Wang congratulated Solomon Islands on the formation of its new government and welcomed its continued commitment to the One-China principle, a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Solomon Islands said yesterday.

Foreign Minister Wang said China’s appreciation of the Solomon Islands Government’s reaffirmation of the One-China policy will further strengthen the political foundation of relations between the two countries and provide greater opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation.

He said China is prepared to work closely with Solomon Islands by aligning development strategies and advancing high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Chinese Foreign Minister said both countries should expand practical cooperation in key sectors, including green energy, while strengthening people-to-people exchanges in education, health and youth development.

He also called for closer coordination in multilateral affairs to uphold international fairness and justice and to jointly respond to global challenges such as climate change.

The talks were held during Minister Houenipwela’s official visit to China, his first since taking office as Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by both governments to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established following the two countries’ diplomatic relations in 2019.

Minister Houenipwela’s visit has included meetings with senior Chinese officials aimed at advancing development cooperation, infrastructure investment, education, health and other areas of mutual interest.

The visit underscores the continued engagement between Honiara and Beijing as both countries seek to expand cooperation on development and regional issues.

Photo credit: Xinhua/Li Tao

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SICCI supports government’s local content policy for job creation and wealth retention

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BY CHARLES STENNETT

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SICCI, welcomes the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation, GREAT, Coalition’s adoption of a landmark Local Content Policy, that will enable local firms to compete more effectively and ensures the benefits of major projects remain in-country.

The policy, which reserves government contracts valued below SBD $50 million for Solomon Islands businesses, establishes a dedicated $50 million procurement reserve that aims to build domestic capacity, create employment, and drive wealth creation across the nation.

Announcing the Policy, Prime Minister Matthew Wale said the policy is more of empowerment, not exclusion adding that for too long, many capable local enterprises have struggled to compete against businesses with significantly greater financial resources.

“Government procurement should achieve more than acquiring goods and services—it must strengthen national capability, create jobs, build technical expertise locally, encourage entrepreneurship, retain wealth within our economy, and contribute directly to a confident indigenous private sector.

“It enables local firms to compete more effectively and ensures the benefits of major projects remain in-country. We make no apology for this policy— to every Solomon Islander with the courage to establish a business, employ workers, and contribute to national development, this government recognises your contribution and will stand beside you as a genuine partner in building our economy,” Prime Minister Wale said.

In a statement, SICCI CEO James Dolarii described the initiative as a long-awaited opportunity to place local enterprises at the heart of national economic growth.

“The private sector has consistently advocated for such a framework,” Mr Dolarii said.

The Chamber’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan identifies local content as a central advocacy focus, believing that prioritising strong local participation bolsters the economy and empowers communities.

While commending the Government’s commitment, SICCI emphasised the need for sustained public-private dialogue to address barriers facing local contractors, including access to finance, procurement hurdles, and skills gaps.

Dolarii also appeals to local businesses to deliver services and products with the highest quality and satisfactory results, stressing that excellence and reliability will be critical to build trust and long-term success under the new framework.

He reaffirmed that the private sector stands ready to partner with the Government to turn this vision into lasting prosperity, enabling indigenous businesses to compete not only within Solomon Islands but across the wider Pacific region.

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Risks remain if humanitarian gaps are not addressed, report warns

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

FAILING to strengthen community engagement and accountability measures during humanitarian responses could leave the most vulnerable people without lifesaving assistance, according to the latest Accountability to Affected People (AAP) report.

The July 2026 AAP report by the Pacific Humanitarian Team warns that significant gaps in inclusion, communication, feedback mechanisms and protection remain following the response to Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Maila, which affected about 150,000 people across Western and Choiseul provinces.

The report states that unless humanitarian organisations improve the way they engage with affected communities, critical information and assistance may not reach those who need it most.

One of the key concerns highlighted is the risk of excluding marginalized groups from humanitarian assistance.

The report says if vulnerable groups are not adequately included in information-sharing and community engagement activities, they may miss lifesaving early warning messages and have their specific needs overlooked during emergency responses.

It notes that persons with disabilities often require specialised support, including tailored dignity kits for women with mobility challenges. Without proper consultation and identification of their needs, humanitarian agencies risk failing to provide appropriate assistance.

The report also highlights that people of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) may face increased protection risks during emergencies if they are not meaningfully consulted and included in response planning.

According to the report, 23 percent of surveyed community members said they did not receive early warning messages before Cyclone Maila. Many respondents also described the information they received as either too late or unclear.

The report warns that an over-reliance on face-to-face communication, while underutilising radio broadcasts, SMS messaging and other communication technologies, increases the likelihood that important emergency information will not reach everyone.

The report found that most community respondents were unaware of how or where to submit feedback or complaints about humanitarian services.

It warns that unless humanitarian organisations actively promote these reporting channels, serious complaints, including allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and corruption, may go unreported and similar issues could occur in future emergency responses.

Although community volunteers and local leaders remain trusted points of contact, the report recommends that humanitarian agencies also establish confidential and anonymous reporting options to ensure survivors and community members can safely report concerns.

The report further raises concerns over abuse, exploitation and corruption during aid distribution.

Survey findings revealed that nine percent of respondents reported being asked to provide something in exchange for receiving humanitarian assistance.

According to the report, gaps in Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Accountability to Affected People (AAP) training, together with inadequate standard operating procedures, could result in incidents not being reported or properly addressed.

The report concludes that strengthening inclusive engagement, expanding communication channels, improving accessible feedback systems and reinforcing protection measures will be critical to ensure future humanitarian responses are more accountable, transparent and responsive to the needs of affected communities.

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Kilufi upgrade strengthens healthcare in Malaita

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TONY IROGA

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has hailed the completion of the Kilufi Hospital Improvement Project as a major milestone to strengthen healthcare services in Malaita Province and reduce pressure on the National Referral Hospital.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony this week, the Minister for Health, Morris Toiraena said the upgraded hospital represents the government’s commitment to provide better access to quality healthcare for people in the provinces.

“The Kilufi Hospital Improvement Project is critical for strengthening general hospital care while laying the foundation for future specialist health services in Malaita,” Mr Toiraena said.

The upgraded facilities include a new outpatient and emergency department, operating theatre, central sterilised services department, perfusion suite, medical imaging unit and pharmacy dispensary.

The project also includes medical equipment, allowing services to begin immediately.

He said Kilufi Hospital was originally built in 1965 when Malaita’s population was about 50,000. Today, the province is home to nearly 170,000 people, creating increasing demand for hospital beds, specialist services and skilled health workers.

Toiraena said the hospital upgrade supports the ministry’s policy of expanding specialist healthcare services to provincial hospitals, reducing the need for patients to travel to Honiara for treatment.

“Our long-term goal is for large provincial hospitals like Kilufi and Gizo to provide general specialist services, allowing the National Referral Hospital to focus on tertiary and sub-specialist care,” he said.

He said Kilufi Hospital already has a general surgeon and an anaesthetic registrar, with plans to further strengthen services through additional investments in laboratory facilities, physiotherapy, biomedical support and new hospital wards.

The Minister described the handover as “the first phase, not the end” of Kilufi Hospital’s development.

He also thanks the Government and people of Japan for their continued support to Solomon Islands’ health sector through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“Japan has been a trusted partner in strengthening our health system for many years. These contributions reflect Japan’s enduring friendship and commitment to the health and wellbeing of Solomon Islanders,” he said.

Toiraena highlighted Japan’s support for major health projects, which include the construction of Gizo Hospital, medical equipment supplied to provincial hospitals, COVID-19 response equipment, the upcoming isolation unit at the National Referral Hospital, and various public health programmes.

He also acknowledged JICA, Kitano Construction Corporation, the Malaita Provincial Government, landowners, development partners and local communities for supporting the project.

He said they are committed to ensure that the new facilities are fully utilised by providing specialist doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, increasing operational support for Kilufi Hospital and continuing staff training.

“This project is more than just new buildings. It is an investment in the health and future of Malaita Province and Solomon Islands. Together with our partners and communities, we are building a stronger and more resilient health system that will serve generations to come,” he said.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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Solomon and Philippine airlines launch new interline agreement

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BY JOSES SAREN

Solomon Airlines has launched a new interline agreement with Philippine Airlines, enabling seamless connections between Honiara and Manilla via Port Moresby and Brisbane, the national carrier announced on 13 July 2026.

The milestone also includes the successful implementation of Interline Through Check-In (IATCI) technical integration, which strengthens international connectivity with Asia, a statement by the Solomon Airlines on July 13 said.

The partnership allows passengers to travel on a single ticket after checking in at Honiara or Manila, with baggage checked through to their final destination, the statement said.

Technical activation of IATCI means travellers no longer need to reclaim bags or re-check in at Port Moresby or Brisbane, cutting transit times and improving the passenger experience, SolAir said.

SolAir CEO Matthew Findlay said the development is an achievement for the airline and reflects its commitment to grow its footprint in Asia.

“By enabling IATCI technical integration, we are removing the friction from international travel and creating new pathways to and from the Pacific experience,” Findlay said.

Philippine Airline Assistant Vice President – Revenue Management, Commercial Planning and Alliances Cail Sanciangco said the partnership reflected Philippine Airlines’ commitment to expand travel options through meaningful airline collaborations, adding that it will create new opportunities for tourism, commerce, and cultural exchange while enhancing regional connectivity across the Asia-Pacific.

Solomon Airlines commenced its new weekly Honiara-Port Moresby service on July 7, operating once a week on Tuesdays. The airline’s existing Honiara-Brisbane route operates four times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

The Integration marks a step in the airline’s strategy to develop network hubs outside Brisbane with Port Moresby now serving as a key hub for travel to and from Asia.

By leveraging existing flight connections with airline partners such as Philippine Airlines, Solomon Airlines is offering a faster, more efficient alternative for those travelling between the Solomon Islands and Southeast Asia.

The Honiara-Port Moresby and Honiara- Brisbane- Manila routes are expected to serve as a link for business, tourism, and labour mobility between the South Pacific and Asian markets, according to the statement.

Tickets for the newly connected services are available through Solomon Airlines Reservations, Sales Offices, travel agents, and Philippine Airlines.

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China reaffirms support for Solomon Islands development during Beijing talks

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BY NED GAGAHE

China has reaffirmed its commitment to support Solomon Islands’ national development priorities, with both countries pledging to deepen cooperation during talks between Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Rick Houenipwela and the Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Chen Xiaodong, in Beijing.

The meeting is part of Minister Houenipwela’s official visit to China and focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in key development sectors, a statement from the Ministry said yesterday.

Chairman Chen said China respects Solomon Islands’ choice of a development path suited to its national circumstances and remains committed to supporting the country’s economic and social development.

He revealed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2019, China has provided aid worth 1.8 billion RMB (approximately SBD2.8 billion) to Solomon Islands.

According to Chairman Chen, the assistance has contributed significantly to improving the livelihoods of Solomon Islanders through major infrastructure and development projects.

Among the projects highlighted were the National Stadium built for the 2023 Pacific Games, the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) student dormitory, the National Referral Hospital Comprehensive Medical Centre, the Dala-Atori Road in Malaita Province, and other development initiatives.

Minister Houenipwela thanked the Chinese Government for its continued assistance, describing the bilateral relationship as relatively young but one that has expanded rapidly since diplomatic ties were established seven years ago.

He acknowledged China’s extensive support and noted that more than 40 bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) that have been signed between the two countries, providing a strong foundation for further cooperation.

Minister Houenipwela also briefed Chairman Chen on the Wale Government’s GREAT policy priorities, including the introduction of free education, reducing electricity costs by up to 80 percent, and accelerating infrastructure development to improve production and national connectivity.

Chairman Chen welcomed the government’s development agenda and said CIDCA stands ready to align its development assistance with Solomon Islands’ national priorities by supporting high-impact projects.

The meeting also discussed cooperation in human resource development.

Minister Houenipwela acknowledged China’s contribution to education and capacity building, noting that 202 Solomon Islands students are currently studying at Chinese universities, while more than 1,300 Solomon Islanders have received professional training in China through short-term programmes.

Both sides agreed to continue expanding technical cooperation, institutional partnerships, training opportunities, knowledge-sharing and people-to-people exchanges.

The discussions concluded with both governments reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership and advance development cooperation for the mutual benefit of Solomon Islands and China.

Photo credit: MFAET

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Opposition Leader backs call for action on Central Guadalcanal serial attacks

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BY JOSES SAREN

Leader of Opposition Manasseh Sogavare has expressed full support for a call by the Leader of the Independent Group and Member for Central Guadalcanal, Peter Shanel Agovaka, for urgent action to address escalating criminal activities affecting communities in the constituency.

The concerns raised by the Member for Central Guadalcanal are serious and deserve the Government’s immediate attention, Sogavare said in an Opposition statement yesterday.

“The people of Central Guadalcanal have every right to live in safe and peaceful communities without fear of intimidation, violence and criminal behaviour.

“The reports emerging from the constituency are deeply concerning and require an immediate and coordinated response from law enforcement authorities,” Sogavare said.

The Opposition leader supports the Independent Leader’s call for those responsible for the criminal acts to be swiftly investigated, arrested and brought before the courts.

Sogavare made it clear that there must be no safe haven for those who choose to terrorise communities, destroy property and threaten the safety and livelihoods of innocent Solomon Islanders.

“The rule of law must prevail,” he said.

Sogavare said the ongoing incidents also highlight the importance of ensuring the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is properly led and supported to respond effectively to growing law and order challenges.

He noted that this is a time when the police force requires strong, stable and credible leadership, adding that officers on the front line must have the leadership, resources and public confidence necessary to carry out their responsibilities effectively and restore peace to affected communities.

He also endorsed Agovaka’s call for leaders, communities and law enforcement authorities to work together.

“Keeping our communities safe is a shared responsibility.

“Political leaders, churches, traditional leaders, communities and the Police Force must stand together against criminality and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Sogavare said.

Photo: Supplied

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Intruders threaten Belaha couple during latest break-in

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Armed intruders broke into a house at Belaha early yesterday morning, threatening a couple with a knife before stealing valuables in the latest of a series of criminal activities at Belaha area and surrounding communities in Central Guadalcanal.

The incident occurred at around 3am yesterday, when two intruders allegedly broke into the couple’s home while they were asleep.

Victim Hollan Soma told this paper yesterday that the men entered through a window after cutting the protective wire mesh before confronting him and his wife inside their bedroom.

According to Mr Soma, his wife was the first to wake after sensing someone inside the house.

He said that as she tried to raise a shout, one of the intruders immediately threatened her with a knife.

“He put the knife close to my wife’s eye and warned her not to shout or speak. He told her that if she moved, they would cut her neck,” Soma said.

He said that one of the intruders stood guard over his wife with the knife while the other searched through their belongings.

“I stayed where I was because I couldn’t do anything. If I reacted, they could have attacked my wife or me,” he said.

He said that the intruders stole the couple’s wallets, an iPhone 11, and a torch before fleeing the scene.

Soma said only $450 was inside his wallet because, after previous break-ins in the area, he had started hiding cash elsewhere.

Soma believes at least two men entered the house, while others may have remained outside.

“We saw two inside the house, but we don’t know how many were waiting outside. The suspects, believed to be men in their 40s, were armed but did not wear masks.

“This is the same kind of incident that has been happening in our area.

“We don’t know why this is happening. Because of the repeated break-ins, we often wake up during the night to check around the house,” he said.

He added that police had conducted patrols in the area before the incident, but believes the suspects may have hidden until officers had passed.

“Police were patrolling before it happened, but I think the intruders hid somewhere until the patrol moved on,” he said.

Soma and his wife reported the incident to Henderson Police yesterday.

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Water rationing yet to begin

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Water rationing announced earlier this month by Solomon Water has not yet come into effect despite ongoing supply disruptions affecting parts of Honiara, a reliable source within Solomon Water has confirmed.

Solomon Water announced it was preparing for the possibility of introducing water rationing as the country entered the current El Niño period on July 3.

In the public statement, Acting Chief Executive Officer Ray Anderson said the utility was already experiencing water supply disruptions caused by factors unrelated to El Niño but was closely monitoring water levels.

“We are currently experiencing some water supply disruption due to factors unrelated to El Niño. However, we are closely monitoring water storage levels and weather conditions across our service areas.

“Should water levels decline, we may need to introduce temporary water rationing measures to manage available supplies responsibly and maintain essential water services for all customers,” Mr Anderson said.

However, a source within Solomon Water told Island Sun that no water rationing schedule has been implemented yet, despite customers in several parts of Honiara continuing to experience irregular water cuts.

Solomon Water, in a statement said the recent disruptions have largely been linked to burst pipelines and maintenance issues.

Solomon Water advised customers supplied by the Tasahe, Titinge, Lengakiki, Skyline and East Kola reservoirs on Monday, July 13, that a major burst on the Ngossi Borefield pumping main had reduced reservoir levels, resulting in low water pressure and temporary outages while repairs were carried out.

Earlier, on Saturday, July 11, a pipe that burst at Vavaya Ridge disrupted water supply to Mbokonavera 1, Vavaya Ridge and nearby communities.

Another pipe burst at Ngossi on Monday, July 6, affected water supply to customers served by the Titinge, Lengakiki, Skyline and East Kola tanks.

The repeated disruptions have left many households without reliable water in recent weeks, prompting concerns among residents that water rationing may already be underway.

Solomon Water has apologised for the inconvenience caused by the unplanned outages and says its maintenance teams will continue to repair damaged pipelines while monitoring water availability during the ongoing El Niño season.

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