BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The impacts of the current El Niño event are expected to be felt differently across Solomon Islands, depending on rainfall levels and local water availability.

Director of Meteorological Services, Alick Haruhiru, said that lower-than-normal rainfall is a slow-onset problem that gradually affects communities over time.

Speaking at a press conference earlier last week, Mr Haruhiru said that as dry conditions continue, some areas may begin to experience water shortages which might also lead to wider impacts on health, education, and other essential services.

“If a community has a large population and rainfall remains below normal for two to three months, water tanks, wells, and dams can begin to run dry,” he explained.

Haruhiru, however, said that other climate systems can still bring periods of rain even when El Niño conditions are present.

“One example is the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), a moving band of clouds that travels around the tropics. When it passes over Solomon Islands, it can bring rain, although its effects usually last for only a short period.

“In terms of temperature, El Niño in Solomon Islands does not produce the extreme heat experienced in larger countries. However, during prolonged dry periods, temperatures can rise to between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius.

“Generally, temperatures across the country remain relatively stable, ranging from 29 to 33 degrees Celsius,” Director Haruhiru said.

He further said that El Niño has historically been associated with an increased risk of tropical cyclones in Solomon Islands.

He said that tropical cyclones are fueled by warm sea surface temperatures.

“During El Niño, warmer ocean temperatures can provide the energy needed for cyclone development, increasing the likelihood of cyclone activity in the region,” Haruhiru said.

He said that authorities will continue to monitor weather conditions and urge communities to prepare for possible water shortages and other impacts associated with the El Niño period.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Jonathan Tafiariki, is urging communities across the country experiencing water issues due to the current El Niño-induced drought to report their situation through provincial and national reporting channels.

Speaking at a media conference recently, Mr Tafiariki said government services are present in all provinces and can assist communities affected by water shortages.

He said that water-related concerns can be reported to provincial environmental health divisions, formerly known as the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (RWSS) program, which can assess the situation and identify appropriate solutions.

“People in the provinces can contact the relevant authorities regarding any water issues they are facing so that appropriate action can be taken,” Tafiariki said.

He added that provincial police, health authorities and provincial disaster offices are also available to receive reports and assist affected communities.

“People can use these provincial channels to report any issues they are facing,” he said.

Tafiariki said several toll-free emergency numbers are available to the public at the national level.

“The disaster hotline is 955, the Meteorological Service can be reached on 933, Health Services on 115, and Police on 999,” he said.

He assured the rural communities that reports made through any of these channels will be relayed to the NDMO.

“Under the drought response arrangements, all reports will eventually reach the NDMO. We continue to work together under the drought plan framework to coordinate responses,” he said.

Tafiariki explained that information received through various agencies is shared with the NDMO and referred to the National Emergency Operations Centre for assessment and action.

“The National Emergency Operations Centre will then work with the relevant mandated agencies to undertake the actions required to address the situation that has arisen,” he said.

The NDMO continues to monitor drought conditions across the country and is encouraging communities affected to report their circumstances promptly so assistance can be coordinated where needed.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Provincial Disaster Committee (WPDC) has deployed a special team, including chainsaw operators, to cyclone-affected communities to assist with the clearing of debris left behind by Cyclone Malia.

Deputy Provincial Secretary, Collin Potakana, said the deployment is in response to repeated requests from affected communities seeking assistance to remove large trees and debris that were brought down by the cyclone.

He said some of the debris also washed into villages and along shorelines by powerful waves generated during the storm.

“There have been requests from communities to clear debris, especially huge trees along the shoreline and in the villages.

“WPDC put together this team for this specific task,” Potakana said.

He said the team was deployed last week to communities on Simbo Island and is expected to reach Ranongga this week as cleanup operations continue.

Potakana said the team will then move on to Vella La Vella, particularly to communities identified as red zones, where cyclone impacts were most severe.

He said the team is equipped with chainsaws and other necessary equipment to carry out the work efficiently and safely.

Potakana said the initiative was organised by the Provincial Disaster Office to support affected communities to remove fallen trees and other hazardous debris that continue to pose risks to residents and hinder recovery efforts.

He said the deployment forms part of the ongoing response and recovery operations being coordinated by the WPDC following the devastation caused by Cyclone Malia across parts of Western Province.

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

Government supports Auditor General’s initiative to strengthen transparency, accountability and public trust in management of Constituency Development Fund

BY NED GAGAHE

Government has formally endorsed the use of Community Participatory Audits (CPA) by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and public trust in the management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The CPA initiative was piloted in North Guadalcanal and East Are’are constituencies. The CPA for North Guadalcanal has been completed and its report is expected soon. CPA for East Are’are is also expected to begin soon.

Minister for Rural Development (MRD), Daniel Waneoroa, announced government’s support during the launch of the Community Participatory Audit initiative at Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.

Speaking at the event, Mr Waneoroa said the initiative marks a significant step towards improving oversight of the country’s CDF programme, which distributes about $250 million annually to constituencies nationwide.

“Today, we turn a new leaf by formally endorsing the Office of the Auditor General’s use of Community Participatory Audits in the auditing of the Constituency Development Funds,” he said.

He said public perception of the CDF had for years been affected by concerns over unfair distribution and a lack of transparency.

“For too long, public perception of these funds has been marred by stories of unfair distribution and a lack of transparency,” he said.

Waneoroa said the government’s support for the initiative is grounded in its commitment to citizen participation, accountability and the rule of law.

He said under Section 30 of the Constituency Development Funds Act 2023, the CDF is subject to audit by the Auditor General, while the Constitution also mandates the Auditor General to audit all government authorities.

The minister said the CDF Act 2023 introduced stronger accountability measures, including penalties of up to $100,000 in fines or five years imprisonment for Members of Parliament and public officers found guilty of misappropriating CDF funds.

He described the Community Participatory Audit approach as a “game-changer” because it goes beyond traditional auditing methods by involving citizens directly in the verification of projects funded under the programme.

“Traditional auditing often looks only at paper; Community Participatory Audits look at reality through the eyes of our people,” he said.

“Our constituents are the ones who see every day if a water tank was delivered or a clinic was built.”

The initiative will see the OAG work closely with civil society organisations and community members to gather evidence on whether constituency-funded projects have been delivered as intended.

Mr Waneoroa said the approach will ensure that diverse voices, including those from marginalised groups, are represented in the oversight of public resources.

He said the audits will also help constituency offices improve record-keeping, compliance and service delivery.

“This is not about catching people; it is about providing Constituency Officers, Constituency Development Committees, Members of Parliament and community leaders with the feedback they need to improve decision-making and better serve their people,” he said.

The OAG has already launched pilot audits in North Guadalcanal and East Are’are constituencies, with plans to expand the programme nationwide.

Mr Waneoroa said his ministry will explore ways to financially support the OAG to roll out the initiative across all 50 constituencies.

He calls on Members of Parliament, Constituency Development Offices and community leaders to fully cooperate with auditors as the programme expands.

“Let us embrace this opportunity to show that the CDF can be a trusted engine of growth,” he said.

“By opening ourselves to the scrutiny of the people we serve, we prove our commitment to a prosperous, accountable and united Solomon Islands.”

Photo credit: Ned Gagahe

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]

BY TONY IROGA

The National Sports Council (NSC) has congratulated Dr Clyde Puilingi on his appointment to the UNESCO Global Task Force of Experts 2026–2027 on Traditional Pharmacopoeia in the Context of Sport Values, Ethics and Integrity.

Dr Puilingi is the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).

“His appointment places him among a group of international experts working with UNESCO under the International Convention against Doping in Sport,” the NSC statement said over the weekend.

The Task Force will study how traditional knowledge systems can be linked with modern anti-doping efforts. It will also focus on athlete protection, integrity, and ethical practices in sport around the world.

NSC described the appointment as a proud achievement for Dr Puilingi and the Solomon Islands.

“This appointment reflects the depth of expertise within our national institutions, particularly SINU, and highlights the important role our scholars and researchers continue to play in global sporting discourse,” NSC said.

NSC said the appointment shows that Solomon Islands experts can contribute to important international discussions on sport and research.

The statement highlighted that Dr Puilingi’s involvement will help strengthen the Solomon Islands’ voice in global discussions on clean sport and create opportunities for collaboration with international researchers and policy experts.

NSC said that it is confident that Dr Puilingi will make a valuable contribution to UNESCO’s work and the promotion of ethical standards in sport.

Photo credit: NSC

For feedback, contact: [email protected]

Editor: [email protected]