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Honiara road work to begin after PG23

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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MID Permanent Secretary (PS) Stephen Maesiola

By EDDIE OSIFELO

WORK on the improving and extending the existing four-lane road, from the central market through to White River (approximately 5km) will start after the Pacific Games.

The Pacific Games will be held in Honiara from November 19 and December 2.

Ministry of Infrastructure Development permanent secretary, Stephen Maesiola confirmed to media last Friday that work cannot start this year because ‘during the Games it will be very busy and the work will disturb traffic flow’.

The works include improvements to road drainage, longer lasting asphalt surfacing, together with road signs, markings, bus-shelters & street lighting.

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation or CCECC was awarded the contract to upgrade the road by Asian Development Bank through an international tender process.

This for the first phase of the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP).

Maesiola said CCECC has started work on the 2-lane road from the Honiara International Airport to Mberande, which is a 30 km road.

During the signing of the contracting agreement between Government and CCECC in May last year, Minister of National Planning and Development Coordinate and Supervising Minister of Finance and Treasury, Rex Ramofafia revealed that the DCGA Government has recognises the provision and improvement of National transport infrastructure is crucial in promoting corresponding improvements to the social and economic development of the Solomon Islands and identified the need for action to be taken in respect of major roads, wharves & port facilities within both the main urban centres and outlying rural areas.

The minister further revealed that to facilitate this comment the Government have arranged financing amounting to approximately USD 170 million, with assistance from the ADB, for improvements to selected infrastructure, that include roads & wharves in and around Honiara as well as in the provinces of Makira and Rennell & Bellona.

The second phase of the LMCP project will include 2 domestic wharfs in these provinces and the rehabilitation of the international Wharf in Honiara.

Minister Rex finally expressed his gratitude and confirm that the impact of the project, once complete, will be to contribute to a more efficient, safer and sustainable transport system that will improve access to education, health and social service facilities as well as offering increased opportunities to local businesses and general improvement in the overall wellbeing of the people of the Solomon Islands.

ESP report to be tabled in parl

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE report of the Economic Stimulus Package is ready and will be tabled in Parliament.

Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Florence Joel confirmed this to media in a press conference last Friday.

Island Sun understands Government had engaged the Asian Development Bank to review the ESP.

Government had engaged more than 50 youths who went out to the provinces to conduct interviews in 2021.

However, they could not complete their assignments last year due to Covid-19, but they did follow up with the beneficiaries of the ESP through phone interviews.

According to Solomon Times, a public opinion research by USAID released in August 2021 says there is lack of transparency in the ESP.

The report says widespread lack of awareness about the ESP in particular has led to unrealistic expectations across provinces which, unmet, channel people’s frustration toward the government and those groups or individuals suspected of unfairly benefiting from this program.

In the absence of clear qualification criteria and verification mechanisms, research participants were concerned that the ESP has opened opportunities for preferential allocation and misuse of money, and called on the government to assess allowability of expenditures.

About $118.9 million was allocated for ESP in the 2021 budget.

OPEN FOR APPLY

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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MFAET Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck

2-week window of opportunity for seasonal work applications begins today, ends Friday March 10

THE new recruitment drive for workers to work in New Zealand and Australia opened 12am this morning (February 27) and closes on March 10.

Solomon Islanders between 21 to 50 years old are eligible to apply for the programme.

However, this year, the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade has introduced online and email submissions and not hand delivery of applications to the office.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck told media recently that they have learnt some lessons from 2021 when LMU received nearly 8000 applicants.

He said when they used the manual approach, it took them nearly two years just to keep interviewing, processing and data and at the same time mobilising workers.

“For this submission, next round of recruitment, we are asking everyone to do digitally to allow data come and go straight to data base,” he said.

Beck said there will be demonstration on this.

There will be a video demonstration on how to make submission.

The online submission can be done online via this link: https://solomon.pacificlabour.org/register

While email submissions can be sent through to this email address: [email protected]

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have a valid passport.
  2. Applicants must be fit and healthy / not colour blind.
  3. Able to consistently lift 30kg from the floor.
  4. Able to work standing for extended periods of time.
  5. Applicants must be of good character with a strong work ethic.
  6. Have no Criminal Convictions or police records (or any ongoing criminal /court cases)
  7. Not consume alcohol
  8. Must be able to work on Weekends (Saturdays and/or Sundays)
  9. Applicants are encouraged to get vaccinated for Covid-19.

All applications must include:

  1. A cover letter (Expression of interest) outlining why you are interested to join the WRP to work in Australia. (Required)
  2. Applicants must include a CV that includes education and work experience including relevant dates. (required)
  3. Reference letters from previous employer/educational institutions/church leaders/community leaders are accepted. (required)
  4. Academic certificates (optional but encouraged)
  5. A copy of your passport bio-page, copy of receipt from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) is accepted (required)
  6. Valid Driving license (optional but encouraged)
  7. A full body length photo of yourself. (required)
  8. A copy of your Vaccine Card. (required)
  9. Include a recent Police Clearance certificate, copy of receipt from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) is accepted.  (required)

In the meantime, the LMU team will make an outreach to underrepresented provinces to do recruitment in order to spread the wealth from the Labour Mobility nationwide.

The scheduled provinces are:

– Makira: week of 27th February

– Temotu: Week of 6th March

– Isabel: Week of 13th March

MLHS discussions on
grave yard progressing

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

MINISTRY of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS) is discussing road access to the newly identified graveyard site.

This is according to the Permanent Secretary Stanley Walenisia.

“Now we are progressing discussion on access road to go there and will be led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and of course the Honiara City Council is also one important player. HCC will work to finalise the cemetery plan which will have foot paths and also set aside burial sites for adults and children,” Walenisia said.

He said through the team work of the Ministry of Lands and two three ministries involved, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Infrastructure and the Prime Minister’s Office on the policy side they have already identified the land and is around 10 hectares

“We have already come up with master plan under the Ministry of Lands. We have already identified where the cemetery will sit.

“As part of the plan a church building is proposed to be built there, to accommodate funeral services near the grave yard. There will also be a cremation facility,” Walenisia said.

70 students from Vanuatu this weekend for SINU

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Solomon Islands National University

BY NED GAGAHE

About 70 students from Vanuatu will arrive this weekend to commence study at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) this year.

This was announced by SINU Chancellor Sir Dr Nathan Kere at the inauguration ceremony of SINU third Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau held yesterday at Friendship Hall, Panatina Campus.

“About 70 pioneer international students from Vanuatu would arrive this weekend entering SINU this year.

“The epitome of these achievements is now the inauguration of our new Vice Chancellor today.

“We decide to have a proper and transparent beginning to provide our new Vice Chancellor the platform from which he informs all of us and the nation his passionate visions and missions for our University, as the top tertiary institution for learning, inquiry and research in Solomon Islands.

“I am elated at these achievements made during these recent difficult years and indeed it make me proud to be your SINU Chancellor,” The SINU Chancellor said

Sir Dr Nathan Kere said SINU has indeed gone through several serious challenges in the last few years including the covid-19 pandemic, but he said he is pleased that SINU has gone through and thanked everyone for their serious commitment to the reform by the senior management and the Council.

“We know have new SINU outlooks indicating improvements through the whole of SINU as specified in our current 5-year strategic plans.

“A new look SINU Council being led by the Pro Chancellor Dr Morgan Wairiu.

“We have new and qualified academic staff, professors and experienced PHD graduates and new experienced corporative staff members.

“All have been engaged through the normal due processes. Equally important, SINU is embarking on a new academic programme consistent with international academic standards.”

Meanwhile, it was revealed that most if not all of the Vanuatu students will undertake nursing programmes at SINU starting this year.

$5m for SIBC

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

PMO tops up $4m to national broadcaster

The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) has injected a SB$5 million budgetary support to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) to boost the national broadcaster’s services locally and abroad.

This is an increase of $4 million from the annual subvention grant of $1 million every year.

The increase was drawn under the Government Communication Unit (GCU) annual recurrent budget.

Director of GCU, George Herming confirmed the increased allocation, saying, PMO is committed to boost its support towards SIBC following the repositioning of the national broadcaster under the Prime Minister’s Office last year.

SIBC was repositioned from a State Owned Enterprise (SOE) in 2022 and became a National Broadcaster under the Prime Minister’s Information Service portfolio.

“SIBC is a vital information service institution for the country and the national government is committed to support its operations following its repositioning under the Prime Minister’s Information Service portfolio,” Herming said.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare recently pledged his full support for the establishment of a Television Service branch of SIBC.

Once established, the TV service will elevate the country’s broadcasting and information services to greater heights.

–GCU PRESS

MPG delegation in Honiara

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

A Malaita provincial government delegation is in Honiara for talks with government agencies on areas of capacity strengthening for the province.

The four-man team is led by Deputy Premier Joe Hero’au.

They include provincial minister for finance, Randol Sifoni, minister for planning, Elijah Asilaua and MPG Chief Planning officer (CPO), Mr Peter Herehura.

In an interview with Mr Hero’au prior to their departure yesterday, he said the delegation will be in Honiara to hold talks on a number of areas the province is facing.

Hero’au said during the visit, they will meet with the policy team under PMO as well as hold dialogue with responsible government ministries on national projects in the province.

He said the delegation will also meet with the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthen (MPGIS) on other outstanding issues the province is bearing.

Hero’au adds, issues such as Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), Ward Development Grant (WDG), the Provincial Secretary and legal advisor posts for Malaita and others.

Moreover, he said they will try to reestablish relations between Malaita provincial government and the national government.

Asked whether one of the objectives of the mission is to strike a deal with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) through the national government, he responded “no”.

Hero’au reaffirmed that the China deal, as rumours have it in Auki, is not part of the agenda for their dialogue with the national government.

He reiterated that the dialogue will only be on issues the province is currently facing and some of its outstanding issues mentioned.

Hero’au said this is important so that feedbacks could be presented by the premier on the floor of assembly during the assembly meeting proposed for next week.

IMF welcomes OAG audit report on govt ministries’ use of covid-19 funds

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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IMF team leader Mr. Masafa Yabara (L) and IMF Resident Representative (based in Fiji) Neil Saker.

BY NED GAGAHE

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has welcomed the recent publication of the Auditor General’s audit reports of the three government ministries spending of covid-19 funds.

IMF team leader who is the country for the 2023 IV Consultation Mr Masafumi Yabara had held discussion with various stakeholders in the country from February 8-21, 2023 and preliminary findings of their mission were compiled and announced in a media conference yesterday.

Yabara said IMF welcomes the publication of the results of an audit of covid-19 related expenditures.

“IMF staff recommends that the government audit expenditures related to the Pacific Games once the event is over and publish the results.

“Reviewing the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Act and establishing regulations is critically important to ensure that the funds are used effectively and transparently.

“Introducing a Value Added Tax is a highly priority for consolidating the fragmented tax systems and yielding additional revenues over the medium term by improving compliance and expanding the tax base in line with the economy

“The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) should phase out its accommodative monetary measures, given the ongoing recovery and high inflation. Further purchase of government securities at the secondary market should be avoided to safeguard macroeconomics stability and independence of the Central Bank. The current exchange rate regimes remain appropriate, but timely review of the currency basket is called for, given changes in trade patterns.

“Addressing structural bottlenecks including land registration is needed to generate new sources of inclusive growth. Establishing strong governance and fiscal regimes for the mining sector, including through finalizing a Mining Act and rejoining the Extractive Industries Transparency initiative, remains a priority. Ensuring independence and increasing resources of anti-corruption and auditing institutions is essential to advancing reforms to limit corruption and enhance accountability of public spending.

“The IMF team wishes to express its deep appreciation to the authorities and other stakeholders for frank and constructive discussion,” Yabara said.

‘SPEND WISELY’

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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IMF team leader Mr. Masafa Yabara (L) and IMF Resident Representative (based in Fiji) Neil Saker.

IMF advises govt to control spending on Pacific Games and national general elections

BY NED GAGAHE

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the Solomons government to watch its spending on the Pacific Games and National general elections.

“Expenditure related to the Pacific Games and general elections need to be well controlled to minimize the crowding out of other essential spending.”

This was highlighted by International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) team leader Mr Masafumi Yabara in their preliminary findings following the completion of the 2023 IV Consultation held with stakeholders in the country.

Yabara and his team held discussions with various stakeholders in the country from February 8-23, 2023.

Preliminary findings of their mission were compiled and announced in a media conference yesterday.

Based on their finding on public investment projects for the country, Yabara said that it should be phased in line with the economy’s absorptive capacity and on accompanying financing arrangements, ‘it need to be prudently negotiated’.

“The economy remains subject to downside risks, in particular the risks of a resurgence of the pandemic and natural disasters. Lower-than-expected support from development partners or unsuccessful bond issuance in the shallow domestic market could hinder budget implementation.

“Further increase in global commodity prices, as well as mismanagement of infrastructure projects and their financing, would disturb the recovery. Other downside risks include political instability in the runup to the general elections and rises in geopolitical tensions.

“The fiscal deficit is projected to widen to 6.3 percent of GDP in 2023, mainly driven by exceptional expenditure for the hosting of the Pacific Games and preparation for the general elections (summing up to 5.3 percent of GDP).

“Expenditure related to these two events needs to be well controlled to minimize the crowding out of other essential spending, including targeted support for the vulnerable and investment for future growth. Once the recovery is secured, rebuilding the government’s broad cash balance to at least two months of spending should be prioritized.

“Fiscal deficit are expected to persist over the medium term, driven by large spending needs for improving physical and human capital, costs to maintain newly built infrastructure, and continued weak revenue trends including from declining log exports. Public debt is projected to significantly increase to 22.8 percent of GDP in 2023, from 7.9 percent of GDP pre-pandemic.

“The public -debt-to GDP ratio could reach the authorities’ threshold of 35 percent before 2023, driven by increasing concessional external borrowing. Public investment projects need to be phased in line with the economy’s absorptive capacity and accompanying financing arrangements should be prudently negotiated to mitigate fiscal risks and ensure external balance and debt sustainability.”

Malaria cases rife in Western Province

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Gizo Hospital

BY BEN BILUA

MALARIA cases have increased in Western Province with 97 percent of cases reported to be infected with PV malaria.

In medical terms PV simply means a positive result that a patient have the parasites in his/her blood and that he/she may have malaria.

According to report from Gizo Hospital, a team from World Health Organization have visited the hospital and have conducted data collection.

Report has it that responsible department within Gizo Hospital is in a process to compile a full report of the extent of malaria cases recorded in Western Province.

Risks are for Gizo as most people store water on open drums due to lack of proper water supply encouraging mosquitos to breed.

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