By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

For JQY Construction Limited, being contracted to construct the new agriculture complex in Malaita is not just about carrying out a job, but it is also about giving back to the community.

A representative of the contractor, Young, made expressed this during the official groundbreaking ceremony in Auki, Malaita Province, last week. 

He said the construction of the new building complex is not just a project for the contractor, but a way of giving back to the people of Malaita Province. 

“Being given the opportunity to construct the office is not just a job for any contractor. It is my way of giving back and showing appreciation to the people of Malaita who have helped me in my journey,” he said. 

He also assured the government, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the people of Malaita Province that the construction of the complex is not their first project, as they have completed similar projects in the country. 

He said that they will do their best to construct the building complex to high-quality standards.

Mr. Young said that JQY Limited is committed and will ensure that the project will deliver benefits beyond the infrastructure and also provide job opportunities for locals.

He also reaffirmed their commitment to delivering this project on time and to a higher standard.

He added that through dedication and teamwork with its partners, they are confident that the project will be completed according to the project’s timeframe.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Rural communities in and surrounding Ward 28, in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, will now be able to enjoy access to good network coverage after the successful installation of the Sinasu Tower on Wednesday, April 9.

The installation and activation of the tower, which was done in the middle of this week, has improved network coverage in the ward and provided access to essential information relating to the weather and updates about the province and country. 

According to William Kaobata, the chairman of the Bonale landowners, who is behind the building and construction of the tower with the Huawei team, it was truly a milestone achievement for his people in Ward 28 and surrounding communities. 

He said the new network coverage, rural entrepreneurs, students, and individuals can now rely on good network coverage to access information from their homes, unlike before.

“Now, we can access 4G network coverage at our homes, unlike before that we had to move to locations where good coverage was available, such as seaside areas and up in the hills, to make calls or do internet research,” he said. 

Kaobata thanked the Huawei company, engineers, and locals who were part of the construction of the project. 

He also acknowledged the partnership between Huawei, Solomon Tower Limited, and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).

Island Sun understands that the Huawei tower will be launched sometime this month.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Auki Forestry and Agriculture officers in Malaita Province held a one-day training for the first two groups of youth apprentices at the provincial chamber’s conference room yesterday. 

The training focused on forestry and agricultural aspects that are very relevant and important for the youth apprenticeship members. 

In an interview, Frank Samo Sari, Malaita Provincial Youth Coordinator said the training also deliberated on successes, failures, and ways forward for improvement. 

He said he was confident that the youth members were participating well in all the apprenticeship activities. 

“Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Youth Apprenticeship Program in Malaita Province for its successful implementation on the ground so far.

“It is encouraging to see a considerable number of youths participating and engaging in apprenticeship activities, particularly in the fields of agriculture and forestry,” he said.

Despite these achievements, he said that a number of challenges have been raised by the participating youths during their field activities.

He said the challenges raised include the unfulfillment of commitment to provide allowances to participants, along with failed lunch hour and transport arrangements and weather conditions.

In the meantime, he thanked the youths for the feedback and promised to improve the training the next time around.

“Based on your feedback, I will improve to ensure this program is progresses and engages more youth,” he said.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

RELIEF efforts to assist victims of Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila in Western Province have been delayed due to a lack of funding, leaving affected communities increasingly vulnerable as food shortages loom.

Deputy Provincial Secretary of Western Province and Acting Chairperson of the Western Province Disaster Committee, Collin Potakana, confirmed that while a response plan has already been finalised, implementation has been put on hold due to financial constraints.

“We are just waiting for funds into our account. Hopefully by next week,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Potakana explained that the disaster response team is waiting for support before rolling out relief operations to affected areas across the province.

As authorities wait for funding, communities devastated by the cyclone are raising urgent concerns over their worsening situation, particularly the growing threat of food insecurity.

In Malole on Ranogga Island, a teacher identified only as Mary warned that families could face hunger within days as their food gardens were destroyed by the powerful storm.

“People will go hungry in the next four to five days.

“We are currently surviving on the few gardens that were spared,” she said.

Similar concerns have been echoed in Valapata village on Vella La Vella.

Resident, Ian Lelokana said the destruction of food gardens has left families with very limited food supplies.

“We hope help will come soon,” he said.

In Iriqila, the situation is no different.

Member of Provincial Assembly for Ward 10, Freedom Tozaka, described the impact of the cyclone on his constituents as severe, with many losing both homes and livelihoods.

“Some of my people lost their entire gardens and others lost their houses. This is a serious situation and I hope help will reach my people soon,” Tozaka said.

With communities across Western Province facing mounting hardship, calls are intensifying for immediate assistance as officials work to secure the necessary funds to launch the long-awaited relief effort.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Three men from Wagina who were reported missing earlier this week have been found safe.

Choiseul Provincial Police confirmed to Island Sun yesterday that the trio had safely reached Kia in Isabel Province after going missing on Sunday.

Police said the men had run out of fuel while returning to their village from Crocodile Passage, leaving them stranded at sea during a period of bad weather linked to Cyclone Maila.

A police spokesperson said confirmation of their safety came through the Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Wagina Ward, who had been in contact with a woman accommodating the three men in Kia.

“I can confirm that the three people are now safe. The MPA for Wagina Ward spoke with the woman accommodating them on Thursday,” the police spokesperson said.

Information shared through the Taro Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Weather Alerts and Warnings WhatsApp group also indicated that the men had made it safely ashore, with both their boat and engine intact.

Reports further said that the trio are currently staying with relatives in Kia while arrangements are being made for their return home.

The news has been warmly welcomed by families, relatives, and the wider Wagina community, who had been anxiously awaiting updates since the men were first reported missing.

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the moment remains fully activated and continues to coordinate the national response to Tropical Cyclone Maila.

A press statement released yesterday said NEOC is actively receiving and analysing impact reports from provinces and the public to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.

On April 8, 2026, NEOC activated the UN Charter as means to gain a clear and consolidated view of the damage in the hardest-hit provinces.

As stated, this activation provides the government access to high-resolution satellite imagery, which is being used to prioritise impact assessments in Western, Choiseul, and Isabel Provinces.

Meanwhile, logistics teams are also working to pre-position essential relief supplies, which include shelter kits and non-food items, in Honiara and throughout the provinces.

The National Disaster Operations Committee (N-DOC) has also been working towards efforts for response to TC Maila having met daily to finalise a Forward Response Plan.

“The plan outlines a coordinated, province-led approach to response operations, including Initial Situation Overviews (ISO), Initial Damage Assessments (IDA), and targeted emergency relief. Priority provinces include Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Guadalcanal, and Central Islands.

“Sector Committees are working closely with provincial authorities to develop detailed response plans aligned with this framework,” the statement said.

Responses from sectors across Government and partners are also being strengthened.

In the health sector, national and provincial emergency operations centres have been fully activated to ensure continuity of essential services and dissemination of critical health information.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has also activated operation centres in Western and Choiseul provinces to support safety and security.

“…while livelihood, education, and other sectors continue to coordinate with provincial counterparts to assess impacts and mobilise support,” the statement said.

There is also support from humanitarian partners including NGOs and the Solomon Islands Red Cross who have also activated emergency operations and are aligning their support with government-led efforts.

Also noted is that relief planning is underway of which partners are preparing to contribute resources, technical assistance and operational support to affected communities.

In regards to the kind of relief support that will be deployed, the statement said based on current assessments, priority humanitarian needs include emergency food and safe drinking water, shelter assistance, hygiene and kitchen kits, as well as support for health services, including mobile clinics and essential medical supplies.

Henceforth, continued coordinated support through all levels of Government, disaster partners and stakeholders under the National Disaster Management Arrangements remain essential to ensure effective and targeted response to Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Key Government ministries in support of the national response have also developed a joint Briefing Paper.

This is being led by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), the Ministry of Provincial Governance and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), and the Ministry responsible for Disaster Management (MECDM).

The briefing paper will be presented to Cabinet by the Chair of the National Disaster Council (NDC), the Permanent Secretary of MECDM, at Parliament for formal deliberation.

“Discussions will focus on securing and aligning financing arrangements to support the implementation of the Forward Response Plan.

“This coordinated approach reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring timely availability of financial resources to support response operations and the effective delivery of assistance to affected provinces and communities,” the statement said.

Further stated is that NDMO through the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) continues to work closely with all stakeholders to make sure that response to Tropical Cyclone Maila is coordinated, timely and effective whilst also prioritising the needs of those most affected and in vulnerable communities.

The statement said the public is encouraged to use the following toll-free operational lines for assistance.

-SIMS (933) for weather updates

-NEOC (955) for reporting impacts and emergencies

-MRCC (977) for maritime search and rescue

“These services are established to support timely information sharing and coordinated response efforts,” the statement said.

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Solomon Kings FC battles to secure top four spot as OFC Pro League resumes in Fiji tomorrow

BY RICHARD MENANOPO

Attention is turning to Round 5 of the OFC Pro League, with Solomon Kings FC facing a crucial set of matches in Suva, Fiji beginning tomorrow.

The Solomon Islands club currently sits fourth on the league table with 15 points and will be aiming to hold on to a top-four position when the competition reaches a decisive stage.

Round 5 will see Solomon Kings FC join South Island United, Vanuatu United FC and Tahiti United in Suva, where all four teams will play three matches across three match days at HFC Bank Stadium.

Kings will open their campaign against Tahiti United on Saturday before facing Vanuatu United and South Island United in the remaining fixtures.

With only five points separating fourth placed Solomon Kings from seventh placed Tahiti United, the race for a place in the top four remains wide open heading into Round 5.

According to the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), the upcoming matches could determine which teams progress to the Leaders Group when the competition splits into two divisions later in the tournament.

“Only five points separate fourth placed Solomon Kings FC from seventh placed Tahiti United, meaning all four clubs in Suva have a chance of finishing in the top half when the dust settles on Round 5,” the OFC media release stated.

Solomon Kings will be eager to regain momentum after dropping points in their previous matches in Honiara, where they collected just one point from two games.

Despite that setback, the Solomon side remains in contention for the top half of the standings and will need strong performances in Fiji to secure their place among the competition’s leading teams.

Meanwhile, Vanuatu United FC arrived with renewed confidence after collecting four points against the league’s top two sides during the previous round.

Their head coach Lars Hopp said the break between rounds allowed the team to reset and refocus.

“We’ve given the players some time away during the break.

“It’s been good to step away from the competition for a few weeks and look at the bigger picture of where we sit,” Hopp said.

Elsewhere, the other four clubs in the competition — Auckland FC, South Melbourne FC, Bula FC and PNG Hekari FC — will play their Round 5 matches at Govind Park in Ba.

Fans across the Pacific will be able to follow the matches live on FIFA’s official streaming platform.

The OFC Pro League is the premier club competition organised by the Oceania Football Confederation, featuring eight clubs from across the Pacific region. After Round 5, the league will split into two groups, with the top four teams forming the Leaders Group while the remaining four enter the Challengers Group for the remainder of the season.

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