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National plan 2026 prioritises social and economic infrastructure

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan (SINIP) 2026 emphasises the development of social and economic infrastructure across the nation.

The Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) officially launched the plan yesterday, with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and MNPDC Minister Trevor Manemahaga presiding over the event.

At the launch, Mr Manele highlighted the plan’s key focus areas:

  • Transport: As a highly dispersed island nation, connectivity remains a major development challenge, affecting multiple sectors and service delivery.
  • Energy and ICT: Reliable power, particularly through renewable energy, and expanded telecommunications are essential for development, connectivity, and service delivery.
  • Water and Sanitation: Protecting public health through improved water supply and wastewater management is critical.
  • Health and Education: Our greatest resource is our people. Strengthening schools and health facilities is vital for service delivery and human capital development.
  • Fisheries, Agriculture, and Coals: Infrastructure that supports the productive sector and enhances climate resilience is crucial for economic transformation.

Manele emphasised that planning alone is not enough.

“Implementation, discipline, accountability, effective oversight, and strong partnerships are critical to the success of this plan,” he said.

“The government alone cannot achieve this. We value the ongoing support of our development partners and the private sector, and we look forward to deepening these partnerships,” he added.

While SINIP focuses on infrastructure, Manele stressed that it is not just about roads, ports, power systems, or buildings, it is about opportunity.

“It’s about connecting our islands, empowering our people, strengthening our economy, and building resilience for future generations,” he said.

Manele calls on all stakeholders including government ministries, state-owned enterprises, provincial governments, investors, communities, and development partners to view SINIP not merely as a government document, but as a national compact.

“A compact for connectivity, a compact for economic resilience, a compact for inclusive prosperity, and a compact for human capital development,” he said.

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National infrastructure investment plan 2026 launched

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) officially launched the Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan (SINIP) 2026 yesterday.

The SINIP is a pipeline that provides profiles of national infrastructure projects proposed for the country. The current SINIP plan outlines priority national infrastructure projects for 2026.

Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele explained that SINIP is a national and sector-based strategic planning framework used by MNPDC, in collaboration with line ministries and state-owned enterprises (SOE), to guide infrastructure development and coordinate planning discussions with development partners.

He said that since the first document was released in 2013, the government has continued to improve the quality of its long-term planning process.

Mr Manele said the SINIP 2023 edition was the first document approved by the government and officially launched in February 2024.

He added that by the end of November 2025—32 months after the launch of SINIP 2023—significant progress had been achieved.

Manele said that in the productive sector, SINIP has guided major investments in projects such as the Tina Hydropower Project, the Malaita solar grid expansion, and the National Broadband Tower Programme, with about 80 towers already installed.

He said these projects strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on diesel, and extend digital services to communities and businesses nationwide.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister said social infrastructure has also progressed, with 32 major health projects valued at SBD $3.7 billion, along with 10 education projects focused on secondary schools and senior facilities. These projects aim to improve access, quality, and resilience of essential services.

He added that there has also been strong funding mobilisation, with 76 percent of aviation projects and 79 percent of energy projects funded, demonstrating growing partner confidence and alignment with national priorities presented through a clear, evidence-based pipeline.

Manele explained that SINIP consolidates all sectoral infrastructure projects into a single national investment plan.

He said the plan enables the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) to hold targeted discussions with development partners and prioritise projects that deliver the greatest economic and social benefits for the country.

Manele said that over the past six months, MNPDC has worked with line ministries, provincial governments, NGOs, and SOEs to consolidate more than SBD $19 billion worth of unplanned infrastructure projects into a single database for screening and evaluation.

“The work was spearheaded by the SINIP sub-committees. With support from the Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility, the sub-committees prioritised the pipeline of unplanned infrastructure projects for 2026,” he said.

Prime Minister Manele commended the sub-committees for their work, which led to the successful completion of the SINIP Dossier of National Infrastructure Projects for 2026.

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Police professionalism questioned

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BY BEN BILUA

COMMUNITY leaders and chiefs of San Jorge Island have raised concerns over the professionalism and conduct of police officers deployed to the island.

Outspoken Chief of San Jorge, Paul Fota, claimed that the current arrangement where police officers are hired by mining companies to provide security services is compromising their neutrality.

He said the practice raises serious questions about the ability of police officers to fairly handle disputes between resource owners and mining companies.

According to Fota, engaging police officers to provide security for miners not only breaches protocols but also gives birth to bad influence on how officers respond to issues involving landowners.

“The arrangement compromises the professionalism and conduct of police when dealing with issues between resource owners and mining companies,” he said.

Fota alleges that there have been instances where police officers appeared to protect the interests of mining companies rather than the rights of local resource owners.

“In some cases, resource owners are clearly right, but the actions of police seem to favour the miners,” he added.

Fota said such situations undermine trust between communities and the police force, which is expected to remain impartial in enforcing the law.

He also revealed that police officers are usually deployed to the island for two-week periods before being rotated.

While acknowledging the need for security in areas where mining activities are taking place, community leaders say law enforcement officers must maintain independence and professionalism at all times.

They are now calling on relevant authorities to review the arrangement to ensure that policing remains fair, transparent and in the best interest of all parties involved.

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Ministry commits to supporting upgrades in tourism infrastructure

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is committed to supporting local operators in improving the country’s tourism infrastructure.

Speaking at the recent opening of Double Islands Resort in Central Islands Province, Minister for Culture and Tourism Choylin Douglas said this initiative is a key strategic objective for the ministry.

Mrs Douglas said the tourism industry must continue to upgrade facilities, services and the overall visitor experience.

“The global tourism market is competitive. Today, visitors expect comfort, quality, safety and memorable experiences.

“If we are serious about growing visitor numbers and increasing tourism’s contribution to our economy, raising standards is essential,” Douglas said.

She said a central goal of the ministry, is to support local operators willing to take the risks to enhance tourism infrastructure.

Douglas added that investments like Double Islands Resort directly increase the number of market-ready rooms, which are capable of competing at the international level; emphasizing that every new high-standard development like this moves the country closer to its national tourism growth targets.

However, the minister stressed that infrastructure alone is not enough; service excellence must accompany it.

“I encourage management and staff to continue investing in training, customer care, and consistent quality delivery.

“The beauty of our islands will attract visitors, but it is the warmth and professionalism of our people that will bring them back,” she said.

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Marau’s case costing taxpayers more, court says as case adjourned 28 days

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

A 28-day adjournment has been given for the criminal conversion case involving MP for Ulawa Ugi William Bradford Marau.

The case returns to court on Monday, April 6.

The matter came before Principal Magistrate Tearo Beneteti yesterday.

Defence was asked to provide an updated status of the defendant’s case file.

Defence said the last mention of the case was called on Monday, February 16 before Principal Magistrate Mrs Joyceth Paile.

Two orders were made on that day; these included a bail variation and a bail extension for the defendant.

Defence told court that the defendant was currently in Fiji, awaiting travel to India.

Travel arrangements have not yet been finalised as the defendant’s travel Visa has just been received, defence said.

Defence told court that the defendant is awaiting is his ticket itinerary.

Prosecution told court that it will only need to be updated on when the defendant is fit to stand trial.

Principal Magistrate Beneteti was of the view that defence needs to provide a full medical report that would indicate a clear timeframe as to how long the defendant will be away to undergo medical treatment as the court needs him to stand trial.

The defendants e-Visa information entailed that a first entry must be on or before June 16, 2026 with a permitted duration of stay of 60 days for short-term medical treatment with triple entries allowed to India – these are exhibited into the sworn statement as filed in support of application for bail variation on February 24, 2026 by one Tommy Mana.

Principal Magistrate further told both prosecution and defence that “since the whole of last year, the court has been discussing the same medical issue as the defendant is sick the whole of last year”.

Beneteti made it clear to defence that adjournments normally would apply in circumstances where defendants would need few days before they reappear in court.

In the context of the present case, the Principal Magistrate said the case file is “piled up with thick papers” that are of “wasted tax payers’ money”.

Thus, she was of the view that going forward, it would be best if prosecution and defence considered the option of discharge over bail variation as that would save court’s time.

The matter was adjourned for April 6 for mention on whether parties would agree for variation of bail or discharge.

The Principal Magistrate made it clear that by then, that all evidence will be discussed as to whether discharge would be an option or not.

Marau faces one count of conversion contrary to section 278 (1) (c) (i) of the penal code.

This was in relation to the allegation of misappropriation of $5million designated to shipping funds in 2016.

Mr Wesley Zoze appeared on instruction from Mrs Olivia Ratu Manu, and he represented the Crown while Ms Soaika J of Rano & Company Lawyers represented the defendant, William Bradford Marau.

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Man pleads not guilty to intimidation and molestation charges

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

A man has pleaded not guilty to three counts of intimidation and molestation on three females yesterday.

The defendant, Junior Paul Maenu (Pure), was charged with three counts of intimidation and molestation, contrary to section 231(1) of the Penal Code.

It was alleged that Mr Maenu at Maromaro market area east Honiara on November 12, 2025 intimidated three females.

Court heard that the defendant intimidated them by possessing a pair of scissors and told them that they will not be cooking there anymore and that he owned the place.

He then used a stone, and threw it at the Kaibar there before using an iron rod to chase the complainants causing fear and insecurity in them and they were lucky to escape him.

The defendant was later arrested and taken to Naha Police station for questioning and was later charged.

The defendant was arraigned yesterday where the Magistrate court heard whether or not he pleaded guilty to the three charges.

Chief Principal Magistrate, Ricky Lomea asked defence whether the matter was ready to proceed to Pre Trial Conference (PTC) or adjourned for a fixed PTC date.

Prosecution proposed an adjournment.

Defence informed court that he will not be available from March 16-27 as he will be travelling on a court circuit to Isabel Province and asked court’s leave for the matter to be adjourned for a date after March 27.

After consideration of adjournment proposals, Chief Principal Magistrate Lomea adjourned the matter for Friday, March 13 at 9am for PTC preparation.

In the meantime, parties are to settle PTC documents and issues which should be filed before Friday, March 13.

Bail for Maenu was extended to Friday, March 13.

Police Constable Mr Taromunia appeared for the Police Prosecutions and Trevor Mark Tukochi, Senior Legal Officer from the Public Solicitors Office represented the defendant.

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HIRED HITMEN

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Police arrest Chinese miner over masterminded assault and robbery of 2 Asian Australian miners

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Police have arrested a Chinese miner following what is reported to an arranged attack on two other miners.

Two Australian citizens, of Asian origin, were reportedly assaulted and robbed on Sunday afternoon, March 8, by three locals outside the Meat Lovers Kukum shop.

The locals were hired by four Chinese men who were senior figures in a mining company, sources told Island Sun on Sunday.

The incident is connected to the mining operation on Rennell island, Renbel province, sources said.

Police Media told Island Sun last night “One of the Chinese businessmen who masterminded the hiring of the locals to harm the two persons has been arrested by police. Investigations have been initiated and ongoing on the matter.”

Four Chinese individuals had masterminded the attack and hired the three locals, police said.

At this stage, it is not clear whether the plan was to kill the two persons or just threaten them, police told Island Sun.

Island Sun has sighted a video which was recorded by one of the two persons during the attack showing the three locals assaulting and robbing them.

The faces of the three local men are clearly visible in the video as they entered the vehicle, assaulted and snatched the vehicle key, and snatched a mobile phone from the two Chinese Australians.

The incident occurred in broad daylight with vehicles passing by. Bystanders reportedly came and persuaded the attackers to return the vehicle keys.

The mobile phone remains missing.

The four men who allegedly masterminded the attack are senior figures of one of the mining companies operating on Rennell, sources told Island Sun.

The two Asians, Australian citizens are also senior members of another mining company, and were embroiled in business disputes with the four men, sources said.

It is understood that an injunction case between the parties is before the courts, to be heard this week.

Meanwhile, this is not the first violent incident to happen connected to extractive operations in Rennell.

The most media-covered incident took place on the morning of Saturday, November 8, 2014, when a prominent landowner of West Rennell was attacked with a 60-centimetre bushknife and got his arm nearly chopped clean off. The attackers were hired by a logging company following dispute with the victim.

In September 2016 then Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare ordered an urgent investigation into “deepening violence” in West Rennell logging operations. The violence resulted in at least two people sustaining knife wounds. An attacker was taken into police custody in Honiara.

In May 2017 two cases of alleged arson occurred near Kanava Village in West Rennell. Police investigators from the National Crime Intelligence department were deployed from Honiara to assist.

In January 2020 an Indonesian national employed by the Bintang Mining Company was fatally stabbed on Rennell Island following an argument with two local men. The victim died at the Tigoa clinic, and two suspects in their 30s were arrested.

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FAN BOOST

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Telekom backs Solomon Kings community fun day as fans rally behind team ahead of OFC Pro League Round 4

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Hundreds of football fans, children and families filled Lawson Tama Stadium yesterday as Solomon Kings FC hosted a lively community fun day to strengthen the bond between the club and its supporters ahead of Round 4 of the OFC Pro League.

The event, supported by telecommunications company Our Telekom, created an opportunity for supporters to meet the players and coaching staff following the team’s return to home ground before the next round of matches kicks off on March 14.

Speaking during the event, Our Telekom representative Sean Hiele said the company stepped in to support the initiative to help bring fans closer to the club.

“The reason why Our Telekom came to support this event was to provide an opportunity for fans to interact with the club – the Solomon Kings Football Club”, Hiele said.

He acknowledged Solomon Ports as the club’s major sponsor, saying Telekom’s role was to support the community engagement side of the program.

“Solomon Ports is the major sponsor and we really acknowledge that, but when the club and sponsors reached out to us, we said ‘why not’. Telekom has been supporting football for many years and this is another way we can help”, he said.

Hiele said initiatives like the fun day play an important role in building the club’s fan base as the team prepares for upcoming matches.

“Our boys are now back on home ground and they really need the presence of their fans here in Solomon Islands to support and back them up.

“We hope today is the starting phase where the fan base continues to grow as we enter circuit four of the competition,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of club merchandise in strengthening supporter identity and culture.

“Merchandising is very important because fans can wear the club’s identity. When the team plays and the fans wear the merchandise, they connect through the Solomon Kings brand”, he said.

Hiele also reminds supporters that match tickets for the upcoming OFC Pro League games will be available exclusively through Telekom’s M-Selen platform.

“To access the matches from March 14, supporters will have to purchase tickets exclusively through M-Selen”, he added.

Meanwhile, fellow Telekom representative Alex Waimora said the company saw the fun day as a way of supporting the community side of the club’s development.

“We have to give thanks to Solomon Ports for being the major sponsor because without them we would not have a professional team.

“For us at Telekom, we felt that we should come in and support the community base, especially when the Kings Army supporters group and the club planned this event,” he said.

He said the turnout of families and young fans showed the positive impact the initiative is already having.

“It’s really encouraging to see children, parents and families coming out to meet the team. It gives the community the opportunity to connect with the Solomon Kings players”, Waimora said.

Alex Waimora also explained that the newly established Kings Army supporters group aims to organize fans into a unified support base for the club.

“Kings Army is basically an arm meant to organize supporters so they can support the team in a constructive way and in a manner that aligns with the club”,

“The purpose is to bring all supporters together with one aim – to raise strong support behind Solomon Kings FC,” he said.

He said the group currently has around 400 to 500 members, with more supporters encouraged to join as the team prepares for upcoming international fixtures.

“We have a designated area at the stadium where fans can come together, chant and give their best support to the team”, he said.

Membership registration for the Kings Army is currently open, with members receiving merchandise and other potential benefits, including opportunities to support the team during overseas matches.

Saturday’s community fun day featured interactive activities, photo opportunities with players, merchandise sales and supporter registration booths.

With Round 4 of the OFC Pro League fast approaching, organizers hope the initiative will help build a stronger home crowd presence when Solomon Kings FC returns to competitive action on March 14.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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Suspended Captain Mango backs young keepers for OFC Pro League Round 4

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BY TONY IROGA

Solomon Kings FC Captain and goalkeeper Philip Mango, #1 will miss the opening match of Round 4 of the OFC Pro League in Honiara due to suspension.

Round 4 of the regional competition is scheduled to kick off at Honiara National Stadium on Saturday, March 14 at 7pm.

Mango will sit out the match following a red card he received during Solomon Kings’ 5–0 loss to South Melbourne FC at Melbourne Stadium on March 4.

The Kings captain was sent off for slapping an opponent during the match in Melbourne.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday at Lawson Tama Stadium, Mango said the team has confidence in young goalkeepers Erick Wanega #23 and Junior Petua to step up during his absence.

“Our team is made up of every player and we work together as a team to prepare for the upcoming Round 4 matches here at our home ground,” Mango said.

He said Wanega and Petua are talented young goalkeepers and he fully trusts them to perform well.

“I have confidence, belief and hope in Wanega and Petua during my absence,” he added.

Mango advised the two goalkeepers to make the most of the opportunity given to them and enjoy the spirit of the game.

“They just need to stay consistent for the full 90 minutes and keep their focus so it will help their performance during the match,” he said.

He also calls on fans to rally behind the team during the home matches in Honiara.

Mango said he is yet to confirm how many matches he will miss, as the final decision will be made by officials of the OFC Pro League.

Meanwhile, Wanega said he is confident to guard the goalmouth in Mango’s absence.

He admitted that playing at professional league level is not easy, but the experience gained in the last match against South Melbourne has helped him grow.

“We will continue the same work that Mango has done for the team in the previous rounds,” Wanega said.

He also urges supporters to continue backing the team despite the absence of their captain and first-choice goalkeeper.

Solomon Kings are scheduled to open Round 4 against Auckland FC on Saturday, March 14 at 7:00pm at Honiara National Stadium.

The team returned home on Friday, March 6 to begin preparations for the Honiara circuit of the OFC Pro League.

Photo credit: Tony Iroga

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SIFF President hails Solomon Kings FC for inspiring young football fans

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BY TONY IROGA

Solomon Kings FC are inspiring young footballers to dream big, work hard, and believe in their future, says Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President Donald.

He made the statement during the Kings Fan Club community event, supported by Our Telekom, at Lawson Tama Stadium yesterday.

“As we gather here this afternoon, we are also building momentum towards the one-week series of matches here in Honiara, which will commence next Saturday, March 14,” Marahare said.

He said the event aims to bring football fans, supporters, and the community closer together while celebrating exciting matches and strong competition.

“To our loyal supporters, thank you for standing behind our team. Your energy, encouragement, and passion make a big difference,” he said.

He said the event was a wonderful opportunity to see players, families, supporters, partners, and the public come together to celebrate football and community spirit.

“For many years, our players have shown incredible talent and passion, and today we are proud to say those dreams have become a reality,” he said.

President Marahare highlighted that Solomon Kings FC is creating pathways for young footballers, inspiring the next generation, and showing that players from Solomon Islands can stand proudly on the professional stage.

“Lawson Tama has always been the heart of football in our nation. Many great memories, unforgettable matches, proud victories, and moments that united our country have been created here,” he said.

He added that the tradition continues as fans interact with professional players from the club.

“None of this would be possible without the support of our partners, supporters, and the football community who believe in the vision of growing the game in this country,” he said.

Marahare encourages young boys and girls to continue supporting Solomon Kings FC as the team prepares for Round 4 of the OFC Pro League next week.

“Let us enjoy our time together this afternoon and celebrate the spirit of football and community engagement. Let us also put our hands together to thank our team for their generous support,” he said.

Photo credit- Tony Iroga

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