BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Four communities in the Solomon Islands have received Disaster and Climate Risk Emergency Kits from Oxfam.

The recipients are Sukiki and Komuvaolu in Guadalcanal Province, and Buma and Ailau villages in Malaita Province.

These communities are part of the Oxfam Disaster READY Project, which also include eight additional communities in Central and Temotu provinces.

Sukiki and Komuvaolu received their kits between February 23–27 during a joint visit by Oxfam and the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS).

Buma and Ailau received theirs from March 4–9, with representatives from the National Disability Forum Solomon Islands and the West Are’Are Rokotanikeni Association (WARA) participating in the visit.

This support is provided under the Disaster READY Project, funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP).

The emergency kits are designed to help Village Disaster and Climate Risk Committees (VDCRCs) fulfill their roles in disaster preparedness and response.

During the handover ceremony in Sukiki, the VDCRC Chairman expressed gratitude to Oxfam for the support.

“The emergency kit is essential for the work our committee do in the community. We do not want our VDCRC to become inactive. We want to be proactive, and this kit will motivate us to continue our work,” he said.

The chairpersons of Buma and Ailau VDCRCs shared a similar sentiment, emphasising the importance of working together.

“Disaster is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.

As part of the project activities, communities also conducted simulation exercises and awareness sessions to highlight the importance of regular drills.

Sukiki carried out a full simulation exercise, while Komuvaolu, Buma, and Ailau completed tabletop exercises.

Community members showed strong interest and participation, expressing their desire for more exercises led by their VDCRCs in the future.

During the visits, the teams also facilitated reviews of community disaster plans and action plans, promoted disability inclusion in disaster risk reduction, and conducted further simulation exercises to strengthen local preparedness.

Photo: Supplied

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Member of Parliament (MP) for East Honiara, Morris To’iraena, emphasised the importance of teamwork among constituency chairpersons and staff to effectively serve the people of East Honiara.

He made the remarks during the East Honiara Constituency Zone Chairpersons’ Workshop at Maranatha Hall Thursday last week.

The workshop brought together chairpersons in the constituency to share knowledge, develop skills, strengthen collaboration, and discuss development projects that address the needs of communities in East Honiara.

Speaking at the event, To’iraena urged members of the constituency office to work closely with chairpersons.

“I want to appeal to the team at the constituency office that you should work closely with the chairpersons,” he said.

To’iraena said the chairmen and chairwomen who attended the workshop represent more than 150 zones within the East Honiara Constituency.

He said through teamwork and a clear understanding of their respective roles, they can better serve their communities.

“Chairmen and chairladies, you are the backbone of our community structure. You are the link between the people on the ground and the leadership of our constituency,” he said.

He reminded the participants that their performance directly affects the success of the constituency.

“You represent your people. When you fail, we fail. When you are strong, we become stronger together. You are the channel between the community and the constituency office,” Mr To’iraena said.

He said the role of chairpersons includes mobilising communities, managing projects, and ensuring development initiatives reach the people.

“If a bridge in your area is damaged and you do not report it to the office, it means the work is not being done. We are here to serve our people,” he said.

Mr To’iraena said the workshop was organised to strengthen participants’ understanding of development programmes within the constituency.

“The knowledge and information shared today will help you better serve your zones and our people, ensuring that development initiatives are implemented responsibly and transparently,” he said.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is designed to support development and promote self-efficiency in communities, says George Barairamo, Deputy Secretary Technical at the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

Speaking during a workshop for East Honiara Constituency Zone Committee chairpersons at Maranatha Hall on Thursday last week, he said the CDF is a national programme implemented by MRD under the CDF Act 2023.

He said funds are distributed through two main components; grants and the Preferred Supplier Arrangement (PSA).

“These methods ensure that funds are allocated and utilised effectively to benefit constituencies,” he said.

Mr Barairamo told the attendees that the money does not belong to individual constituencies or Members of Parliament.

“The money belongs to the government and is allocated to improve the livelihoods of people in constituencies, including East Honiara,” he said.

He said the two main components of the CDF include the Solomon Islands Constituency Development Fund support provided by the Solomon Islands Government and the Rural Sustainable Programme.

Mr Barairamo said MRD is responsible in ensuring that the funds are used properly.

“As soon as the money is allocated to the constituency, we must ensure it is used according to its intended purposes,” he said.

He said that the CDF is strictly meant for development activities.

“It is not intended for other purposes such as buying bags of rice, paying compensation, or purchasing bride price. These are not development activities. CDF should support initiatives that transform livelihoods and provide sustainable benefits to communities,” he said.

Mr Barairamo said funds can be accessed by individuals, groups, or communities to support development initiatives that improve people’s lives.

“The purpose of CDF is to provide access to funding for people with special needs and to assist individuals, community groups, and organisations to participate in socio-economic development,” he said.

He said CDF also aims to address unemployment and support small-scale economic activities.

Mr Barairamo said that under the National Development Strategy (NDS), the CDF is aligned with medium-term development goals.

“To support small businesses and develop the rural economy so that there is cash flow in rural areas. This will help create employment opportunities,” he said.

He said CDF can also support construction of small infrastructures such as wharves, bridges, and roads to support community development.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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BY ALICE T CAMPBELL

McCrystal Agricultural Services Pty Ltd, a sweet potato and sugar cane farm based in South Kolan, Queensland, has successfully wrapped up its two-day recruitment drive at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport in Honiara.

The farm, a key participant in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, interviewed 75 candidates and plans to recruit 40 workers who will be mobilized in cohorts between May and December this year, a statement from the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) said.

Director Russell McCrystal highlighted that beyond farm work, the company is committed to supporting employees through skills development and capacity building, ensuring long term benefits for workers and their families.

With workforce numbers set to grow, McCrystal Agricultural Services is also investing in infrastructure, including expanded accommodation facilities for employees, LMU said.

LMU under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade acknowledged McCrystal Farm for choosing to recruit from the Solomon Islands and expressed optimism for continued collaboration in the future.

Photo credit: Labour Mobility Unit

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The crucial repair and maintenance work on Busurata road is significantly progressing with 14-kilometers of the 15-kilometer unsealed network now completed.

A statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) yesterday said this vital road connects the highlands of Central Kwara’ae in Malaita Province.

Jeremiah Foonota Managing Director of Exodus Trade Development Company, the local contractor overseeing the project said that the team has been actively implementing concrete drainage improvements in the areas susceptible to flooding and washouts.

“With a total of 26 crew members, we have been focusing on drainage work along sloping roads shoulders. Our team continues regravelling and compacting the road which are nearing completion” Foonota said.

Mr. Foonota said while heavy rainfall in recent months has occasionally delayed daily activities, he assures that progress will remain steady.

He said the completion of Busurata road is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and accessibility for the residents in the region.

MID said Exodus Trade Development Company, a key contractor is currently undertaking work on extensive clearance activities, overgrown vegetation and trees along the route.

This crucial work directly addresses road safety concerns by enhancing visibility for both vehicles and pedestrians, particularly in areas with deep ravines.

Mr. Foonota said clearing overgrown tress helps maintain drainage channels and road surfaces, as underground roots can cause water accumulation and erosion.

The Busurata road, which traverses one of Malaita’s primary agricultural regions, is funded through the National Transport Fund with substantial contributions from the Australian and Solomon Islands Governments.

The project’s overarching goals are to improve market access for local communities to enhance essential service delivery and ensure safer travel for people from communities in Kwara’ae.

Meanwhile, Central Kwara’ae is seeing infrastructure development unfold with the ongoing 9-kilometer Fulisango / Afio road repair project.

The Trades Transformation Company (TTC) has been contracted to undertaken these vital repairs which aim to improve connectivity and travel for local communities.

The Transport Infrastructure Management Service Division (TIMSD), based in Auki is providing critical oversight for the project.

TIMSD’s role is to ensure that all work adhere to stringent quality standards, guaranteeing the durability and effectiveness of the road repairs.

This project is part of broader efforts to enhance road network in the region, ultimately benefiting residents and facilitating economic activities.

Photo credit: MID

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A motion of no-confidence brewing against PM Manele as members within GNUT coalition plan mass resignation

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Government is on shaky grounds as a mass walkout is expected this week and a motion of no-confidence, it is reported.

Members of the two main partners in the grand coalition of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) have reportedly rallied together to remove Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

Sources within government told Island Sun yesterday that 25 in total are ready to resign from the GNUT coalition and team up with members from the opposition benches to form a new government.

PM Manele could not comment last night when sought for comment, telling Island Sun – “No comments at this time as situation still fluid”.

Government MPs speaking to Island Sun on condition of anonymity, say they do not have confidence in PM Manele’s leadership, describing it as ‘weak’.

“At the heart of the PM Manele’s weak leadership is his bowing down to the 3Ts in every cabinet and government decision. PM Manele does not make the decisions, he instead reverts to the 3Ts to make the decisions. And, we have had enough,” one of the government MPs said.

‘3T’ is the acronym within the government circle for three government MPs – Jimson Tanangada, MP for Gizo Kolombangara and minister for police and national security (MPNSCS), Bradley Tovosia, MP for East Guadalcanal and minister for fisheries (MFMR), and Namson Tran, MP for West Honiara and chairman of caucus.

Mr Tanangada in a desperate act on Friday last week messaged members of the OUR Party pleading for solidarity and urging them to be wary of the People First Party (PFP).

OUR and PFP are the main parties in the GNUT coalition. Other parties include Kandere and U4C.

Tanangada has not responded to questions sent him by Island Sun yesterday.

In his Whatsapp message, Tanangada accused PFP of being ‘deceitful’.

“Their [PFP] actions appear once again aimed at creating division within OUR Party in order to advance the narrow interests of a few individuals.

“I therefore humbly call upon each of you to open your eyes, remain alert, and recognise the calculated efforts being made to repeat the same old tactics designed to weaken our unity. Let us not fall into this trap,” Tanangada said.

Government MPs told Island Sun that PFP have contacted OUR Party members to remove PM Manele and form a new government under a new prime minister.

PFP party leader, Fredrick Kologeto has not responded to enquiries by Island Sun sent him yesterday. Mr Kologeto is MP for South Vella la Vella, and minister for communications and aviation, and deputy prime minister.

“PFP have been in talks with all the OUR Party members except PM Manele and the 4Ts [Tanangada, Tran, Tovosia and Tozen],” the government MPs told Island Sun.

Tozen Leokana is MP for South Choiseul and minister of education (MEHRD).

“As of today [Sundy, March 15] we have 25 in total from OUR and PFP who are ready to resign from the GNUT coalition and call for change in leadership. We have others from the opposition sides who will join us,” the government sources said.

Yesterday lunchtime, senior PFP MPs were seen in one of the Chinese restaurants in Henderson with Gordon Darcy Lilo and two other members from the opposition and independent benches.

A larger meeting was held later in the evening at the Paul Tovua Complex near the parliament house among members of PFP, opposition and independent.

Government sources told Island Sun, Mr Lilo is ‘being considered as one of the candidates for prime minister if the move goes through’.

Lilo, MP for Central Honiara, has not responded to attempts by this paper for his comments yesterday.

As for the notion of a possible special parliament session called for today, Clerk to Parliament Jefferson Hallu told Island Sun last night that there was none.

Meanwhile, this could be a replay of the first motion of no-confidence against PM Manele in December 2024, which was reportedly instigated by PFP and moved by MP Lilo.

PFP back-tracked in the last eleventh hour and Lilo was forced to withdraw the motion on December 16, 2024, on the floor of parliament.

PM Manele has survived two motions of no-confidence; in December 2024 and May 2025.

A third one was reportedly brewing in October 2025 but was abandoned.

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