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Development projects in Malaita most likely to fail acquisition process

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Premier of Malaita province Peter Ramohia.

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

Premier of Malaita province Peter Ramohia.

IN essence 90 percent of land in the process of acquisition for major government development projects fail to complete the acquisition process.

This statement was made by the Honorable Premier of Malaita province, Peter Ramohia.

Premier Ramohia said, this in turn, delays the time frame of projects resulting in a project being suspended or cancelled.

The acquisition provision provided in the Land and Titles Act is the Government’s tool to alienate land for public purposes.

Ramohia adds this process has been used in major projects on Malaita but has a high chance to fail 90 percent of the time.

At the moment, only Churches have been successful in acquiring land, he said.

The Anglican Diocese of Malaita (DOM) has completed an acquisition process mid this year and are now preparing to build a new secondary school next year (2019) at the Ilikata land in the Central region of Malaita.

“This will be model for acquiring land for developments within our lands through proper consultations and negotiations”, Ramohia said.

He also highlighted how Malaita province continue to portray a negative image to the needed foreign investment in the country.

“We must create employment for our people at a faster rate than the birth rate”.

“To do that we as people must work tirelessly to counter the negative image which our people have portrayed over the years”, Premier Ramohia said.

Safety reminder as Christmas approaches

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

BOAT travellers are being reminded to seriously consider their safety first seeing that we are now heading towards Christmas. Central Islands Province (CIP) Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Inspector Hugo Maelasi made this reminder.

With occurrence of Outboard Motor (OBM) incidents from time to time, PPC Hugo states that boat drivers, are responsible for equipping themselves, their boats and their passengers with the right safety gears.

“You are also responsible for operating your boat in a safety and courteous manner to ensure safety of passengers.

“Do not consume alcohol while operating the boat, consider the following factors every time when operating, take responsibility for your action,” advised CIP’s PPC.

For their Christmas Operation ‘Safe Boat’, CIP’s Tulaghi Police high visibility team will be patrolling nearby community areas as well as monitoring boats travelling from Honiara to the villages.

“Anyone found consuming alcohol while operating an OBM will be dealt with accordingly,” warn CIP’s PPC.

Tangis eyes TSL golden boot

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Solomon Warriors striker Kensi Tangis is the current leader of the Telekom S-League golden boot tally.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Solomon Warriors striker Kensi Tangis is the current leader of the Telekom S-League golden boot tally.

SOLOMON Warriors striker Kensi Tangis sets his sight on claiming the golden boot award of the Telekom S-League (TSL) with three matches to spare per team in the remainder of the 2018/19 season’s league competition.

After 11 matches, the Ni-Vanuatu international now comfortably leads the table with 17 goals ahead of the rest of the goal scorers.

Tangis did not feature for Warriors in last Saturday’s nil-all draw with Real Kakamora as he was away on international duty with the Vanuatu senior side for a friendly against New Caledonia.

The top goal poacher is expected back with the Moses Toata-coached side for this weekend’s top-of-the-table clash with Henderson Eels set down for Saturday 4pm at Lawson Tama.

Chasing Tangis on the golden boot tally are Western United’s Coleman Makau and Real Kakamora’s Adrian Mara. Both players share the second position with 11 goals each and followed by Tutizama Tanito of Henderson Eels in third place with eight goals.

Tangi’s teammate Tigi Molea occupy the fourth place with seven goals while the fifth spot is shared by five players on six goals each namely Lawrence Foanaota (Malaita Kingz), Moffat Kilifa (Western United), Joses Nawo (Henderson Eels), Patrick Taroga (Marist) and Paul Wale (KOSSA).

 

See the updated TSL goal scorers tally below:

 

17 Goals:

Kensi TANGIS (Solomon Warriors)

 

11 Goals:

Coleman MAKAU (Western United)

Adrian MARA (Real Kakamora FC)

 

8 Goals:

Tuti Zama TANITO (Henderson Eels FC)

 

7 Goals:

Molea TIGI (Solomon Warriors)

 

6 Goals:

Lawrence FONAOTA (Malaita Kingz FC)

Moffat KILIFA (Western United)

Joses NAWO (Henderson Eels FC)

Patrick TAROGA (Marist FC)

Paul WALE (Kossa FC)

 

5 Goals:

Moffat DERAMOA (Kossa FC)

Jerry DONGA (Solomon Warriors)

George SURI (Henderson Eels FC)

 

4 Goals:

Clement BAEGENI (Henderson Eels FC)

Marlon NONONE (Real Kakamora FC)

Obed OFEA (Henderson Eels FC)

Boni PRIDE (Henderson Eels FC)

 

3 Goals:

Junior BAKO (FC Guadalcanal)

Michael FOSTER (Malaita Kingz FC)

Paul HIRI (Real Kakamora FC)

Joachim KAIRI (Kossa FC)

Eddie KASUTE’E (Kossa FC)

Raphael LE’AI (Marist FC)

Emmanuel SIMON (Malaita Kingz FC)

 

2 Goals

Alfred ELVIS (Western United)

Alvin HOU (Solomon Warriors)

Edward HUNIUEHU (Malaita Kingz FC)

Anoni MAELUMA (FC Guadalcanal)

Nicholas MURI (Kossa FC)

Steve MALI (FC Guadalcanal)

Willy NGAO (Real Kakamora FC)

Prince PUE (Marist FC)

Joachim RANDE (Real Kakamora FC)

Alvin RAY (Marist FC)

Augustine WAITA (Henderson Eels FC)

NRH in distress

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Receiving the hand gloves on behalf of the national referral hospital, Dr Bradley Munamua (right) shakes hands with Mr Patrick, the Kava family rep. Watching on are members of the Kava family. Photo supplied

Kava family rescues hospital with glove donation

 

EARLY this week, the National Referral Hospital (NRH) has received a timely donation of latex hand gloves.

The NRH had reportedly run out of latex hand gloves last week, and had already received a portion of the donation due to the urgency of the matter.

The bulk of donation was handed over Monday this week in a low-key occasion at the Kokonut Café’s Leafhaus Kava Bar.

Prominent local business man Robert Chow found out of NRH’s problem when he took his child to the hospital last week. He wasted no time in garnering help to provide the much needed gloves.

Speaking to Island Sun, Mr Chow said, “I learnt from medical personnel there that the whole hospital had ran out of gloves.

“I was told the hospital couldn’t do anything, except to wait until the next batch of supplies arrive. The hospital staff told me that it would be ‘quite a while’.

“I knew the immense importance that latex hand gloves play in medical procedures and health work, and I felt that I had to do anything to help, and fast.”

Chow immediately set to work, calling on members of the Kava family.

It is understood that the group rallied support late last week and through the weekend. By Monday this week they had put together enough to pay for a substantial amount of latex hand gloves for NRH nurses and doctors to use while waiting for government supplies.

In Monday’s handover gathering, Dr Bradley Munamua received the donation on behalf of the NRH.

Island Sun understands that this is not the first time for the Kava family of Kokonut Café to be involved in humanitarian deeds.

In previous occasions they had donated washing detergents and other washing agents to NRH when the hospital was reported to have ran out.

The Kava family had raised funds to help a family who had lost everything they had to a house fire two years back, which Island Sun had also reported on.

Chow explains, “The Kava family consists of hardworking and law-abiding citizens who come here [Leafhaus Kava Bar] whenever our busy work schedules permit to destress over a few shells of kava, and it is during our kava sessions that we usually discuss how we can help our communities and country.”

The Kava family is an informal establishment of hardworking public servants and private sector businessmen, who get together most evenings after a hard day’s work and wind down with a few shells of kava at Kokonut Café.

This shared routine has brought together members of the Kava family, and has paved way for such humanitarian activities to occur.

Island Sun has not been able to confirm with the Hospital Authorities or the National Medical Store, if the country is once again in dire need of supplies. However the issue of this shortage has been circulating in the social media platform already. Island Sun understands that, NRH administration need to place their order to the National Medical Store should they need to replenish their supplies.

Indonesia agrees to fund futsal stadium

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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President Joko Widodo holds bilateral meeting with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela at Hotel Hilton, Port Moresby.
President Joko Widodo holds bilateral meeting with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela at Hotel Hilton, Port Moresby.

INDONESIA has agreed to support the development of a national futsal stadium and sports academy stadium for Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela presented the proposal to the Indonesian President, H.E. Joko Widodo when the two leaders met this week in Port Moresby on the margins of the APEC.

President Widodo in response has agreed that Indonesia will assist Solomon Islands in its endeavour to host the Pacific 2023 games, drawing from Indonesia’s recent experience of having hosted a successful ‘Asian Games’.

President Widodo further agreed to support these two important projects with details to be further discussed between officials of both governments.

“Solomon Islands is currently the Oceania Futsal champions and has also been representing Oceania internationally including at the Futsal World Cup over the past few years. This is a sport loved and played by our young people and a project to develop a futsal stadium in the country has been on the card for some time,” he said.

The Prime Minister said Indonesia’s support to these two important sport projects would greatly assist in the people to people relations and sports development in the country.

The Prime Minister told the Indonesian President that Solomon Islands will be hosting the Pacific Games for the first time.

Prime Minister Houenipwela further stated that the 2023 Pacific Games would run under the theme ‘the Green Games’ – emphasising the importance of a sustainable and environmental-friendly Games.

“We acknowledge Indonesia’s recent experience in hosting the Asian Games will further enhance the level of technical and financial benefits Solomon Islands will receive through this assistance,” he said.

President Widodo in response said Indonesia stands ready to support the Solomon Islands.

“Yes, we will support the Solomon Islands with your preparations towards the 2023 Pacific Games,” he said.

These two projects are vital components of Solomon Islands’ preparation to host the Pacific Games in 2023.

The Futsal Stadium will be a dream come true for young Solomon Islanders after years of waiting.

The National Sports Academy Stadium is expected to be the central hub for sports men and women and sports administrators to train.

Both leaders have committed their respective officials to begin dialogue on the details of Indonesia’s support to the Pacific 2023 Green Games with particular emphasis on these important projects as soon as possible.

Ngella MP carries out last Constituency tour

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Paramount Chief and MP for Ngella Constituency Bartholomew Parapolo being led by Haleta Village warriors during his last Tenth Parliament Constituency tour over the weekend at Haleta Village, Central Big Ngella.

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

PARAMOUNT Chief and Member of Parliament for Ngella Constituency Hon Bartholomew Parapolo carried out his last Constituency Tour at Haleta Village, Central Big Ngella, over the weekend.

Seeing off with his last Constituency Tour was the commissioning of the new Ngella Longana and Haleta House of Chiefs (Vale Vaukolu) being 24 Chiefs in total.

Despite the Parliament House dissolving soon this December, Paropolo assured his people of his continuous support towards the development of Ngella Constituency and will continue through whoever new government will be for the next 11th Parliament of Solomon Islands.

One very important reminder Parapolo made for Ngella Constituents is to allow lands for further development in the Constituency since this is a hiccup to development.

“The government is always waiting to step in to assist but only if our people allow our lands in the Constituency before we can see further developments take place as well. This is in the area of tourism, roads, airstrip and other areas of developments.

The commissioning of the new Ngella Longana and Haleta House of Chiefs (Vale Vaukolu) that took place on Sunday at Haleta Village during the last Constituency tour of Ngella’s MP. PHOTOS BY MANEBONA BARNABAS

Advising the newly commissioned Chiefs, Parapolo explained that the National Government sees the importance to develop the nation through its House of Chiefs seeing the passing of the Traditional Governance Bill being passed.

“This is the Bill that will empower you to carry out duties especially in customary lands putting together with the Lands Act and so to clear way for development into the Constituency.

“If you have this clear picture then it will clear the way for development to occur through Ngella.

“But if you do not see this vision clearly and do not work towards achieving it then we will still be going around in the same circle. So please speak with our landowners in Ngella over this understanding,” said Ngella’s Paramount Chief.

Paramount Chief and MP for Ngella Constituency Bartholomew Parapolo being led by Haleta Village warriors during his last Tenth Parliament Constituency tour over the weekend at Haleta Village, Central Big Ngella.

Parapolo also elaborated that there is now cost funding for roads in Sandfly and both Big and Small Ngella to make way for development in the Constituency in which such developments is not for the government but the resource owners of Ngella.

On his last Constituency Tour Parapolo also gave time for questioning on which local Constituents took the opportunity to question their MP over doubts and issues so their MP can clarify their queries. The most famous questions debated were Ngella’s said detained Constituency Ship, Constituency education fees, developments planned for tourism and the Constituency’s project scheme.

Haleta’s Village Chief Mr John Raoni on behalf of Haleta and Longana people and the surrounding communities of the Constituency attending their MP’s last Constituency Tour took the opportunity to thank Hon Parapolo for choosing their village for his last tour and further thanked him for his assistance towards their Constituency’s developments during his current term now that is almost complete.

Constituents listening to Hon Parapolo during his last Constituency Tour for Solomon Islands Tenth Parliament over the weekend at Haleta Village, Big Ngella.

Western Provincial Gov’t launches Policy Reform Statement

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Premier Gina receives the Western Province Policy Reform Statement book from the provincial government rep during the launching at the PT109 on Friday.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

Premier Gina receives the Western Province Policy Reform Statement book from the provincial government rep during the launching at the PT109 on Friday.

WESTERN Provincial government has launched its Policy Reform Statement in Gizo.

Speaking at the launch, Western Premier, Hon. David Gina said the provincial government is embarking on a development path that the current representatives of the people have chosen to follow in the next four years.

He said the Western Provincial Government believes it is time Western Solomon acts like a grown up province and not counting to be garbed in diapers and fed with milk.

“This new Provincial Government leaders have taken a bold step to put its hopes and aspirations, its vision, missions, goals and values.”

“Its economic, social-political aims and objectives in a book we have written them down so everyone can read, understand and take the necessary actions accordingly,” Gina said.

He said the government has also written this down to remind themselves of their commitments and to monitor the progress they make on each policy.

Gina then challenged the people of the province to work together to take up the development path to a much higher level of human progress and prosperity because we everyone has the potential and opportunities to do that.

He thanked the National Government and former provincial governments for seeing it fit to allow Western Province to host such developmental fundamentals.

“Therefore, we as participants in development must do our best to nature and protect them”, Gina said.

The Policy Reform Statement Theme is “Progressing together in inclusive growth and shared prosperity.”

The launching ceremony was held at the PT 109 restaurant during the closing of the 9th Western Provincial Assembly meeting.

Isabel plans R2R

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY ELLISON.T.VAHI

THE Isabel Province government has developed a conservation plan that involves the steps to understand the distribution of the biodiversity of its areas.

Another area is to understand the current distribution of its protected areas.

Led by local stakeholders and facilitated and compiled by The Nature Conservancy in partnership with the Isabel Provincial Government, the plan outlines the process of developing the Isabel Ridges to Reefs Conservation Plan.

It provides an overview of the physical, cultural, economic, biodiversity and policy framework for conservation in Solomon Islands as well provides a similar overview for Isabel Province and describes the three stakeholder in relation to the workshops held in 2012.

It also, involves developing a conservation plan that involves understanding of the biodiversity of an area as well comparing the distribution of biodiversity with the current distribution of the protected areas.

This is to show where particular species and ecosystems are left either, unprotected or, under protected.

In the meantime, this conservation plan will provide a tool for guiding future conservation and development efforts throughout Isabel. It is hoped that it will enable the leaders of Isabel to gain local, provincial, national and international support for implementing an Isabel Ridges to Reefs Protected Area Network (IPAN).

Also, Implementing a protected area networks in Isabel will ensure future food and freshwater security and reduce the stress on terrestrial and marine environments, herby increasing the resilience of natural systems to climate change.

These provides a constructive progress regarding Solomon Islands commitment to the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) and the completion of the identification of terrestrial and marine priorities as part of the Program of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA).

Dugong mother and calf unveiled

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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An aim of this sculpture is to bring awareness to the children about what a dugong is and its importance in the marine ecosystem.

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

RIGHT in the center of the National Art Gallery area lies a dugong mother and calf. Unveiled yesterday, the dugong mother and calf symbolizes the recognition of this mammal in our society. While some might think less of this mammal, it in fact was significant to our people’s traditions, cultures, stories and village life.

Apart from this, the dugong also play a significant ecological role in maintaining coastal habitats. However, the dugong is now on the brink of extinction. Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species (CITIES) had classed the dugong as vulnerable to extinction on a global scale.

Speaking on Monday at the unveiling, Under Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Channel Iroi says the unveiling of the dugong sculpture is to raise public awareness and recognition of this important marine mammal.

“I am pleased that the Project has partnered with the Tourism and Culture sector through its National Art Gallery to ensure the installation of the sculpture here in such a strategic location. This is what we hope to achieve – that the public, our young school children, youths and visitors to the place will be able to view this sculpture and be curious to understand and learn more about it”, Iroi said.

Unveiling of the mother dugong and calf sculpture at the National Art Gallery.

At the same time, Chelcia Gomese of World Fish says dugongs are very important mammals for some tribes in the Solomon Islands.

“Like other unique animals we have in the Solomon Islands, we should be appreciating not only their relationships to their marine habitats but also looking at the relationship they have with humans and our relationship with them”, Gomese said.

She said it is hoped that with the mother and calf installed at the national art gallery, awareness around dugongs will also continue to grow.

She said the dugong mother and calf signifies that when mother and calf are protected, life will go on for the mammals.

“When children, artists, tourists, general public walk through this area every day and onward, we hope that the awareness and appreciation of these wonderful mammals will continue to grow”, Gomese said.

The project on dugong awareness is executed by the Mohamed Bin zayed Species Conservation Fund with financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

An aim of this sculpture is to bring awareness to the children about what a dugong is and its importance in the marine ecosystem.

Three vital and costly Blood Analyzer machines needed by NRH

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

Dear Editors

THE Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS has reportedly sought approval of S$1,308, 800, under the Supplementary Appropriation Bill (2018) to purchase three Blood Analyzer Machines for the National Referral Hospital, citing one machine, a Chinese manufactured and supplied one, broke down after just one year and another machine has “outlived its life span.”

The machines are considered as vital equipment for the NRH to be able to carry out testing and to deliver treatment and patient care.

It is my understanding that such equipment is normally delivered with a one year warranty and usually the purchaser then enters into a follow-service agreement with the supplier.

I do not know whether a follow-up service agreement was entered into in respect of the Chinese machine said to have broken down after the first year. If one was in place, it would be usual for the machine to be inspected by a repair technician, fixed and made operable, or re-set if that were needed.

With such vital and expensive equipment it surely is best practice to always enter into a service agreement.

I believe China prides itself on its export products and if the machine in question was in any way faulted when purchased then the manufacturer must surely bear some responsibility for its very early reported breakdown.

The MHMS appears to be seeking the S$1,308,800 to acquire the new machines from New Zealand to ensure their reliability but the cost of the machines seem very high.

I have looked at similar machines advertised on the Indonesian Government website and they are offered at considerably lower cost, less shipping charges, including one German manufactured machine.

I have relayed my observations and comments to the doctors at the NRH in the hope they might be of some help when deciding on the replacement machines so necessary for the proper functioning of hospital care and patient treatment.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

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