BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Without reliable data and clear reporting, government plans are in the dark.

Member of Parliament (MP) for South New Georgia/Rendova- Tetepare Constituency, David Gina, said this when he delivered his speech during the Sine Die Motion in parliament on Monday 15, last week.

He told the house that citizens cannot depend on parliament debates without evidence on matters of concern.

Gina said accountability weakens when results are not measured and published.

“Data system remains fragmented and poorly integrated into budgeting and oversight. Important national work has been completed, including the mid-term review of the national development strategy for 2016-2035 and the 2024 voluntary national review of the SDGs.

“These are solid achievements and they prove the technical capacity exists. The problem is that these tools are not embedded in day-to-day decision-making. Monitoring results rarely drive budget choices or program adjustments,” he said.

Gina further said that the consequences are visible.

“Auditor-General reports continue to highlight poor record-keeping, incomplete documentation and delayed audits, including for the economic stimulus package, COVID-19 funds and now the Pacific Game 2023 funds. Data gaps also undermine physical control,” he said.

He said that the development budget in 2024 contracted by 44 percent, from about $1.17 billion planned to roughly $657 million, projected without any warning of timely correction.

He said that revenue agencies report meeting targets, yet cash flow problems persist, pointing to gaps in how revenue, exemptions, debt servicing and expenditure data are brought together.

“Accountability is not about reports after the fact. It is about making performance visible as it happens. Until monitoring systems are operationalised and enforced across government, Parliament will continue to debate promises rather than results,” he said.

Gina adds that a modern state must know itself before it can serve its people well.

He said that investment in data reporting and accountability is not a luxury but it is the foundation of discipline, trust and effective governance.

“This is the standard this House must insist on as we conclude this House,” he said.

“This has been a demanding year, but also a meaningful one. I hope and pray that 2026 will continue to work together with us with mutual respect and shared sense of duty in service to our country and our people through our legislative responsibilities,” Gina said.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Member of Parliament (MP) for South New Georgia/Rendova- Tetepare Constituency, David Gina, said that repeated capitalisation of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) demands honest reflections.

Delivering his speech during the Sine Die Motion in parliament on Monday, December 15, 2025, Gina said that while public funds flow into these entities annually yet tangible returns remain thin or difficult to see.

He said that capital injections should drive growth and market access and not serve as life support.

“When Parliament approves capitalisation, it expects clear benefits to the economy and the public. Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) continues to receive government support as a key vehicle for financing farmers, small businesses and productive sectors,” he said.

He said that DBSI secured $50 million from the National Provident Fund, a significant sum, approved on the understanding that it would expand access to credit and support production on the ground.

“Yet, when we look at the evidence, our concern emerges,” Gina said.

He said that recent growth in agriculture has been driven largely by high world price and donor funded projects, not by a noticeable expansion of domestic credit.

“This leads to a simple but important question for Parliament. Are repeated capital injections into DBSI translating into real lending to farmers and small businesses? There is also a practical constraint that cannot be ignored where many rural farmers face serious challenges in providing loan security.

“The CBSI loan guarantee scheme has now been fully utilised. Once that safety net is gone, what options remain for farmers who are productive but lack assets? If DBSI is to fulfil its mandate, government must explain how credit will reach rural producers in the absence of guarantees,” he said.

He said that capitalisation risks benefiting the balance sheet, not farmers otherwise, an issue Parliament must confront honestly.

“CEMA presents a similar concern. It is regularly cited as a Centre of Export Marketing Authority and market access. Yet, Parliament receives little clear reporting on volume benefits or financial returns. If public funds are used to capitalise CEMA, we must be able to see whether it is adding value beyond what private traders are already doing,” Gina said.

He said that in a context of rising debt, servicing and tight development budget, capitalisation with a clear performance benchmark is a risk the country cannot afford.

He said that support to SOEs must be tied to measurable outcomes, transparent reporting and consequences for underperformance.

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BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Member of Parliament for West Guadalcanal, Mary Daniella Zae Garu has called for stronger support for agriculture, women and youth and coordination.

She made call whilst contributing to the Sine Die Motion in parliament last week.

Garu stressed that there needs to be stronger support in the agricultural sector given that it is the backbone of the country’s economy.

“If government can help our rural people, people can be financially stable even at the rural level,” she said.

Garu also raised that women and youths need to be empowered for they are drivers of growth, noting the social issues young people involve in and the need for improvement in this area.

She added that there also needs to be improved coordination between the government, provinces and communities, including strengthening chiefly systems and community policing to maintain peace in the village

Garu further recommended the establishment of an agriculture bank to support farmers, fishermen and foresters, saying access to affordable finance remains a major challenge.

“Commercial banks do not suit rural realities, and an agriculture-focused bank can help farmers move from subsistence to commercial production,” she said.

She said this investment can empower people, strengthen food security, create employment and build a resilient economy.

“To the people of West Guadalcanal, I reaffirm my commitment to continue working with you, listening to you, and advocating for a development that truly improves lives.

“I am proud to say that the GNUT Government have included the Lambi road for tar sealing in the 2026 national infrastructure budget. This is a great achievement for West Guadalcanal,” she said.

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BY GREGORY HAKA

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) through Rural Sustainable Development Programme (RSDP) handover road machineries worth of SBD 1.5 million to East Central Guadalcanal Constituency (ECGC) on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

The handover ceremony of machineries marks a new era for the people of East Central Guadalcanal Constituency (ECGC) after decades of experiencing deteriorated road conditions, a statement by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) last week said.

During the handover ceremony, Member of Parliament for East Central Guadalcanal Constituency, Lazarus Alfred Rina expressed deep gratitude to the PRC government and its people for their generous support through the RSDP.

He emphasised that the machineries will play a crucial role in transforming road conditions within his constituency.

“Our people have long cried for improved roads, and today, we celebrate this milestone,” said Rina.

He further highlighted that partnership and collaborations with the communities is key to achieving tangible development outcomes.

Rina also acknowledged resources owners for allowing their resources during emergency repairs on roads especially gravels which demonstrate community cooperation.

The handover ceremony was also attended by counselor Li Qinghua from the Chinese Embassy in Honiara.

In her remarks, she highlighted China’s commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ socio-economic development through projects like RSDP.

Li emphasised that road infrastructure is one of the most fundamental factors in economic and social development, one which is highly recognized in the Chinese proverb: “If you want to be rich, build roads first”.

She said the RSDP is not just a development project but a partnership rooted in empowerment, with the aim to enable local communities to become self-reliant.

“China’s support extends beyond infrastructure; it includes capacity-building and training programs designed to transfer knowledge and skills to Solomon Islands’ citizens, thus fostering sustainable development,” she said.

Counsellor Li reaffirms PRC’s dedication to strengthen the country’s infrastructure and socio-economic resilience through its various development support in Solomon Islands.

The ceremony was witnessed by chiefs, community leaders, men, women, youths and MPAs within ECGC, reflecting broad community support for the project.

Photo: Supplied

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BY NED GAGAHE

Abandoned for years and facing demolition, Kalenga Clinic in Gao-Bugotu Constituency, Isabel Province, will be reconstructed driven by the determination of young people who refused to accept neglect as their community’s future.

Island Sun travelled to Isabel Province in late October as part of the Voices from the Rurals project, which documents the lived realities of people in remote communities.

After a four-hour outboard motor ride from Honiara, I arrived at Suva – one of the communities near Kalenga on the evening of Friday October 24, 2025.

Following meetings with chiefs from Suva village, one issue repeatedly surfaced: the alarming condition of Kalenga Clinic. It quickly became clear that the clinic’s deteriorating state was not just an infrastructure problem, but a human dignity issue affecting thousands.

A Community Left Behind

Kalenga Clinic serves an estimated population of 1,700 people from four communities of Sepi, Suva, Thathaje and Kalenga Secondary school. Built nearly 25 years ago with funding from the Australian Government through the former AusAID program, the clinic has long outlived its intended lifespan.

Its last major refurbishment was more than a decade ago under the Australian Direct Aid Program (DAP). Despite assessments by the Ministry of Health in 2018 highlighting serious service gaps, little improvement followed.

Situated close to the seashore, the clinic was constructed on high posts. While practical at the time, the design created new challenges. The elevated structure is inaccessible to women, the elderly, and people living with disabilities, who must climb steep stairs to reach healthcare.

A Nurse’s Daily Struggle

Registered Nurse and Midwife, Elizabeth Roronu has been stationed at Kalenga Clinic for three years. She describes working conditions that fall far below basic health standards.

“The building is too old. The ceiling is falling apart, and there is no running water.

“There is no light at night. When patients are admitted, we use our own flashlights. There are no toilets or washrooms. If patients can walk, they go to the seaside to relief themselves. If they can’t, we use buckets and throw the waste into the sea,” she said.

The clinic also lacks transport. Without its own outboard motor (OBM), staff must hire boats from the community to collect medical supplies, leading to additional burden to patients and community.

“Sometimes medicines don’t last the full three months. Transport and fuel are our biggest challenges. Our Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) can take up to six months to process. Meanwhile, businesses here require cash,” Nurse Roronu explained.

As a result, communities and patients often shoulder the cost themselves. Some LPOs, she said, have remained unsettled for up to three years.

Rising Malaria Cases

Malaria is on the rise in Kalenga and surrounding villages. Nurse Roronu reports that on some days, up to ten patients test positive, with weekly numbers reaching 30 cases.

“We often run out of Coartem and Primaquine. When we test patients positive and have no medicine, we just send them home,” she said.

Island Sun understands that some patients resort to sending money to relatives in Honiara to purchase medicines. There are also allegations of medicines being sold privately in the community—claims that remain unsubstantiated.

Youth Step in Where Government Fell Short

For years, the community suffered in silence. But the younger generation decided enough was enough.

Led by youths from the communities, discussions began on how to replace the failing clinic. These conversations gained momentum through Sepi Empowerment & Progress Initiative (SEPI), a Facebook Forum, which became a hub for ideas, planning, and collaboration.

Recently, the application for funding was submitted through the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships Program. Then in May this year, the project was approved and signed for building the new clinic.

The project is a collaboration between the donor, the community, and the constituency driven largely by youth leadership.

Following the signing, materials were shipped to the community, with freight costs included in the funding. The constituency assisted by chartering a vessel to transport materials to the site. Meanwhile, the community contributed gravel, sand, and labour, identifying skilled individuals to help construct the building.

Community Leadership Speaks

Kalenga Clinic Chairman Jonas Nohe said medicine shortages have plagued the community for over a decade.

“We travel to Susubona – an Area Health Centre in another constituency using nine gallons of fuel just to collect supplies, but often the medicine runs out within days.

“The population here is too big for the supply we receive,” he said.

As shortages persist, people increasingly rely on traditional remedies or purchase medicine privately—something unheard of in the past.

“Malaria has increased. In the 1980s and 90s, health officials came for spraying and awareness. Now, you hardly see them.

“Our ears are tired of hearing about millions of dollars on the news. We don’t feel it here,” Nohe said.

He welcomed the new clinic project, thanking the Australian Government and all those involved.

“My vision is simple: I want my people treated like human beings. Government services must reach us fairly. Enough is enough.”

A New Clinic, A New Beginning

All materials for the new clinic have now arrived, and construction is set to begin. Nurse Roronu believes the new facility will address many of the challenges they face daily.

“Honestly, this clinic should have been closed already because it does not meet health standards. But we continue out of compassion for our people,” she said.

Government Response

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele recently acknowledged in Parliament that access to healthcare in rural areas remains a major challenge due to inadequate infrastructure, staffing, and medical supplies.

Meanwhile, Minister for Health Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai said an increased health budget for 2025 will help ease longstanding issues with drug security and medical supplies.

“These challenges have long affected our people. With the increased budget, we are addressing bottlenecks in procurement, payment, storage, and distribution,” Bosawai said, while admitting more work remains.

He also highlighted recent clinical governance training completed by senior clinicians as a step towards improving accountability and patient safety nationwide.

Hope Rooted in Youth Action

While policy promises continue at the national level, the story of Kalenga Clinic shows that real change often begins at the grassroots—driven by young people who refuse to accept neglect.

*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS)

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

A small-scale dam was built in Sughu community, Wanderer Bay, West Guadalcanal in 2009 by World Vision, easing access to water supply for people of Sughu.

But today, as the population increases over the years, with a greater number of households in the community, getting access to water through standpipes is now an issue.

Joshua Bulolo from Sughu, said the small-scale dam built far from the village was constructed along with a tank from which water is supplied to the village through standpipes.

At the time, standpipes located in the village prior to being built were estimated to be one per 5 households.

He stressed that as there are more people in the community than before, people are finding it hard to share water, especially when there are less than 10 standpipes in the community of more than 10 households.

This has caused the people of Sughu to experience shortage of water more especially because some people have resorted to creating their own water connections, causing disruption in the flow of water supply.

The small dam since being built has not been maintained as well and one of two pipes from the dam leading to the tank for water supply to the village was broken from flooding.

“The flooding was so strong it broke one of the pipes at the dam so the broken pipe needs to be changed,” said Bulolo.

He pointed out that there should be a full rehabilitation of the whole water supply system which includes the small dam, tank, pipes, and standpipes.

“What should be done as well is recalculation of how many households there are in the community at present to know how big the dam should be to provide more water for the community.

“There should also be an increase in the size of the storage tank so that it has enough water to supply people of the community,” he said.

Bulolo mentioned that the dam also needs to reconstructed.

He emphasised that no maintenance of the water supply system has been done, hence the challenge of water supply usage in the village.

Bulolo said although the community does not have enough money to do this, they should work together for a start, adding that assistance from the government and aid donors would greatly assist them in curbing this challenge.

Women and young girls of Sughu who use water more often everyday than everyone else are also feeling the impact of unequal access to water supply.

Clera, a young woman from the community shared her experience about this.

“We use the water supply to prepare food, for drinking, washing cooking utensils, to bathe and to wash clothes,” she said.

Clera added that the issue of not having enough standpipes is that when they go to fetch water to drink, or bring their clothes to wash them or when they go to bathe, they have to wait because people are already at the standpipe.

“This affects us women and girls, because everyday we have different tasks to do which all involves the use of water.

“So, when we go to use water from the standpipe but it is already occupied, we have to wait which means we will delay whatever task we had planned to do throughout the day” she stressed.

Like Bulolo, Clera also concurrs to the fact that the growing population in their community has impacted access and use of water from the now limited standpipes they have.

“So, we need more standpipes,” she said.

*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS)

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Unlike government schools that have access to grants, Kiu Community High School in Malaita Province survives and thrives only by financial contributions from parents.

The lack of access to school grants, aid donors and constituency funds is still a major setback for Kiu Community High School as it faces challenges in accessing them.

The motives behind the halt of funding, such as school grants, aid donors, PCDF, and constituency support for Kiu School, are not clear.

However, the Deputy Principal of Kiu Community High School, Amos Tafea’ataramae, said so far, they have shown community resilience in holding up the school to run without these external supports.

But, the reality is without these external supports the school can only manage to develop very slowly.

Tafea’ataramae said they can only carry out minor renovations and maintenance.

“In terms of school development, this is one of our main difficulties. So, with the only small amount that we receive from the tuition fees, we managed to do minor developments like renovations and maintenance work in the school,” he said.

The absence of funds not only disrupts school development, but also contributes to a lack of resources and required facilities for students.

“Since we have a growing population at the moment, we need more development in the school. Currently, we have a library, but it doesn’t cater to every student, and there are also scarce resources like reading books and others,” he said.

The learning environment for the students is also a grave issue, which the Deputy Principal said almost all their classrooms need to be extended to have more space and to accommodate new classrooms.

The school is also in dire need of a school hall for end-year programmes, like the graduation ceremonies.

“We also need a school hall. Every year during our graduation, we just use a classroom, which doesn’t accommodate everyone. At times, every parent stays outside of the classroom when they should be in the room witnessing their children graduating,” he said.

Other barriers faced at Kiu School are road access to Auki township and school boundary expansion.

Tafea’ataramae appeals to national and provincial leaders to visit their school and see for themselves what the school is facing.

He urges the provincial education authority, which is the body that oversees and is responsible for assessments of all schools in the province, to make an urgent assessment of their school to see for themselves.

“Yes, I want to call on national and provincial leaders, and especially our provincial education authority, to please make an attempt to visit every school in the province at any time next year.

“Through the visit and assessment of the schools, you’ll figure out what is most needed and what each school is facing, without saying that every school is running smoothly,” he said.

*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS)

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Santa Cruz Island in Temotu Province holds a profound place in the history of the Solomon Islands. It is the island that hosted the first recorded foreign visitors to the country.

In 1568, Spanish explorer, Álvaro de Mendaña became the first European to discover the Solomon Islands. This discovery marked the beginning of centuries of European contact with the archipelago.

During his voyage, Mendaña reported finding gold on one of the islands, leading him to believe he had discovered the legendary riches of King Solomon.

In 1595, Mendaña returned to the Solomon Islands and established a settlement at Graciosa Bay on Santa Cruz Island. He later died there, making the island an important site in early Pacific exploration history.

Evidence of Mendaña’s settlement can still be seen today. Corroded iron remnants of the centuries-old wharf he built in Graciosa Bay remain visible. Additionally, descendants of the fowls (chickens) he brought with him during his return voyage are still found on the island.

Santa Cruz Island does not only preserve this significant chapter of history; it also represents the gateway through which the Solomon Islands were first opened to the outside world, eventually leading to contact, change, and modernization.

However, this piece of history appears to have received little recognition, as reflected in the ongoing development challenges faced by Santa Cruz Island and Temotu Province.

As observed—and as acknowledged by rural Temotu residents and leaders—the province remains among the least developed in the country.

George Mepirke, an elder from Nou Village, says the province continues to face significant development challenges, particularly in infrastructure.

In a developing country like the Solomon Islands, he said infrastructure is key to unlocking development and improving the delivery of basic services.

“We are in need of good wharves, roads, airfields and other essential infrastructure to encourage development in the province,” he said.

“Additionally, it seems we have been left behind, perhaps due to our geographical isolation. I am not saying this out of envy, but based on the trend of development across the country.

“It appears that development efforts are centred on only certain provinces, and the distribution is unfair,” he added.

During the parliamentary sine die debate this week, the Member of Parliament for Temotu Pele, James Bonuga, echoed similar sentiments.

He said that for far too long, development, resources, opportunities and essential services have not been distributed fairly across the country.

Bonuga said the province continues to bear the burden of remoteness without receiving the level of support required to overcome it.

“This is not a new issue, and it can no longer be addressed with general statements of commitment alone,” he said.

He added that Temotu Province, like many others, faces unique challenges arising from its geography and distance from the capital.

The MP said these challenges affect the delivery of essential services, the movement of goods and people, and the ability of communities to fully participate in economic development.

“The people of Temotu continue to contribute to the national economy and our shared identity as a nation.

“Yet they continue to experience limited access to healthcare, education, markets and economic opportunities. This imbalance is unacceptable if we are serious about inclusive and equitable development,” Bonuga said.

Daniel Sawa, a young father from Nou Village, has shared the challenges faced by communities in Temotu Province in accessing basic essential services due to inadequate infrastructure development on Santa Cruz Island and across the province.

He said Temotu Province is made up of scattered and far-flung islands, with connectivity—particularly transportation—remaining one of the province’s biggest challenges.

Sawa emphasized that poor connectivity has significantly contributed to the limited delivery and accessibility of basic services throughout the province.

“Connectivity is our biggest challenge, and it has a huge impact, especially on the health and education sectors in the province.

“Sometimes we lose members of our communities simply because of the lack of transport and the high cost of accessing health care services.

“This is common in our outer islands, as the only provincial referral hospital is located at the provincial headquarters in Lata on Santa Cruz Island.

“If adequate health services were accessible in our remote islands, some of the deaths experienced in our families and communities could have been prevented,” he said.

Sawa added that insufficient infrastructure development in the province continues to undermine the education of children.

“We have very few high schools in the province, and they offer limited spaces for our children to further their education,” he said.

He also highlighted the economic challenges faced by rural Temotu communities as they struggle to sustain their families.

“We live in a society where money is essential, but with very limited economic activities, cash flow in the province remains weak.

“Lata is the economic hub of the province, and people from outlying islands travel long distances at high cost just to sell small quantities of produce at the market.

“Often, they return home with very little, which is far from enough to meet the basic needs of their families,” he said.

Sawa said these challenges have been experienced for decades, and despite the hardship, communities continue to endure them.

On that note, he acknowledged the collaboration between the Temotu provincial government, the national government, and development partners in advancing major infrastructure projects in the province.

Sawa highlighted that the upgrade of Lata airfield will significantly improve transportation to the province and help stimulate the growth of key sectors, particularly tourism.

While thanking the national government for these infrastructure developments, he emphasized that the most critical need in Temotu Province is a reliable shipping service.

He urged the government to address this need by providing a vessel to transport goods and people to the province, or even better, by ensuring a vessel is available to serve the islands within the province.

*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS)

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