BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Drivers and pedestrians using Mendana Avenue in Honiara are being advised to expect traffic delays as major road construction works continue through the Central Business District (CBD) until the end of July 2026.

In a public notice issued yesterday, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development said the roadworks are taking place along Mendana Avenue from the Hot Bread roundabout to the Honiara City Council roundabout.

The ministry said initial works are currently focused on the seaside carriageway before shifting to the landside section of the road.

Construction activities include installation of pipe crossings near the Hot Bread roundabout, drainage works near the old Guadalcanal Headquarters, and pavement works from the Central Market area to the HCC roundabout.

According to the ministry, one of the two carriageways will need to be closed during parts of the construction period due to pavement and surfacing works, resulting in lane narrowing and traffic congestion within the CBD.

“Members of the public are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly when entering the CBD area. Please follow the directions of Traffic Controllers at all times while works are in progress,” the ministry said.

Traffic controllers from the contractor and the Road Transport Board taskforce will be stationed at work sites to direct vehicles and pedestrians.

Temporary bus bays for eastbound passengers have also been relocated to the MID Works Compound.

Pedestrians have been reminded to use only designated walkways and crossing points provided near construction zones to ensure safety and reduce traffic buildup.

The road upgrade project is being carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), a joint initiative funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Solomon Islands Government.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

COMMUNITIES on Simbo Island in Western Province are slowly returning to gardening activities following the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila earlier this year.

Families across the island have begun replanting crops in an effort to restore food security and rebuild their livelihoods after strong winds and saltwater intrusion devastated gardens and food sources.

Member of the Western Provincial Government for Simbo, Gideon Tuke, said the determination shown by communities reflect the resilience of the people despite the hardship they continue to face.

“Families are now replanting their gardens in an effort to become self-reliant again,” Mr Tuke said.

He said Cyclone Maila had severely affected food gardens across the island, leaving many households dependent on rice supplied through government assistance.

According to Mr Tuke, the recovery of food gardens will take another three to four months before crops are ready for harvesting.

“This is a major concern because people are relying heavily on rice while waiting for their gardens to recover,” he said.

He added that there are currently no vegetables available on the island because saltwater contamination destroyed most crops during the cyclone.

The prolonged shortage of fresh food has placed additional pressure on families already struggling to recover from the disaster.

Mr Tuke said recovery support needs to arrive quickly to help communities rebuild homes and restore essential services and infrastructure, including schools and clinics damaged by the cyclone.

“Lots of people want to know the timeline of the recovery effort,” he said.

He urges both government and aid partners to speed up recovery programs to ensure affected communities can return to normal life as soon as possible.

Despite the challenges, communities in Simbo continue to work together and remain hopeful that conditions will improve in the coming months.

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The installation of the 300-kilowatt solar power system is underway at the Atoifi Adventist Hospital in East Kwaio.

The installation is being carried out by a team from the Super Fly company, which arrived on Monday this week.

The 300-kilowatt solar power system was funded by the Australian government. 

In an interview with Alrick Naisi from Atoifi Adventist Hospital, he said the solar system will be beneficial to the hospital, especially since fuel prices are skyrocketing.

He said that it will help power hospital machines, equipment, and surgeries.

He added that the solar system will now replace their generator, cutting down daily fuel expenses. 

“Yes, this solar system will help a lot at the hospital, especially with the lighting at night and the use of powered equipment and emergency surgeries.

“It will cut down expenses for electricity and replace the cost of fuel, which is very expensive at the moment,” he said.

He acknowledged and thanked the government of Australia for its support towards the Atoifi Adventist Hospital.

Meanwhile, CEO of the Atoifi Adventist Hospital, William, said the support will give hope to the people of East Kwaio.

He also encourages the people of East Kwaio to take ownership of those properties.

“I think one important message for communities is that we must have collective responsibility to take ownership of the project.

“Not only for this solar power project, but there are other projects that they will also fund for us,” he said.

He also encourages communities to follow the right approaches to the funded projects so that it can support their families and communities.

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BY TONY IROGA

International and local music artists have promised an exciting night of entertainment for music fans during the upcoming Aelan Riddim Festival show this weekend at Pacific Crown Hotel (PCH) in Honiara.

Artists from Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Vanuatu gathered with members of the Aelan Riddim Committee yesterday during a press conference held at the Pacific Crown Hotel conference room from 3pm to 4pm to officially promote the event scheduled for Saturday, May 30.

The event, organised by the Aelan Riddim Committee in partnership with Makassi, will feature a strong lineup of Pacific artists alongside Solomon Islands musicians.

Opening the press conference, committee representatives welcomed members of the media and introduced the visiting artists who arrived in Honiara for the show.

“Thank you to the media for coming out this afternoon and thank you for your support of the Aelan Riddim Committee.

“We are happy to have artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu joining us for this year’s event,” committee member Terrence Rini said.

The artists introduced themselves to the media and shared their excitement about performing in Solomon Islands for the first time or returning once again to the country.

Among the artists introduced were members of PNG’s Wild Pack Group, Fijian singer Sir Daniel, vocalist Kuki, Vanuatu female artist Shaza, and Naomi from the all-female band Mahama.

Vanuatu artist Shaza said she was excited to finally visit Solomon Islands.

“It has always been on my bucket list to travel to the Happy Isles.

“As soon as I arrived, I experienced the humidity, but I also saw how friendly and welcoming the people are. I’m really looking forward to performing here,” she said.

Fijian singer Daniel described Solomon Islands as a second home.

“I’ve been here twice already and it’s always good to come back.

“It feels like home because of the similarities between Fiji and Solomon Islands,” he said.

Another artist, Kuki, also praised the country and said the atmosphere reminded him of Fiji.

“It seems very similar to Fiji, just a bit more humid,” he said.

Artists also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration through music festivals such as Aelan Riddim.

Kuki said Pacific artists need to continue supporting each other to grow the music industry across the region.

“As artists, we all know that collaboration is key for growth.

“I want to thank the Aelan Riddim Committee and Makassi for this amazing initiative. It is important for artists to come together, share experiences and grow not only individually but also as an industry,” he said.

He added that the Pacific music scene is rapidly growing and events such as Aelan Riddim provide opportunities for artists to network and collaborate.

Committee organisers confirmed that this year’s show will feature 14 local artists in addition to the international performers.

Aelan Riddim spokesperson Walter Leo said the committee is excited to bring back the event for the second time after its successful launch in 2025.

“This is the second year of Aelan Riddim and we are very happy to organise it again.

“We have a long lineup of local and international artists and the night will be electric,” he said.

Walter also hinted at a surprise international guest artist expected to perform during the event.

“We do have a surprise artist, a big name, that will perform on Saturday night.

“I don’t want to spoil it now, but fans should look out for the official video announcement on our Aelan Riddim Facebook page,” he revealed.

The organisers acknowledged sponsors including Soul Room, Pacific Crown Hotel, Tourism Solomons and Air Niugini for supporting the event.

During the discussion, journalists also asked artists about their musical styles and inspirations.

Shaza explained that her music combines Zouk, Komba and Afro-inspired sounds popular in Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

“My style is more Zouk and Komba music mixed with a little Afro style,” she said.

Meanwhile, Daniel said his music blends reggae, sentimental ballads, rock and contemporary influences.

“My music is all over the place,” he laughed.

“We’ll start slow and contemporary and then we’ll rock it. It’s going to be fun.

The female artists also encouraged more women to join the music industry despite challenges’

Shaza said the Pacific music scene has traditionally been male dominated but more female artists are now emerging.

“It’s amazing to see more female artists rising in the past five years.

“It’s not easy, but if you work hard and find people who support you, you can succeed,” she said.

Artists also spoke emotionally about their personal journeys into music.

One female performer revealed music became her source of healing and self-discovery after going through difficult experiences in life.

“Music helped me find myself again.

“The journey itself is what inspires me to keep going,” she said.

As anticipation builds for Saturday night’s concert, artists promise fans high-energy performances, new music releases and unforgettable entertainment.

“I’m absolutely excited. I’ve been in the industry for almost 13 years now, so the excitement is bigger than the nerves,” one performer said.

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The unstable weather and high tides experienced this week is affecting construction work of the Auki Road Rehabilitation project.

This has forced the supervisors to send their local workers home early, leaving urgent work incomplete.

A reliable source who wishes to withhold his name said that high tides during midday are affecting their work.

He said this week, they experienced high tides splashing through the outlets of the drainage, which has caused urgent work to remain incomplete each day.

“This week, we have been experiencing high tides every midday. So, when the high tides reach us at any time, we have to stop.

“We can’t do anything because it will come through the drainage and affect what we are doing, especially the drain molds and cement,” the source said.

The source also said the heavy downpour yesterday has contributed to the delay.

He said it will affect their wages, which have also been shortened due to reduced hours of work.

“This is not only our work, but it is also affecting our wages,” the source said.

He added that work on the drainage outlet has now been delayed as they wait for when the tides will become low.

The China-Aid Auki Road Rehabilitation Project is progressing as it now enters a phase that paves the way for a smoother, stronger Auki.

According to a statement from the Auki Road Rehabilitation Project recently, the CCECC is currently focused on culvert works and final surface preparations.

“Completed works have included retaining walls, slope protection, and ditching—all vital for flood prevention and erosion control,” the statement said.

The road is expected to receive a durable 50mm-thick asphalt pavement designed to last for 10 to 20 years.

Photo: Supplied

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