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2 other bridges need attention in Malaita’s south road

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

While applauding the World Bank, the national and provincial governments for the successful construction and funding of the Su’u and Bira bridges in West Kwaio, it is important to note that two other bridges need to be fixed before the full connection of the South Road can be realised.

This comes after the successful handover of the Su’u and Bira bridges on Wednesday last week. 

A concerned Su’u community elder, Jack Aimaua, said they appreciate the upgrade of the Su’u and Bira bridges which connect them.

He said that the two bridges will greatly ease the road challenges faced by communities, students, and traveling passengers, providing more efficient, safer, and easier road access. 

“We really thank and appreciate the provincial and national governments, as well as the World Bank, for funding these bridges. This has resolved our challenges that we have faced for so long,” he said.

However, Aimaua said there would be better road access and connectivity for the people of West Kwaio and Are’are if a bridge is proposed for the Kwari’ekwa River and if the Heo Bridge in West Are’are is repaired and upgraded.

He said the Kwari’ekwa River is the only river that connects the South Road to Su’u and West Are’are. 

“Kwari’ekwa River is the last and widest river that provides South Road access to West Are’are. We are sad that the provincial, national, and even the donor partners have overlooked this river,” he said. 

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Tehiahua urges strategic approach in implementing provincial budget

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Temotu Province, Stanley Tehiahua, calls on the provincial government to adopt a strategic approach in implementing the recently approved SBD $19,723,102.56 budget.

He made the appeal in light of ongoing political instability in the country and global tensions, particularly the conflict involving the USA, Israel and Iran.

During last week’s debate on the SBD $19 million budget, Tehiahua raised concerns and urged caution in its execution.

“While I support this budget, it is crucial to acknowledge the realities that may affect its implementation,” the premier said.

Tehiahua noted that political uncertainty at the national level could directly impact the province’s budget execution.

“Political instability often results in delays in decision-making, disruptions in program implementation, and reduced investor confidence,” he explained.

He also highlighted the economic risks posed by global conflicts involving USA, Israel and Iran and future development to the conflict.

“The ongoing tensions and wars can disrupt global supply chains, increase fuel and commodity prices, raise government procurement costs, and place additional pressure on our already constrained budget,” he said.

The premier emphasised that these external factors are beyond the province’s control and require the province to be prudent, strategic and disciplined in the implementation of the budget.

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We will adhere to any decisions made by the High Court: PM

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said Government will adhere to any decision made the High Court in light of the ongoing court case between the Government and the new opposition coalition.

He made the statement during his first ever press conference held outside of Honiara when he recently visited Malaita province to attend a series of handover of major infrastructure projects and ground breaking ceremonies.

PM Manele said that he is aware of the discussion around the continuing political developments including the court case.

“I am aware of public discussion regarding recent political developments, including the filing of a Judicial Review application in the High Court. Let me be clear: Government continues to function. Ministries are operating, public servants are at work, and the 2026 Budget is being implemented,” he said.

He said that the government has confidence in the independency and impartiality of the courts.

“We have full confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of our courts. We respect the constitutional process and will adhere to any decisions made by the High Court. I urge all Solomon Islanders to remain calm, act responsibly, and allow the judicial process to proceed without interference.

“Our system is guided by the Constitution. Until that process takes its full course, the Government will continue to carry out its responsibilities and focus on delivering for the people,” he said.

The Prime Minister encourages all Solomon Islanders to remain calm and respectful as work continues for the betterment of all Solomon islanders.

“The work we are doing whether in Malaita or elsewhere is about building a better future for our country, our children, and future generations. Let us continue forward together with a sense of purpose, responsibility, unity, and faith,” he said.

Photo credit: Press Secretariat, OPMC

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Court to hear judicial review and strike-out

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The High Court on Wednesday, April 8, will hear the opposition coalition’s judicial review claim alongside an application filed by the Attorney General to strike out the case.

The strike-out application was filed on Thursday, April 2, but had not been served or deliberated by the parties in court.

The application to strike out was recalled by the AG after the ruling delivered on Saturday, where the court dismissed both applications for joinder and security for costs.

One of the claimant’s lawyers, Gabriel Suri, urged the Attorney General in court to withdraw the application for strike out, arguing that the issues as contained in that application had already been addressed in earlier rulings.

“We should be conscious of the court’s time and resources,” Suri told the court.

In the meantime, Claimants’ counsels Mr Taupongi, Mr Kaboke, and Mr Waleanisia are of the view that, in the interest of time, they bring those arguments at the next conference hearing on Wednesday, April 8.

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer directed that both matters proceed together at the preparation conference, stressing that ‘time is of the essence’.

The Chief Justice further directed that all submissions and sworn statements be filed by the close of business on Tuesday, April 7.

At the preparation conference, the Court will evaluate contested constitutional questions and issues central to the judicial review and will also decide and rule on the strike-out application as filed by the AG.

Sir Albert Palmer emphasised the importance of ensuring access to justice in cases of public importance. “The Court must be astute to ensure that access to justice is not impeded by interlocutory orders which may have the practical effect of preventing the adjudication of serious constitutional questions,” he noted in his earlier ruling dismissing the Attorney General’s bid for security of costs.

Thus, it is fair to say that any attempt on the part of the AG to strike out would be weakened as the AG loses a procedural tool to block the case, given the outcome of the ruling.

Counsel for the claimant, Mr Suri, told Island Sun outside the court on Saturday that the strike-out application was a “delay tactic” aimed at giving the minority government time to lure MPs from the majority opposition coalition.

The claimants include Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, PFP Wing Leader Fredrick Kologeto, Independent Members Leader Manasseh Maelanga, and six political parties forming the new majority coalition of 28 MPs.

The claimants were represented by counsels, Gabriel Suri, John Taupongi, James Ronnie Kaboke and Francis Waleanisia.

Respondents are the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Attorney General.

The Attorney General John Muria Jnr, with his legal team, represented the respondents.

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Court rejects AG’s security for costs bid

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

The High Court on Saturday dismissed an application by the Attorney General seeking security for costs in the ongoing Judicial Review case filed by the opposition coalition.

This comes after the Attorney General John Muria Jnr had asked the Court on Thursday, April 2, to order $30,000 in security for costs, contending that the claim was ‘speculative, misconceived, non-justiciable, and procedurally defective’.

He further submitted that failure to comply should result in the judicial review being struck out.

However, Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer ruled that the ‘balance of justice’ favoured allowing the case to proceed on its merits.

“The defendants’ invitation to characterise the claim as fundamentally defective is, in substance, an invitation to determine the merits in advance of a proper hearing. That invitation must be declined,” he said in his ruling.

He maintained that the judicial review raised genuine legal issues of constitutional importance, not political disputes.

The Chief Justice also emphasised in his ruling that the proceedings were bona fide and raised issues of “clear public and constitutional importance.”

He further noted that imposing security for costs risked stifling the case, and that the evidential basis for the application was insufficient.

Consequently, the Court dismissed the application and awarded costs in favour of the opposition coalition.

The claimants include Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, PFP Wing Leader Fredrick Kologeto, Independent Members Leader Manasseh Maelanga, and six political parties forming the new majority coalition of 28 MPs.

The claimants were represented by counsels, Mr Suri, Mr Taupongi, Mr James Ronnie Kaboke and Mr Francis Waleanisia.

Respondents are the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Attorney General. The Attorney General John Muria Jnr with his legal team represented the respondents.

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Court dismisses Kadere Party joinder bid

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BY MELVILLE TITIULU

High Court has thrown out the Kadere party’s attempt to be a defendant in the case with the Opposition coalition, describing the party’s action as an abuse of process.

Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer, at the High Court Courtroom 1, on Saturday, dismissed the application by the Kadere Party to join as a defendant in the ongoing judicial review case filed by the opposition coalition, ruling that the matter was “misconceived” and amounted to an abuse of process.

The application, filed by the applicant’s lawyer Barnabus Upwe, sought to add the party as a defendant on the legal basis that two former members of their party had allegedly resigned in breach of the party’s constitution, the Political Parties Integrity Act, and the GNUT Coalition Agreement.

In his ruling, Sir Albert Palmer made clear that the Court was not tasked to resolve internal party disputes or coalition agreements.

“This Court is not called upon to adjudicate membership disputes within a political party, compliance with party constitutions, or alleged breaches of coalition agreements,” he said.

The Chief Justice further noted that even if the allegations were true, they did not affect the constitutional questions at the heart of the judicial review.

He concluded that the Court could fairly determine the case without Kadere Party’s involvement.

Calling the application “without legal foundation” and “an improper attempt to expand the scope of proceedings,” the Chief Justice dismissed it outright and ordered costs on an indemnity basis to be paid to the claimants.

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Western province activates emergency centre

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Provincial Government has officially activated its Emergency Operations Centre in response to the worsening impacts of tropical cyclone Maila that has been affecting communities across the province.

Deputy Provincial Secretary, Collin Potakana, confirmed the activation yesterday following a surge in reports from communities experiencing the effects of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rising sea levels.

He said the move was in line with established disaster response procedures, ensuring that authorities are better coordinated and prepared to assist affected communities.

“Today the Western Provincial Disaster Committee met and discussed our response to the current bad weather. One of our decisions was to activate the Emergency Centre so that we can help our communities with advice and at the same time get updates from the communities,” Potakana said.

He said officers have been placed on high alert at the centre to receive calls, monitor the situation, and gather critical information from across the province.

According to Mr Potakana, the Emergency Centre will operate around the clock, with officers working 24/7 to provide necessary support services as the province continues to battle adverse weather conditions.

He appeals to residents, particularly those living in high-risk areas, to take extra precautions during this period.

“Please take extra precaution. Don’t go out when you know it is not safe. Stay safe,” Mr Potakana urged.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the cyclone system progresses, with further updates expected as more information becomes available.

Photo credit: Ben Bilua

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Tubi logs seized

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A stockpile of illegally harvested tubi logs have been confiscated and remains idle at Korona Camp on San Jorge Island in Isabel Province following government intervention.

Reports reaching Island Sun indicate that the Commissioner of Forests stepped in after it was discovered that Sun Rise Company Limited had harvested the protected tree species without a valid license.

Chief Paul Fota of Talise Village confirmed yesterday that the seized logs are currently held at the Korona log pond.

He said attempts by the company to smuggle the logs onto a waiting vessel were unsuccessful after authorities intervened.

“I’m happy that our call has been heard. This is what we want. I think cooperation between the chiefs and the government is paramount in situations like this,” Fota said.

Fota also calls on the responsible ministry to take stronger action, including revoking the company’s license.

“We are all aware of this company. Back in 2018 and 2019, this same company illegally harvested this tree species and was found guilty.

“This time around, the company did the same thing. I’m wondering whether there is a law to deal with such companies. I believe such companies should be removed from our country because they continue to steal our resources while breaking our laws,” he said.

Island Sun understands that Sun Rise Company Limited has a long history of illegally harvesting tubi trees in Isabel Province.

Earlier this year, the company allegedly attempted to smuggle a shipload of tubi logs, but the plan was foiled after government officials intercepted the shipment.

Reports indicate that a large quantity of tubi logs was concealed beneath other commercial timber species onboard the vessel.

In 2019, landowners took the company to court over illegal harvesting activities, and the company owner was found guilty. However, following the court proceedings, the government permitted the export of the seized logs, a decision that drew criticism from stakeholders.

With a repeat of similar offences, attention now turns to how the government will handle the latest case, as calls grow for stricter enforcement and accountability in the forestry sector.

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Bad weather hits hard on Ranongga Island

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

VILLAGES along the coastline of central Ranongga Island in Western Province are experiencing severe weather conditions as a tropical depression continues to affect large parts of the province.

Communities have reported strong winds and persistent heavy rainfall over the past few days, with waves exceeding three metres posing a serious threat to coastal properties.

Wooden canoes and boats have been moved to higher ground as residents brace for worsening conditions.

Freelancer, Chris Podokolo, who is currently on the island, said people are preparing for the worst, with some communities already putting evacuation plans in place.

“Koriovuku community has witnessed sea levels rising to about 1.5 metres, with powerful waves breaking through the coastline,” Podokolo said.

He added that despite previous efforts to strengthen the coastline following the April 2, 2007 tsunami, where land levels were raised between two to three metres, the current waves are now reaching beyond those barriers.

Podokolo said residents living along the coast remain on edge as winds continue to intensify.

“There is constant fear among people as the wind keeps picking up speed,” he said.

Podokolo said travel has also been disrupted, with community leaders advising against sea travel to prevent accidents and possible loss of life.

He said this has significantly affected Easter preparations, as many families are unable to travel to Gizo for shopping.

“Visibility is very poor at the moment, so most boat owners have decided not to travel,” Podokolo added.

Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service has issued weather warnings as the system intensifies.

As of 5pm yesterday, a tropical low (37U) with a central pressure of 991 hectopascals was located near latitude 9.1 degrees south and longitude 155.1 degrees east—approximately 128 nautical miles (238 kilometres) west of Rendova Island.

The system is moving slowly west-northwest at about four knots in the Solomon Sea and is expected to intensify further.

Forecasts indicate gale force winds of between 34 to 47 knots over Western Province, while Choiseul and Isabel provinces can expect winds of up to 33 knots.

Sea conditions are expected to worsen, with rough seas and moderate swells ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 metres, increasing the risk of coastal flooding.

Other parts of the country are also expected to experience strong winds of 20 to 25 knots and moderate to rough seas.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging communities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as the weather system develops.

Photo: Supplied

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Bad weather damages coastal communities in Choiseul Province

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Coastal communities in Choiseul Province are facing increasing hardship as severe weather conditions continue to batter the region, causing rising sea levels and widespread damage to homes and properties.

Reports from affected areas indicate that strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas have forced seawater inland, flooding low-lying villages.

In several communities, houses built along the coastline have been partially submerged, with some structures reportedly sinking as waves continue to erode the shoreline.

Local journalist, Augustine Tani who is currently in Choiseul province said sea has invaded some of the low laying communities as it continues to rise.

He said a number of properties such as canoe-shades, kitchens and small market houses have already been destroyed.

“People are living in constant fear as the bad weather continues. Some of the people are seeking refuge on higher ground.

“This weather is different and it is really bad,” Tani said.

He adds that the rising sea level has not only damaged homes but also threatened livelihoods, with gardens and water sources affected by saltwater intrusion.

“We are seeing the sea coming closer to our homes than ever before. “People are scared and are now moving to safer areas inland,” Tani said.

He said the situation remains tense as fears grow over the movement of the tropical cyclone, which is currently tracking towards Papua New Guinea.

Although it has not made direct landfall in Choiseul, its outer bands continue to generate dangerous weather conditions across the province.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are urging communities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Photo credit: Augustine Tani

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