BY NED GAGAHE

The Government welcomes the establishment of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Resident Mission in Solomon Islands, describing it as a major boost to climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable development.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony yesterday, the Minister of Finance and Treasury Rexon Ramofafia said the new in-country presence will strengthen efforts to build resilience against climate change and external shocks while accelerating key infrastructure projects.

“The establishment of this Resident Mission represents more than a physical presence.

“It is a strong affirmation of ADB’s long-term commitment to working closely with our institutions, our communities, and our people,” the Minister said.

He highlighted climate-resilient infrastructure and renewable energy as top priorities for the Government.

Solomon Islands, like many Pacific nations, faces increasing risks from rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and climate-related disasters. Strengthening infrastructure to withstand these challenges remains central to the Government’s development agenda.

The Minister said closer collaboration with ADB will support investments in renewable energy, climate adaptation, and transport connectivity—particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.

“With ADB closer to the ground, development assistance will be better aligned with our national priorities and local realities,” he said.

Over the past five decades, ADB has supported major investments in transport, energy, water and sanitation, public sector reform, and climate resilience.

The Minister acknowledges that concessional financing, grants, and technical assistance from ADB have contributed to strengthening core infrastructure and enhancing human capital across the country.

He said the Resident Mission will enhance coordination and responsiveness, ensuring projects are implemented efficiently and deliver long-term benefits.

The Government is also looking to improve service delivery in rural areas, where many communities remain vulnerable to climate impacts.

Improved transport networks, renewable energy expansion, and resilient infrastructure are expected to support inclusive economic growth and reduce inequality.

“As we look to the future, our country faces both opportunities and challenges.

“The presence of the ADB Resident Mission will be instrumental in deepening policy dialogue, accelerating project implementation, and mobilising innovative financing and technical expertise,” Minister Ramofafia said.

Solomon Islands has been a member of ADB since 1973. Mr Ramofafia described the opening of the Resident Mission as a symbol of trust, partnership, and shared vision for a more resilient and prosperous nation.

He officially declared the ADB Resident Mission open, expressing confidence that it will serve as a hub for collaboration and impactful development outcomes for many years to come.

The strengthened partnership is expected to play a critical role in advancing Solomon Islands’ climate resilience and sustainable development goals.

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Department will conduct a live demolition of bombs at Hell’s Point, in the Alligator Creek area east of Honiara today.

A statement from the RSIPF yesterday said the Hell’s Point Demolition Range in Central Guadalcanal will be active from 8am to 1pm.

Deputy Director of the EOD Department, Staff Sergeant Peter Ririvere, kindly cautions farmers, hunters, and the general public in and around the Henderson area, Alligator Creek, and Tenaru School to keep out of Hell’s Point when the operation is in progress.

Safe evacuations of people and roadblocks will be enforced within these areas from East Henderson to the Tenaru school bus stop, the statement said.

Ririvere reassures the public of their safety and that this will be their normal weekly EOD task which aims to reduce the number of unexploded ordnances stored at the site to a minimum level.

The statement said the Air Traffic Control Tower at the Honiara International Airport will coordinate the firing of each serial and EOD operators will be posted at the control tower during this operation from the actual times of the demolition.

Photo: RSIPF

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Asian Development Bank officially opens resident mission here as Solomon Islands projects reach USD$362 million

BY NED GAGAHE

The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Mr Masato Kanda, yesterday officially opened ADB’s new Resident Mission in Solomon Islands, describing it as “a new beginning” in the Bank’s 53-year partnership with the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Honiara, Mr Kanda said ADB’s presence in Solomon Islands dates back to 2008, but the establishment of a full Resident Mission signals a strengthened and long-term commitment.

“For more than 50 years, ADB has partnered with Solomon Islands to achieve its development goals, bringing tangible benefits to the people,” Mr Kanda said.

He said the milestone comes as ADB’s portfolio in Solomon Islands has expanded significantly to USD$362 million, making it one of the Bank’s largest in the Pacific region.

ADB-supported projects in Solomon Islands span key sectors including transport, energy, urban development, education, and public financial management reforms, including tax reform support.

Mr Kanda revealed that ADB also has a strong pipeline of nearly $200 million in new investments programmed over the coming years.

“Development does not happen from a distance. The Resident Mission moves our work closer to you. It puts ADB closer to the government and the people we serve,” he said.

He added that the strengthened presence will improve dialogue with the Government, increase responsiveness, and expand cooperation with development partners.

Mr Kanda said the Resident Mission will also support ADB’s growing focus on private sector development in the Pacific, helping create conditions for businesses to thrive and generate employment opportunities.

He welcomed newly appointed Country Director Anthony Gill, who will lead ADB operations in Solomon Islands.

“Tony will lead ADB operations in Solomon Islands and, with his team, will build on our 53-year strong partnership,” Mr Kanda said.

Mr Kanda highlighted major ongoing projects, including the Tina River Hydropower Project, which aims to secure clean and reliable energy for Honiara, and ADB’s support to the Honiara campus of the University of the South Pacific, designed to expand access to quality education and empower young Solomon Islanders.

“Our goal is clear: to make life better for Solomon Islanders,” he said.

Mr Kanda concluded by calling for collective effort to build a Solomon Islands that is more connected, resilient, and prosperous – not only for today, but for future generations.

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Rokera to host 2026 Small Malaita Mini Games

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Rokera in Small Malaita has emerged as the chosen battleground for the 2026 Small Malaita Mini Games, setting the stage for one of the year’s first major sporting showpieces as preparations begin to gather momentum.

The announcement was made in a media statement issued by the Small Malaita Mini Games Organising Committee (SMMGOC), with Secretary Baddley Alaha confirming that preparations are now progressing following endorsement of the proposed venue.

Organizers explained that Rokera was selected after a formal submission by KS TUNA Football Club of Koukousurisau and Aerial Harbour Football Club of Parasi under the leadership of Malaita Provincial Assembly (MPA) member, Christian Saoia.

“The Games Organizing Committee endorsed the proposal based on Rokera’s demonstrated readiness, facilities, and logistical capacity to successfully host the Games”, the statement said.

Details outlined in the statement show that the venue will provide two football playing grounds, two netball courts and two volleyball courts, along with additional open spaces to cater for other outdoor sporting activities.

Its accessibility and the availability of transport, accommodation and communication services are also expected to ensure athletes, officials and spectators are well supported throughout the games, the statement said.

The SMMG Council Chairman, Mr. Stanley Waita has expressed confidence in Rokera’s readiness to deliver a successful event.

“Rokera, together with its football clubs and wider community, will deliver a well-organized and successful Mini Games in 2026”, Waita said in the statement.

While the number of participating teams and athletes is yet to be confirmed, the Mini Games are anticipated to attract strong interest, including possible participation from Honiara-based athletes seeking early competition in the new sporting year.

The statement noted that the SMMG Council will work closely with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and key stakeholders to coordinate preparations and ensure all necessary arrangements are in place ahead of the event.

“Further updates on preparations, confirmed sporting codes, and event schedules will be announced in due course”, the statement said.

Photo: Supplied

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BY TONY IROGA

THE Solomon Islands National University Knight’s Floorball Club (SINU-KFC) yesterday received membership share worth of $500 voucher.

The membership voucher was donated by Junior Samani from Rendova, Western province.

In an interview yesterday SINU-KFC captain Ben Besa Jatobatu said the membership is purposely for the club to have access facilities within Honiara City Council.

With limited facility and gym available to train in, the donation is timely said Mr Jatobatu.

He said each day of training, the club will pay for facility worth $100, for Club member individual will pay $10 for each day of training session.

“We really happy to have the membership and access to the facility, as we start the Club last year and the club has only limited facility to trained.

“The club looks forward to create its players the opportunities to have access to gym facilities available,” he said.

He said so many players have high potential to go far in floorball but have limited resources, so with this initiative it will give the chance to players to use the gym for strength and muscle build-up.

“The club management would like to give a special thanks to the sponsor Junior Samani for the donor and help towards the Club,” he said.

The voucher is valid for this month.

Photo: Supplied

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Trades Transportation Company has completed repair work on four wooden bridges along the South Road in Malaita Province.

The wooden bridges were repaired after road users and vehicle owners raised concerns over the bridges’ strength, as they were built long ago. 

In a media release yesterday, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) thanked the Trades Transformation Company (TTC) for successfully repairing the four key timber bridges along the South Road.

The Trades Transformation Company is also grateful that the bridges have been repaired to improve safety and accessibility for road users across the Central Region of Malaita Province. 

MID encourages the community near the road assets to take ownership and look after them.

“I encourage the community members living near these bridges to look after them. These are road assets for the good of all travelers on the South Road,” he said.

It was said that another bridge is slated for repair soon, though it is under the contingency allocations.

In the meantime, the repair and maintenance of the Maoa to Hauhui section (33km) will be completed soon.

The bridges repair work, road upgrade and maintenance are possible through the National Transport Fund (Australia) and the World Bank; building durable climate-resilient infrastructure.

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