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Ramrakha: provinces used as bargaining tool

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Provincial Member for Nusa Roviana and ward 16, Ramrakha Talasasa

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

ACTING Premier of Western Province says provincial governments are just agents in development and are continuously used as bargaining instruments to lure donors for assistances.

Ramrakha Talasasa said existing laws have left provincial governments with very limited avenues to aspire and be spontaneously ambitious.

“As much as we would like to be partners in developments with the national government from our perspectives and wishes, the agency relationship provincial governments have with the national government, continues to create an environment for distrust and bullying like practices where provincial governments do not have the liberty to be as independent as much as they would want to be but are always subjected to an environment that I would call, remnant of the protectorate era,” he said.

Talasasa said relevant laws needs to be a review to entice a more partnership working relationship between the provincial government and the national government.

“Despite ongoing calls for greater partnership in development there has been very minimal progress and this needs to be addressed so that provinces can proper,” he said.

“I’m of the conviction that our recurrent expenditure holds the potential to propel government policy implementation, however as it is common practice, MPGIS constant reminders on regulations and relevant laws and conditions to guide provincial governments budgeting process is evident to be a constrain,” Talasasa added.

He said provincial governments have experienced a reduction to divisional allocations for years and the patience has been running out.

Talasasa said provincial governments continues to work closely with Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening and line ministries for support services regarding their respective ministries amidst the challenges.

“We have ensured that the administrative component is available to facilitate ministerial programs and it is also an opportunity to get government ministries to improve their focus to the provinces as much as possible,” he said.

Anywhere under the sun

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Owner of Inoovate Tech Solutions, Philip Luluku with one of the solar powered computers at his shop

Future is here with Solar computers made available for rural users

THE lack of access to computers in rural communities has forced a local entrepreneur to invest in providing cheap and accessible solar powered computers to those interested.

Local Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Company, Inoovate Tech Solutions might be new to the scene, but a genuine concern for education institutions accessing ICT equipment has led to 46-year-old Philip Luluku tapping into the latest solar technology on the market.

Mr Luluku was a teacher and senior IT officer with the Woodford International School in Honiara, prior to that he had extensive work experience with other commercial IT companies.

He said the lack of access to computers in rural Solomon Islands is one of the reasons he decided to undertake his business initiative.

There is also the high cost associated in purchasing IT equipment such as computers for schools in the country.

“As someone who has worked in an advanced education institution such as Woodford, I have seen the importance of computers as a learning tool.

“A tool that every child should have access to.

“So, with that in mind I decided that any investment I do in my field of work should be one that helps provide the cheapest, affordable and quality equipment students can use,” Luluku explained.

Part of the ICT solar equipment displayed at the Inoovate Tech Solution Shop

With the financial support of his wife, Luluku started the company in October 2021. He rented a room at the HM Long building and moved in around late November.

His dream, however, was shattered as the November 2021 riots resulted in the building being burnt and all the infrastructure within his office space gone.

Four months on, he has bounced back and has opened a new office space upstairs of the CDL Vast building at Ranadi, East Honiara.

A customer, Biti Bule buying one of the Solar Computer set from Inoovate ICT shop.

The most prized product sold at his shop is the NIWA brand, Solar computer. The computer is German design, produced in Hong Kong. It was only made available in the market around 2020.

The computers can be operated using 80watts and 50 watts solar energy. Luluku said the computers are ideal for rural schools, churches, NGOs and even individuals.

“It can be used up to eight hours when not charged,” he added.

Access to electricity in the Solomon Islands is very low. According to a recent ADB report, grid-connected electricity is only supplied to 12 percent of the population.

Luluku said even if electricity is available, it is quite expensive, hence having solar computers could assist in cutting down costs.

Laptops and other IT gadgets are also sold at Inoovate.

The budding entrepreneur lamented that in the age of the pandemic, a lot of time is being wasted on education with all the lock-downs and delay.

“During my time at Woodford I assisted in creating online learning for our students.

He said the country does not have the capacity to create similar arrangement for other schools, hence investment in Solar ICT equipment is a step forward.

He explained that the Solar computers at his shop are cheap and easy for students to access.

“The price of laptops and IT gadgets are very expensive in Honiara and we are trying to minimise our profit to give students a chance to own laptops or tablets for their learning,” he added.

Apart from Solar computers, the company also does sales and repairs, cabling, printing, ID and passport photo.

Man who ‘creeped’ gets 8 months for wounding

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A man who attacked his victims when they caught him spying in their homes has been sentenced to eight months’ jail time.

David Afukese pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful wounding regarding an incident on October 11, 2021.

Interestingly, there is no charge for trespass and voyeurism (commonly known as “creeping” in the Solomon Islands).

The incident occurred at about 12 midnight on October 11, 2021.

The first victim was about to sleep when he heard the neighbours shouting; he looked out the window and saw his neighbour walking along the road.

He asked his neighbour what was happening and he replied that someone was creeping at their house.

Whilst the first victim and other neighbours were looking for that person, they heard screaming coming from the convenient room at the first victim’s house.

The victim walked over to the convenient room and saw the accused next to it.

The victim then pushed Afukese and they exchanged punches.

It was at that time the second victim intervened and tried to pull out Afukese who was on top of the first victim.

At that time Afukese turned around, tackled the second victim and threw him onto the broken cement brick and clay cutlery; as a result the second victim sustained injuries to his head and other parts of his body.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea in his sentencing said the guilty plea entered by Afukese saved court’s time and resources and reflected his remorse.

“I note the circumstances of the offending, it was a spur of the moment incident. There was no pre-planning of the actions he did against the victims,” Iomea said.

Therefore, considering the sentencing and mitigation submissions, he sentenced Afukese to eight months in jail.

Iomea said the sentence not only serves as punishment but also carries the message of deterrence to the public.

Rochelle Palmer of the Public Solicitor’s Office represents the accused while Francisca Luza of the Director Public Prosecution’s appears for the crown.

ENDS///

CHINA DEAL HITS HARD

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Gov’t says it’s expanding its security cooperation with more countries

By JENNIFER KUSAPA

REPORTS of China signing off on a new security deal with Solomon Islands has sparked concerns in Australia and New Zealand.

A copy of the agreement was leaked online, Thursday, generating huge discussions across the region.

Anna Powles, a senior lecturer in international security and a Pacific diplomacy expert at New Zealand’s Massey University, said the draft agreement was “very significant”.

“The security agreement is one of the first of its kind in the Pacific; its scope is broad and suitably vague and its provisions range from maintaining public order through to protecting Chinese citizens and assets, and providing humanitarian and disaster relief,” Powles said.

“The agreement also contains several ambiguous and potentially ambitious provisions with geopolitical implications including that China is seeking logistical supply capabilities and material assets located in Solomon Islands to support ship visits.”

Powles said the agreement suggests logistics and supplies will be available in the Solomons to support the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

“If it comes under force, the agreement also contains references to China’s ‘own needs’, which could refer to China’s strategic interests; China’s pursuit of its strategic interests in the Pacific is of direct concern to Australia and its allies and partners.”

But the Government said the agreement was still a draft.

At the same time, it announced plans to expand the country’s security and economic engagement with more countries (See report on page 3).

Opposition leader Mathew Wale described the proposed security deal as “insensitive” (see report on page 3).

Yesterday, Island Sun was informed leaders of Australia and New Zealand consulted each other on the matter.

Australia on Thursday announced it is extending the Solomon International Assistance Force (SIAF), brought in to restore law and order after last November’s rioting, to December 2023.

Australia and New Zealand are concerned the agreement may pave the way for China building its military base here.

Among others, the draft security agreement stated China may, according to its own needs and with the consent of Solomon Islands, make ship visits to, carry out logistical replenishment in and have stopover and transition in the Solomon Islands,” the draft framework agreement states.

“Solomon Islands may, according to its own needs, request China to send police, armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces to Solomon Islands to assist in maintaining social order, protecting people’s lives and property.”

Suidani lauds US for support under USAID SCALE-NRM project

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier Daniel Suidani making his remark virtually during the launching of Forests and Development Fund (FDF) yesterday in Auki.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani has praised the United States of America for the support that is and will be benefiting the people of Malaita province and Solomon Islands.

His acknowledgement came after the launching of the Forests and Development Fund (FDF) yesterday in Auki, an event he describes as “marking a special moment for Malaita province.”

“It is a special moment, because I personally believe and hope that this fund will deliver the much-needed support to those in the rural areas.

“This and other worthy activities under the SCALE project if implemented as planned will be a game changer on Malaita province.

“I said it’s a game changer for Malaita province because when you look at the bigger scheme of things, the projects objectives are deeply aligned with the MARA government’s restorative economy policy direction.

“With the backing of international renowned implementing partners like Winrock International and with the support of our very own people.

“I am very confident that this is a worthwhile venture that will bring home the much needed economic development that has been lacking for a long time in Malaita province and indeed Solomon Islands.

“I fervently believe Malaita province and Solomon Islands will reap the fruits of this economic development modality in the not so distance future.

“This funding opportunity for the communities I believe is going to be the fuel that will fire up the success of the USAID SCALE project,” he said.

According to Suidani the launching of the SCALE NRM Forest and Development Fund is something that many communities in Malaita have been inquiring about.

He said it is therefore prudent that after the launching of the funding scheme, there has to be effective and clear strategies employed for the rolling out of the scheme.

“I am confident that this is in the good hands of our implementing partners.

“Malaita provincial government will continue to watch with interest the implementation of this funding arrangement.

“We will continue to support this initiative and facilitate whatever is necessary to make this funding scheme, a successful one for our people.

“We do not want to see the continuous litany of failures that has become synonymous to our place.

“Let that be history as we start this new journey.

“My MARA government will continue to provide whatever support is needed to ensure the scheme is successfully implemented,” Suidani said.

Djokovic: it’s a draft

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

A Framework Agreement between Peoples Republic of China and Solomon Islands Government that leaked on social media yesterday is just a ‘draft’.

Chief of Staff, Robson Djokovic confirmed this and urged media to be cautious when publishing articles on national security.

Djokovic said it is still a working progress and has not reach the Cabinet for deliberation on it.

He said this is something Government cannot hide but will inform the nation later after Cabinet deliberate on it.

“When this draft is put up in social media, it creates a lot of speculation.

“You can have your opinions and views but factual information is vital to go out,” he added.

According to Article one on the scope of cooperation on the draft paper, it states that Solomon Islands may, according to its own needs, request China to send police, armed police, military personnel, and other law enforcement and armed forces to Solomon Islands to assist in maintaining social order, protecting people’s lives and property, providing humanitarian assistance, carrying out disaster response, or providing assistance on other tasks agreed upon by the Parties; China may according to its own needs with the consent of Solomon Islands, make ship visits to, carry out logistical replenishment in, and have stopover and transition in Solomon Islands, and the relevant forces of China can be used to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in Solomon Islands.

Police Commissioner, Mostyn Mangau told media on Wednesday that they have two separate programmes with donor partners namely Australia and PRC.

Mangau said their programme with PRC runs on public order management while the programme with Australia focuses on advance capability with Police Response Team.

The Opposition office states it will response to the draft agreement later.

SIAF TERM EXTENDED

Written by
Press Release
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Members of the Australian Federal Police Tactical Specialist Group that provided the training.

Australia to keep security force here until 2023, as it announces huge additional funding support

AUSTRALIA has agreed to extend the Solomon International Assistance Force (SIAF) under the Bilateral Security Treaty until December 2023.

This was relayed to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare when he met Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan yesterday to discuss ongoing partnerships between the two countries.

“Australia will continue to work with Solomon Islands and Pacific family partners to adjust the shape of the SIAF deployment to the situation on the ground and the priorities of the Solomon Islands Government,” Strahan said last night. 

He said the decision to extend SIAF followed a formal request from the Solomon Islands Government, adding this will enable an enduring Australian and Pacific family security presence until after the Pacific Games.

SIAF was brought into the country at the Government’s request in the wake of last November’s rioting and looting in Honiara to restore law and order and maintain security.

At yesterday’s meeting, Strahan presented a letter from Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirming the decision to extend SIAF.

Strahan also confirmed to Sogavare that Australia is responding to calls for budget assistance and will provide AUD$22 million (SBD130 million) this week to help mitigate the damaging fiscal impact of the November 2021 civil unrest and COVID-19 outbreak.

“This budget support will help the Government meet critical service delivery functions, including salaries for essential workers in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF),” he said.

Strahan further confirmed that Australia had agreed to build an Eastern Border Outpost in Temotu Province in response to a request from the Solomon Islands Government.

This will complement Australia’s existing commitments to support Solomon Islands national security, including through construction of the Western Border and Patrol Boat Outpost in the Shortland Islands and redevelopment of the Hells Point Explosive Ordnance Disposal facility. 

Following an Australian led assessment at the request of the Solomon Islands Government in late 2020, Australia has agreed to build an integrated and interoperable radio communications network across the entire country, linking RSIPF, health and disaster management offices. 

This major project will replace the entire Royal Solomon Islands Police Force radio network as well as provide communications equipment to health clinics and hospital in Solomon Islands. 

This network will also be central Solomon Islands disaster response and coordination and built withstand extreme weather event.

“Work will be prioritised to support communications in Honiara in advance of the 2023 Pacific Games.

“Not only will this ensure the safe delivery of the Games, it will provide lifesaving emergency communications across the country over the long term.

“In response to a request, Australia has also agreed to build an integrated and interoperable radio communications network across the entire country, linking RSIPF, health and disaster management offices,” Strahan said.

He also advised Sogavare of a proposal to deploy an Australia Home Affairs officer for three months to help support a safe and efficient reopening of Solomon Islands international border. 

It is hoped to commence this deployment in early April 2022.

“Australia is committed to working with Solomon Islands as such a close neighbour and old friend.

“We look forward to addressing requests from the Solomon Islands Government to strengthen border security through outposts in the west and east of the country and enhance radio communications across all nine provinces.  

“Australia, in lock-step with our Pacific family, will continue to support the Solomon Islands Government in maintaining a secure, stable and resilient Solomon Islands and region.”

Sogavare in return acknowledged Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s confirmation of the extension of SIAF and other forms of contribution towards national efforts to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 community outbreak and address the effects of the November 2021 riots.

“Australia’s invaluable assistance towards national COVID-19 response, along with much-needed development and technical assistance now and in the past have strengthened our resilience, deepened our engagements and toughen our resolve to emerge stronger and better from the pandemic,” Sogavare said.

50 houses purchased at Mamara township

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

ABOUT 50 houses have been purchased at the new Mamara township on the western end of Honiara.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Riley Mesepitu confirmed this in a press conference yesterday.

But he did not say whether all 50 houses were purchased by public servants.

Mesepitu explained that the project belongs to the developer, Metropolis Pacific PTE Ltd.

He said the project is divided into phases, with phase one to build housing project and the second phase to build hotels and other businesses like supermarket.

He said the project depends entirely on the investor, and has nothing to do with the government.

“The investor developed it according to its business plan and proposal,” he added.

The Mamara Development Project is a real estate  development consisting of a residential, commercial and recreation construction and  supporting infrastructure and utilities covering a total land area of about 100 Hectares.

The development is part of a broad development plan known as the “MAMARA NEW CAPITAL CITY”.

The Mamara development proposal is a result of a development agreement signed by the  Solomon Government and the Department of lands (Minister of land and resources) and Mamara Metropolis Pacific Limited (MPPL) on November 20, 1995.

On March 1, 1996, the agreement was formally reviewed and approved by the national council and formalised under the agreement and subsequent legislation the Mamara – Tasivarongo – Mavo Development Agreement Act 1997.

The total area covers more than 1166 hectares.

The Act allows for the land to be leased to the developer for 75 years as of 1995 and to date  over 22 years have passed.

The developer having lost some time due to recent civil unrest now has about 53 years remaining and are confident that it is enough time for them to develop  the site.

The Act also established the Mamara- Tasivarongo Mavo Development Council that has seven members as follows;

1. Minister of Finance – SIG

2. Minister of Commerce (SIG)

3. Minister for Provincial Government (SIG)

4. Premier of Guadalcanal Province

5. Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd rep 1

6. Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd rep 2

7. Metropolis Mamara Development Ltd rep 3

Members of M4D stand by president

Written by
Samie Waikori
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President of M4D, Mr Knoxly Atu. (1)

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

MEMBERS of Malaita For Democracy (M4D) say they support statements recently made by their president Knoxly Atu on his stand on certain issues affecting Malaita.

M4D rep George Ramo said they stand with their president and would be happy to see if Atu is arrested for his patriotic fight for his province.

Ramo said what Atu is facing now is not new in Malaita.

“Similar incidents happened during Maasina Ruru era when leaders were arrested and imprisoned for standing up for their people, resources, culture and island,” Ramo claimed.

“I want to assure the national government that our fight to speak-up on issues affecting Malaita province will not stop and will carry-on by the younger generation,” he added.

“Our fight is the fight for the good of our children, province and Solomon Islands like what leaders of Maasina Ruru had done in their fight for sovereignty now we are enjoying.

“Even then, we still see things not happening the way we should be and we won’t just sit-down and watch.

“With that spirit of patriotism in us, we will keep fighting even if there is opposition or pressure from whosoever that might have intention to dismantle us.”

Ramo said even if Knoxly Atu is arrest and imprisoned; there are many Knoxlys waiting in the wings to take his place.

“The day Knoxly is arrested, a new Knoxly will step up to lead the group.”

Ramo said M4D is a provincial civil society organization group that will continue to stand with their president in a collective fight for the good of Malaita province.

The national government last December declared M4D an illegal society.

It took the action after police investigation allegedly found a number of M4D members played leading roles in organizing last November’s rioting and looting in Honiara.

Tina hydro progressing well, says Conning

Written by
Admin
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Tina Hydro project areas

Work on the Tina River Hydropower Project in Solomon Islands is said to be progressing well despite the country’s war against COVID-19 community transmission.

Deputy Project Manager, Fred Conning says there is no formal notification yet calling for an extension for the project work, Solomon Times has reported.

The Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) aims to reduce the cost of electricity in Solomon Islands as electricity costs in the country are said to be among the highest in the world, placing a huge strain on businesses and individuals.

Approved by the World Bank in 2017, the project also paves the way for the country to exceed its 2025 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target.

While there are concerns the project might face challenges because of the dire situation Solomon Islands is in now, the Deputy Project Manager remains optimistic, thanks to pre-planning and the establishment of a COVID Safe Management Plan.

“While the situation is not ideal, it will be manageable thanks to months of meticulous planning and preparation,” Conning said in a statement issued by TRHDP.

Conning said adhering to the government health advice in conjunction with the project’s COVID Management plans would be the way forward for the project.

“We have planned for this day eventuating and thankfully, we are prepared.”

Work on the hydropower project is carried out by private contractor Tina Hydro Limited (THL).

The company was expected to develop, finance, construct and operate the Hydro power facility with an installed capacity of 15 MW, located on the Tina River, 20km southeast of Honiara.

The TRHDP is the first large utility-scale renewable energy project in Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands government plus six different financiers have been involved at different levels of the investment.

The financiers are Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), The World Bank, The Government of Australia, Green Climate Fund (GCF), Korea-EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Work on the project is divided into four components. They are namely Hydro power facility, road access, transmission line and technical assistance.

With less than three years to go, the contractors are still to construct a 71.5m dam, a 3.3km long headrace tunnel to connect the dam to the power house, a powerhouse equipped with 3 turbine generator units, each with a capacity of 5MW, a dual 66kv transmission lines, construction of permanent and temporary access roads to the powerhouse, dam, intake portal, dam base, mini-hydro quarries and Black Post reserve amounting to a total of 21.5km.

“There might be some delays but officially we have not heard anything yet from the contracted company,” Conning said.

“At the moment the project is on track to achieve its commercial operation date,” he added.

The project is expected to be completed by December 2025.

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