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New Guadalcanal provincial assembly chamber costs $3.8m

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Guadalcanal Provincial Government has invested $3.8 million in the construction of a new Provincial Assembly Chamber at its headquarters in Mamara, marking a major step in strengthening governance and institutional capacity in the province.

A statement from Guadalcanal Provincial (GP) Media said the construction of the chamber at Tandai Ward in Northwest Guadalcanal is progressing steadily and represents a key milestone under the provincial government’s infrastructure development programme.

The project is being implemented by Windward Civil Engineering & Construction Co Ltd. and is funded under the GPG–SIG–PCDF 2025/2026 Budget component, with a total allocation of $3.8 million.

GP Media said the Assembly Chamber is expected to be completed by mid-2026 and will provide a modern legislative facility that aims to improve decision-making, transparency, and inclusive governance within the province.

Construction has successfully passed Stage Two and has now entered Stage Three, with works remaining on schedule since commencement in mid-2025. The phased construction approach allows for strict quality control and transparent monitoring throughout the project.

Guadalcanal Provincial Secretary, Maesac Suia, said the new chamber will play a vital role in enhancing the legislative and governance environment of the province.

“The Assembly Chamber will strengthen governance capacity, improve transparency, and provide an appropriate civic space for public engagement,” Mr Suia said.

He added that the facility will also help build public confidence in the Provincial Assembly as an institution that operates with dignity and accountability.

“We also hope this development will inspire our young people in Guadalcanal to engage in civil discourse and understand the value of good citizenship and public service,” he said.

In preparation for construction, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government engaged local company Search Pacific to conduct unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance at the site in 2024.

The operation covered 10 hectares and was carried out by Search Pacific, a Solomon Islands–based company accredited by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit.

Photo: GP government, Facebook

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Heavy rain and strong wind warnings cancelled

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By Alice Campbell

Weather authorities have cancelled the series of warnings for heavy rain and strong winds for Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands has seen three periods of bad weather across the nation, with the latest reaching as far as Orange Alert – a more serious state of warning.

The strong wind was cancelled at 1pm yesterday, followed by heavy rain warning cancellation at 8pm.

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) however says intermittent rain can occur in the coming days since an active trough still lies south of the country.

NEOC also cautions the public that general westerly winds flow over the country.

However, for now, the strength of the rain and winds have ceased below the threshold which warrants warnings.

“Associated clouds and heavy rain with thunderstorms are expected to gradually ease and below warning threshold.

“The expected westerly winds of 15 to 25 knots for waters of Central, Guadalcanal, Malaita, Makira, Temotu and Rennell/Bellona provinces is now easing and below the warning threshold.

“However, still expect poor visibility in showers and thunderstorm areas.

“This is the final update for this event,” NEOC said.

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Japan’s ambassador pledges to support young Solomon Islanders

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Japanese ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi, has pledged commitment to helping young Solomon Islanders build their futures through various supportive programs.

During his previous diplomatic tenure in Thailand, Mr Higuchi focused on similar initiatives, and this remains his top priority in Solomon Islands.

Since taking office last year, the ambassador has embraced learning about the culture of Solomon Islands, showing a deep curiosity for the country’s traditions and people.

He believes this curiosity is key for the youth of Solomon Islands to thrive on.

Reflecting on the importance of curiosity, Higuchi shared a personal story of how his own curiosity about his future, led him to become a diplomat.

He hopes young Solomon Islanders will cultivate a similar mindset, nurturing their interests and passions to unlock opportunities and achieve their goals.

“It is possible, achievable, and Japan is here to help,” he emphasised, highlighting Japan’s international scholarship programme and other forms of assistance available to young people.

As part of his ongoing mission, Higuchi expressed excitement about further helping Solomon Islanders, particularly the youth, to gain access to opportunities that will help them grow and develop their future.

“Before coming to Solomon Islands, I was in Thailand, and encouraged young people to improve their futures.

“I assisted local farmers and communities, and that remains a top priority for me to help young people in Solomon Islands,” he said.

As a key bilateral partner of Solomon Islands, Japan continues to cooperate with the Solomon Islands government on a variety of programmes, from economic infrastructure development,  human development to ensuring mutual growth and progress.

Photo: MFAET

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Market access disrupted by bad weather, families struggle to pay school fees

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

FAMILIES who depend on selling garden produce at local markets to earn income for school fees are facing increasing hardship as persistent bad weather continues to disrupt travel and market access.

Speaking on behalf of struggling women of Ranongga, Erika Olivia said heavy rain and rough sea conditions have prevented many farmers and market vendors from reaching nearby markets to sell their garden produce and fresh food.

She said the situation has led to a significant drop in household income, leaving parents struggling to meet education-related expenses such as school fees, uniforms and stationery.

“The impact is especially severe for families in remote villages who rely entirely on market sales as their main source of cash income,” Mrs Olivia said.

She said unsafe sea conditions have made boat travel risky, forcing families to remain in their communities with unsold produce as bad weather continues.

“Some parents are worried that prolonged bad weather may force their children to miss school if fees cannot be paid on time.

“Others fear that perishable goods will go to waste, causing further losses to households that are already under pressure,” Olivia said.

She said many parents are concerned that their children may not be allowed to attend school if administrations do not accept explanations for delayed payments.

“Most parents will be unable to send their children to school if school administrations refuse to consider our situation.

“We hope school authorities will understand our struggle and allow children to attend classes while parents try to find ways to pay the fees,” Olivia said.

In rural areas, the ongoing weather challenges highlight the close link between livelihoods and education, and serve as a reminder of how climate-related disruptions continue to affect everyday life for families across the country.

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Western Province Youth Centre ready for handover

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE construction of the Western Province Youth Centre has been completed and the facility is now ready for official handover.

Information reaching Island Sun confirmed that the official hand-over ceremony is expected to take place later this month.

The newly completed youth centre is seen as a major boost to youth development in Western Province, providing a dedicated space for training programmes, workshops, and other youth-focused events.

The centre is expected to host a range of activities to empower young people with skills, knowledge, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in social and economic development.

Stakeholders welcome the completion of the project, describing it as a timely investment in the future of youths in the province.

The Western Province Youth Centre is expected to play a key role in nurturing talent, promoting leadership, and supporting positive youth engagement across the province.

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JICA continues support for SI through volunteer programme

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) remains committed to supporting the Solomon Islands government through its ongoing volunteer programme.

This initiative is part of Japan’s broader international cooperation efforts, with the goal to assist countries in areas such as public services, economic development, and more.

JICA’s volunteers play a key role in delivering these services in designated countries, including Solomon Islands.

The country has been benefiting from this programme for decades, with volunteers supporting various government services across the nation.

In an interview during a Japanese cultural festival held at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum campus on Saturday, JICA’s Resident Representative in Solomon Islands, Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki, highlighted the continued importance of the volunteer program.

He shared that, at present, there are 27 Japanese volunteers in the country: 18 based in Honiara and nine stationed in provincial centres such as Munda, Gizo, Noro, Kirakira, Buala, and other urban areas.

Mitsuyoshi explained that the volunteers’ areas of expertise include health, education, economic development (such as marketing and tourism), and environmental management.

He also noted that JICA is exploring new areas of cooperation based on the needs of Solomon Islands.

For example, recognising the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and extreme weather, JICA is considering expanding its support in disaster risk management.

“We’ve already had one volunteer assisting with national disaster management,” Mitsuyoshi said, emphasising JICA’s flexibility and readiness to respond to the country’s evolving needs.

Looking ahead, he mentioned that JICA is set to welcome more volunteers this year to replace those whose service tenures have concluded.

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SELECTED ONES FIRST

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Teachers raise concerns over trial payment of salary backdate 2024-2025 set to roll this Thursday

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Teachers have raised serious concerns over the government’s decision to implement a trial payment of the long-awaited 7 percent salary backdate, with only a limited number of teachers expected to receive the payment in this week’s payday on 5 February 2026.

The issue follows a meeting last Thursday between the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and the Solomon Islands Teachers’ Association (SINTA), where both parties confirmed that the 7 percent salary backdate would begin this week.

However, SINTA Secretary Robert Lafasi clarified that the payment scheduled for February 5 will only apply to a small group of teachers, as the process is being conducted as a trial run.

“The teachers’ salary backdate will be put on trial for first teacher’s payday this Thursday.

“After the trial, and once the system is properly set within the finance system, the full backdate payment will be rolled out to all teachers in the next payday,” Lafasi said.

He explained that MEHRD opted for a trial to minimise the risk of financial system errors before implementing the full payment.

“This trial will only apply to a few teachers selected by MEHRD,” he added.

Despite the explanation, several teachers who spoke to this paper expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangement, arguing that the trial approach was never communicated previously and contradicts their understanding of the approved backdate payment.

“The government has already passed the budget for this backdate pay.

“That means the money is already there.

“We were never informed about any trial run.

“What we understood was that the payment would be rolled out to all teachers at the same time,” one teacher said.

Others warned that selective payment could create inequality and frustration among teachers who will miss out on this first payout.

“We all do the same work and should be treated equally. Some should not receive their backdate pay earlier while others wait.

“This arrangement affects those who are excluded, and we do not understand the motive behind it,” another teacher said.

Meanwhile, MEHRD and SINTA also confirmed during the meeting that work on teachers’ holiday package and housing assistance policies has been completed by the joint task force.

According to SINTA, both policies are now awaiting implementation timelines, with rollout targeted for 2027, while the TVET salary restructure is scheduled to be implemented in March this year.

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MEDICAL HISTORY

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Dr Augustine Melly and Dr Chen Xulong performing the surgery. Photos credit – China Medical Team

First-ever removal of kidney stone with minimal incision achieved at NRH by 4th China medical team and local doctors

BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Medical history was made again at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) with Solomon Islands’ first ever kidney stone removal surgery with minimal incision or ‘surgery cut’.

This type of surgery is called minimal invasive kidney stone lithotripsy, and was successfully performed by the 4th China Medical Team with the urology team of NRH on January 22.

Last year, the China – Solomon Islands medical cooperation successfully carried out similar historic procedures for bladder stones.

For the kidney stone removal, the team performed a flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy (breaking kidney stone with laser) on a patient with right kidney stones, signifying a leap forward in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract stones, a statement by the 4th China Medical Team (CMT) yesterday [Jan 29] said.

During this procedure, Dr Chen Xulong from CMT and Dr Augustine Melly from the NRH urology department conducted thorough preoperative evaluations and carefully formulated a surgical plan, further extending minimally invasive technology to the treatment of kidney stones.

The surgery was performed through the body’s natural orifice (opening) by inserting a flexible ureteroscope, precisely reaching the renal lesion (a cyst around the kidney).

The stone was accurately broken up using a holmium laser and removed with the assistance of a negative-pressure suction system, fully demonstrating the advantages of minimally invasive surgery—no external incision, minial trauma, high precision, and rapid recovery, the CMT statement said.

Mr Melly said, “Through my studies in China and the meticulous mentorship of Chinese doctors, I have mastered internationally advanced minimally invasive techniques.

“Today, I am able to independently relieve my fellow citizens of their suffering—something that once seemed unimaginable.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunities created by China–Solomon Islands medical cooperation.

“This partnership has not only elevated our medical capabilities but has also brought renewed hope to local patients.”

CMT Team Leader Zhao Xueke said that the success not only fills the technical gap but also marks the upgrade of China–Solomon Islands urological cooperation from “single-technology breakthroughs” to a new phase of systematic capacity building.

The medical team will continue to use the China – Solomon Islands Urology Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre Project as a platform to strengthen training for local medical staff, promote the standardised and routine implementation of invasive techniques, ensuring more stone patients can access safe, efficient, and high-quality advanced medical services locally – without the need for long-distance travel, the CMT statement said.

Prior to this, due to limited medical resources and delayed presentation, some patients diagnosed with kidney stone have significantly enlarged or become impacted, often accompanied by hydronephrosis or even renal function impairment, posing serious health risks, CMT said.

Solomon Islands has reached a milestone in the management of urinary stone disease.

The treatment model, which has relied on traditional open surgery, is shifting towards minimally invasive approaches, with alternative techniques reserved for exceptionally large stones or complex anatomical conditions.

This is not the first historic feat of the China – Solomon Islands medical cooperation.

Last year the China–Solomon Islands medical cooperation also achieved history with minimal invasive surgery to remove bladder stones.

Strengthening aviation safety and operational capacity

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Construction of the new air traffic control towers in Honiara and Munda international airports has officially commenced.
Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), this development marks another significant milestone under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).
The new towers will enhance aviation safety, operational efficiency, and air traffic management at two of the country’s key airports, a statement by SIRAP2 yesterday [Jan 29] said.
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) was awarded the design and build contract and mobilised at both project sites, according to SIRAP2.
The CCECC has completed and occupied the construction camp, with workers undertaking preparatory and site establishment works ahead of major construction activities at Honiara Airport, while foundation works are progressing steadily at Munda Airport.
Awareness activities were also conducted last week to inform Communities of the scope of work, construction schedule, safety considerations, and anticipated benefits.
Permanent Secretary of MCA, Alwyn Danitofea, welcomed the commencement of works.
“The construction of these new ATC towers is a critical step towards strengthening aviation safety and operational capacity at Honiara and Munda International Airports. These facilities will provide our air traffic controllers with modern, fit-for-purpose infrastructure that meets international aviation standards and supports the continued growth of air services in Solomon Islands. We appreciate the support of the World Bank through SIRAP2 and the cooperation of local communities during construction and continue to ensure that safety, environmental management, and community engagement remain key priorities throughout implementation,” he said.
SIRAP2 is delivering a wide range of critical transport investments across the country, including construction of Noro Roads, four new bridges in Malaita Province, upgrades of Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield in Temotu Province and Suavanao Airfield in Isabel Province, investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu provinces, ongoing maintenance of regional airports, rehabilitation of 21 kilometres of East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and sealing of 12 kilometres of North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.
These investments form part of the Government’s broader commitment to improve transport connectivity, enhance safety and climate resilience, and support economic growth and service delivery across Solomon Islands, SIRAP2 said.

Malaita province holds first meeting for division heads

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By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Malaita Province has held its first meeting for the heads of division at the Malaita Provincial Chamber.
The meeting yesterday [Jan 29] was for the division heads to update and report on their quarterly work plans, strengths and weaknesses.
In an interview with the paper, a source within the youth division, Malaita Province, said it is an annual preparation for their budget planning for the new financial year of the province in March.
The source said that during the discussion, each division shares what their strengths and weaknesses are and what needs improving.
“Yes, the meeting is held specifically to look back at what needs to be improved and what has been achieved.
“It is also a time to look at the preparation of the annual budget planning for each quarter.”
The source said that the police and correctional, forestry, finance, lands, disaster and climate change, health, and environmental health divisions are yet to present theirs.
During the meeting yesterday they were also thinking of forming another division called the legal advice division.
The source said that the division will oversee the legal issues in the province, as it is facing many unsolved legal issues.
“We almost have 20 divisions. So now we are thinking of creating and forming another division to look after the legal issues in our province.
“We hope that this legal division will help tackle the huge legal issues in the province.”
The meeting started on Thursday, Jan 29 and continues today (Friday, Jan 30).

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