BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands is set to install its first-ever weather radar system, marking a major step forward in strengthening the country’s weather forecasting and disaster early warning capabilities.

Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Permanent Secretary, David Hiriasia, confirmed in an exclusive recent interview that two engineers from Australia have arrived in Honiara to begin work on the project.

Mr Hiriasia said all major equipment for the radar system is already in Honiara, with installation work scheduled to commence next week.

“The project is being delivered under the Weather Ready Pacific Programme, an initiative coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

“Initial funding for the broader Weather Ready Pacific Programme is provided by the Australian Government, while the radar system itself is funded by the Government of New Zealand through SPREP,” he said.

Hiriasia described the radar system as a highly sophisticated and costly piece of equipment that will significantly enhance the country’s ability to monitor severe weather events.

“Once operational, this will be the first-ever weather radar in the Solomon Islands,” he said.

He said that the radar will improve early warning systems, particularly during heavy rainfall and flooding events, which frequently affect Honiara.

“The system will be capable of pinpointing areas likely to experience flooding, allowing authorities to issue more accurate and timely warnings. The radar will also support aviation safety by providing more precise weather data for pilots,” he said.

He said that Solomon Islands joins other Pacific nations benefiting from the programme, including Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga, as part of a regional effort to establish a network of weather radar systems that will enable data sharing and strengthen collective disaster preparedness across the Pacific.

He said that the project represents a significant milestone in building climate resilience and improving public safety in the country.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

As a developing nation, Solomon Islands faces growing demand for infrastructure development, particularly for roads, wharves, and bridges.

However, limited funding remains the biggest challenge.

This is reflected in the annual budget of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), where allocated funds consistently fall short of the ministry’s planned projects.

Despite financial constraints, infrastructure development has slowly progressed with support from development partners and aid donors, helping to sustain economic activities across the country.

Speaking at a recent MID press conference, Minister for MID, Ricky Fuo’o acknowledged the ongoing funding challenges, despite the ministry’s ambitious plans to expand and improve infrastructure nationwide.

He noted that the country continues to require new roads, pointing out that Solomon Islands currently has only about 1,500 kilometres of roads.

Given the situation, the ministry has shifted its priority to properly completing and maintaining one road before moving on to another.

“For instance, an asphalt road can last at least 10 to 15 years. When we spend money on road maintenance, we must do it properly and ensure quality work,” the minister said.

Fuo’o reiterated the ministry’s commitment to expanding road networks, taking into consideration the growing demand from communities seeking better access.

He admitted that budget constraints remain a persistent challenge, but emphasized that the ministry is doing its best within the available resources.

At present, the government is working on a new road project in the Northwest Choiseul constituency of Harry Kuma. The ministry is also considering plans for a new road on mainland Ngella, noting that currently only Tulagi has roads in the entire province.

Deputy Secretary of MID, Mike Qaqara, echoed the minister’s sentiments, stating that as a developing country, there is an ongoing need for roads to boost economic activities, particularly in rural areas.

He added that as part of this effort, the ministry has upgraded several logging roads this year, converting them into government roads.

While funding continues to pose a major obstacle, he reaffirmed the ministry’s policy of permanently fixing one road before proceeding to the next project.

Photo: MID

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BY JUNLYN KELLY

The construction of the new Kirakira Wharf is reportedly progressing significantly, now that it is in the advanced stage.

Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) in a statement on Thursday, February 19, said the vital infrastructure project implemented under the Land and Maritime Connectivity project (LMCP) represents a substantial investment by the Solomon Islands Government with crucial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

MID said the project aims to strengthen maritime infrastructure in Makiara/Ulawa Province (MUP).

The main wharf structure remains on schedule and is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026, with work on the passenger Terminal Building expected to commence shortly and this will run alongside other remaining construction activities, which include the installation of kerbs, fencing, safety, as well as improvements to the access road.

The completion of the Kirakira Wharf is set to greatly enhance maritime connectivity and economic opportunities.

The statement said a joint assessment team, comprising of officers from MID, Safeguarded Unit and the Land and Maritimes Connectivity Project (LMCP) and Contracted Supervision Consultant (CSC) team conducted a site visit at Kirakira last week.

The purpose of the visit was to evaluate ongoing constructions activities for the new wharf.

The delegation, which included representatives from the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), also held discussions with Makira-Ulawa Province Premier Stanely Siapu and executive members.

The meeting focused on the project’s current status and its anticipated benefits for the province.

Premier Siapu said the project is critically important for the province, as it will significantly improve maritime access, strengthen trade and transportation and support essential service.

“Reliable wharf infrastructure is fundamental to the province’s economic and social development,” Siapu said.

MID said the premier pointed out the dependence of communities on the sea transportation mode as their link to markets, healthcare, education, and government service.

Premier Siapu also said that the passenger terminal building will further improve travel experience by offering sheltered waiting areas.

MID Permanent Secretary, Allan Lilia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that strengthens connectivity and supports inclusive development.

He said the new Kirakira Wharf is designed to improve maritime safety and reliability in Makira Ulawa Province.

Photo: MID

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The National Disaster Management office under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology has received four new drones from the Australian Government to strengthen disaster assessment and emergency response efforts across the country.

The handover ceremony was held at the Aola Patrol Boat Base in Honiara on Wednesday, February 18, marking a significant step towards improving post-disaster operations.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, David Hiriasia expressed appreciation for the assistance, saying the new drone will enhance the government’s ability to conduct rapid and accurate assessments following disasters.

“On behalf of the Minister, we sincerely appreciate the support from the Australian Government. As technology advances, we must also improve the way we assess and respond to disasters. These drones will help us do exactly that,” he said.

He said that delayed assessments often slow down emergency responses, as authorities must verify reports from affected communities before mobilising resources.

“The drones will allow teams to quickly gather real-time aerial data, enabling faster and more informed decision-making,” Hiriasia said.

He said that the equipment will not only benefit the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), but will support a whole-of-government approach to disaster management.

“When we talk about disaster, it is not just one office, it involves all government sectors. For example, the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for technical assessments related to agriculture under the national disaster plan. These drones will assist all relevant sectors to carry out their mandates effectively,” he said.

He also noted that the donation reflects the strong and ongoing partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and Australia, particularly in areas such as climate change and meteorology, which are critical for early warning services.

The new drones are expected to improve data collection, strengthen coordination among agencies, and ultimately ensure assistance reaches affected communities more quickly and efficiently.

The ministry acknowledges the Australian Government and its people for their continued support in building national capacity to respond to disasters and climate-related challenges.

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The case against a man accused of stealing gold from the Gold Ridge has been further adjourned for Monday 23^th February, 2026.

The matter was initially listed for sentencing on Friday, February 20^th at the last mention but was adjourned in court on that day.

The new mention date is set for Monday 23th February, 2026 for ruling on sentencing.

Magistrate Ben Alasia informed court on Friday morning as per instruction from Principal Magistrate Hollison of his unavailability to hear the matter as he had other personal commitment to attend to.

Consequently, Bail for Mr Loke was also extended.

At the last mention, Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison heard oral submissions from both prosecution and defence counsel on the matter in the form of written submissions tendered in court.

Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison will weigh mitigating and aggravating features as tendered, in reaching a ruling on the sentencing range for the defendant come Monday 23th February.

Mr Loke, from Haimane village, Tina area, Central Guadalcanal was charged with one count of housebreaking and committing felony contrary to section 300 (a) of the Penal code.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

This was in relation to an incident that took place on October 11, 2025 where the defendant Aron Loke, 33, was accused of stealing 32.5 grammes of carbon gold valued at $28,000.

The complainant in this matter is Gold Ridge Mining limited.

Fransisca Luza from the office of the Director of Prosecution represented Gold Ridge Mining Limited.

Defence Counsel Wally Hatingonga from Public Solicitors Office appeared for the defense.

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

A man who could not be named to protect the identity of the victim has pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges in court on Friday, February 20.

The matter was heard in court by Magistrate Ben Alasia.

The defendant from Sikaiana in Malaita Outer Island is charged with one count of domestic violence contrary to section 58 (1) of the Family Protection Act, 2014.

The defendant and the victim are wife and husband. They both have a child.

It was alleged in the charges that the defendant slapped the victim while she was carrying their baby.

Police Constable Ms. Anina confirmed that the charge was filed on 29 February 2026 and that the defendant took his plea on Friday, February 20.

Defense counsel informed the court that he proposes to call the defendant to take his plea to that one count of Domestic Violence charge.

Magistrate Ben Alasia asked the defendant both in English and Pidgin as to how he will plea the charge of Domestic Violence to which he pleaded guilty.

The matter was further adjourned to Friday 27^th February at 9am for sentencing.

This was after both counsels agreed for a 7 days adjournment to give ample time for respective counsels to settle the agreed facts and to have it settled and prepared before sentencing submissions at the next proposed mention date.

In the meantime, Magistrate informed parties to file agreed facts and furnish copies at the registry.

The court then ordered that the defendant to be remanded in custody while awaiting sentencing at the adjourned date.

Police constable Ms. Anina appears for the prosecutions.

Counsel Saeni appears on behalf of Moffat Kiriau, Senior Legal Officer, from the Public Solicitors Office.

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