BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Member of Parliament for North Malaita constituency and Minister for Rural Development (MRD), Daniel Waneoroa is happy about the progress of the construction of Musukui rural clinic.

Recently, he had a tour of his constituency where he delivered support to local communities and institutions.

During this tour, he also visited the Musukui clinic project site which is in Ward 7 of the constituency and was able to see for himself how the project is progressing.

A report from Mr William Abuinao on the MP’s visit highlighted Waneoroa’s satisfaction with the strides made despite facing several setbacks, particularly logistical challenges.

“I am very happy with what I have seen today. Despite the logistical difficulties in transporting materials and coordinating supplies, the progress we’ve achieved reflects the strong commitment of our people,” Waneoroa said.

He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of community leaders and residents who volunteered their time and labor to support this vital health initiative, without any financial compensation.

“You are not paid, yet you have dedicated yourselves to ensuring this project moves forward. Your dedication is a true example of leadership and compassion for your community,” he said.

Waneoroa urges the community to continue to work together to complete the project, emphasizing that it will play a key role in improving healthcare access for the densely populated areas of North Malaita, including Musukui, Kwaithafu, Walo, Kwainakiu, and Ofu.

The report also noted that the completion of the clinic is expected to ease the travel burden for patients seeking medical care and strengthen primary healthcare services in Ward 7 and its surrounding areas. The clinic is projected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026.

Meanwhile, Waneoroa reaffirms his commitment to support initiatives that enhance essential services and improve the well-being and productivity of North Malaita’s residents.

The report also mentioned that there is also a similar clinic project in Ward 9, that has been delayed due to issues among resource owners.

Photo: Supplied

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has raised serious concern over what he describes as a lack of reliable information within government agencies about the source and entry points of methamphetamine (Meth) drugs into the country.

Mr Wale raised the concern during the inquiry into the Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 where representatives from the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) and Goodwood and Pengiun wharf operators appeared before the Bills and Legislation Committee.

 “And so, we’re all pitching in the dark. Nobody knows where this is coming from and where it’s coming through. And it’s a big problem,” Mr Wale told the representatives.

Mr Wale revealed that even law enforcement agencies appear uncertain about the origin and movement of drugs into the country.

He said that recent evidence presented by a senior police officers during the inquiry had raised further concerns about internal challenges within the police force.

“We expected that they would know, but they haven’t a clue.  While the Ministry of Health deals with the social consequences of drug abuse, it is not responsible for tracking trafficking networks or to enforce the law,” he said.

He said he had hoped maritime authorities and wharf operators would provide clearer insights into how drugs may be entering through ports, but their responses were largely unreliable.

“We don’t know whether the proposals contained in this Bill are fit for purpose, are adequate,” Wale said.

He also referenced submissions from the National Youth congress who appeared before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC).

“According to their testimony, methamphetamine pills are being sold locally for as much as $300 per pill. However, even basic information such as the weight of a pill was unclear. They didn’t know. This is a very serious problem,” Mr Wale said.

He voiced the need for evidence-based policymaking to ensure that the proposed amendments are adjusted for maximum effectiveness.

“If we did know, then we could make recommendations and perhaps even strengthen the proposals,” he added.

The Dangerous Drugs Amendment Bill 2025 seeks to significantly increase penalties for drug trafficking and related offences.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Matthew Wale, Leader of Opposition has raised concerns over gaps in the country’s laws enforcement authorities.

He made the statement to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RISPF) including the Drug enforcement Unit, China Police Liaison Team when they appeared before the Bills and Legislation (BLC) hearing into Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2025.

During questioning of the RSIPF, Wale referred to a case last year in which a suspect was arrested but could not be charged due to a legislative gap in the law.

“Last year a person was arrested but couldn’t be charged. What were the circumstances of the case?” Wale asked.

In response, the RSIPF confirmed that the suspect could not be prosecuted after advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), due to a gap in the Dangerous Drugs Act at the time.

“The issue was we have a legislation gap. After we received the DPP’s advice, the person could not be charged because of the gap in the Dangerous Drugs Act,” the RSIPF said.

The RSIPF said that the arrest occurred before November 5, when amendments to the Act came into force.

However, Wale pressed further, questioning whether the current rules are flexible enough to address evolving synthetic drugs.

“What happens if it’s slightly altered? So, it’s not strictly meth, and they call it something new?” Wale asked.

The RSIPF acknowledged that if a new drug substance is not specifically covered under the rules, it would create another gap and require new regulations to be introduced.

“At the moment there is only meth now. We have cocaine and others already covered inside the law,” the RSIPF said.

Wale warned that international drug organisations often adjust precursor chemicals in laboratories to create slightly modified substances that fall outside existing legal definitions.

“These gaps have labs in Colombia and elsewhere adjusting precursor compositions and calling it something else. If it happens again, you will have to release that person again,” he said.

He also questioned whether the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) had been sufficiently consulted during the drafting of the amendments.

The RSIPF in response said that consultations were conducted jointly with the Ministries of Health, Customs and Police.

Wale expressed disappointment, saying police, as the country’s primary law enforcement agency, should have played a stronger role in ensuring the legislation anticipates emerging drug trends.

“We’re dealing with a very serious situation. Police is the absolute number one law enforcement agency when it comes to drugs and illicit materials,” Wale said.

“The good thing is you can go and add more rules, but make them flexible enough that they rope in any future changes to the chemical elements of these drugs. Except we have this problem on our hands now and we need to respond now,” Wale said.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

More communities in Savo-Russell Constituency (SRC) have recently received a boost in marine transportation, by acquiring fiberglass boats and Outboard Motors (OBMs) through the CDF marine transportation project.

Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) in a statement said the project was funded under the constituency’s CDF budget allocation for 2025.

The project aims to ease transportation difficulties among communities and support livelihoods in the constituency and consists of 11 fiberglass boats and 11 units of 40 and 15 horsepower Yamaha Outboard Motors costing over SBD800,000.00.

“Of the 11 boats and engines, 6 were handed over to the first six recipient communities last weekend, while the remaining 5 boats and units of 15 OBMs for the other five communities will be delivered in due course once they are available from the supplier, Y.Sato Marine.

“The first six communities which received their equipment were Mane, Marulaon, Kiolene, and Yandina from Russell Islands, and Reko and Balola from Savo Island,” said MRD.

The statement said SRC’s Constituency Development Officer (CDO) George Hassar referred to the support as part of the office’s ongoing commitment under the leadership of their Member of Parliament, Oliver Salopuka towards improving socio-economic livelihoods in the constituency.

“This project support was envisioned to ease transportation difficulties for community members and individuals among the island communities as well as to and from Honiara.

“With no road access on the islands, the only means of transport for our people is by sea using Outboard Motor Engines (OBM). So, this will definitely help our people travel to other places in the constituency and to Honiara to access markets, education, work, and health services,” he said.

Hassar said the constituency office will continue to implement other projects including housing projects, which are currently ongoing on both Savo and Russell Islands.

He said household projects including support to small store operators in various communities was undertaken in 2025.

And under the social sector, musical equipment and building materials including water tanks were delivered to churches and individuals in the constituency.

He said financial support to copra buyers and fishers were also prominently supported under the productive sector.

Hassar said these initiatives are ongoing and it is the commitment of the constituency office under the leadership of Salopuka to facilitate government-supported initiatives and services for the benefit of their people.

He said the constituency office is also helping the education sector by supporting students in both secondary and tertiary levels through 50 percent payments of their tuition fees under the CDF program.

“The SRC office also secured six scholarships for our students. This year, the office continues to secure scholarships for students under the constituency-based scholarship grants provided by the Ministry of Education,” he said.

MRD said the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) is a national program of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG).

“It is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) and implemented across the 50 constituencies to improve the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders, in line with the ministry’s vision: “To empower all Solomon Islanders for self-sufficiency, improved livelihoods, and sustainable development,” said the statement.

Photo credit: MRD Media

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Conservation and carbon trading are putting Lauru (Choiseul Province) at the threshold of a new opportunity.

Dr Jones Gabu highlighted this during the Lauru ‘Hard Talk’ Forum at the National Museum in Honiara on Tuesday, February 24 ahead of this year’s Lauru 35th Second Appointed Day celebration.

He told participants that their province’s forest is still intact with rich biodiversity and that strong traditional stewardship positions the province to benefit from global initiatives.

“With proper support from both the provincial and national government, carbon trade can generate sustainable income, protect the environment, empower communities, strengthen resilience for both the province and the nation,” Gabu said.

He said that Lauru must approach this opportunity with unity, clarity and strategic leadership.

Mr Gabu further adds that short-term gain must not cost the Lauru people long-term wellbeing and they must manage their resources with wisdom, discipline, and responsibility.

“Mining and logging have brought revenue to our province. But they have also brought environmental damage like river pollution, forests been cleared and ecosystem disruption,” he said.

He pointed out that Lauru must strengthen its governance in order to shape their future.

“We need a clear provincial strategic plan, a plan that defines our priorities, our services, our development pathways and our long term-vision,” he said.

He said that the province’s system must align with community needs and develop ward committee map priorities.

“If we preach unity, then our systems must reflect unity,” he said.

He said that in truth, constituency committees should serve as technical chairs, ensuring that community needs, ward priorities, provincial planning and national strategies speak the same language.

“When systems align, development accelerates. When systems compete, development collapses,” Dr Gabu said.

Photo credit: John Houanihau

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Four large communities in Malaita Province have launched the community forest rehabilitation bylaw under the ASK-SI Regreening program. 

The successful launch occurred on Thursday last week, marking a significant milestone in strengthening sustainable forest management in the province. 

During the launch, the ASK-SI Regreening community development coordinator, Douglas Marape, said the successful signing and launch represent more than a formal agreement. 

He said that the bylaw will protect and safeguard their environment, as the communities have depended heavily on it for their source of food, livelihood, and well-being. 

“Today’s event is not just a formal activity. It marks a significant step and shows a symbol of unity, responsibility, and action.

“We are now protecting the environment, livelihoods, sources of food, and the well-being of the next generation,” he said.

In the meantime, Kwa’a Tribal Chief John Paul Ilokeu said the bylaw has provided a turning point for his community to protect their forest resources for present and future generations.

He said that the bylaw will not only safeguard their declining forest, but it will also protect and preserve their ancestors’ memories.

“Our forest is our life. Today, we have chosen a different future while witnessing our forests decline.

“This bylaw is our commitment to protect what our ancestors left to us, which our children need to inherit,” he said.

The Malaita Province police force has also shown interest in backing the initiative, which will benefit everyone in the community.

This initiative was developed in partnership with World Vision Solomon Islands (WVSI), the Ministry of Forestry and Research (MoFR), and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

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