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EDITORIAL- Where’s the road maintenance plan?

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WORK to upgrade the 9.3 kilometre road from Kukum to Henderson domestic terminal has already started.

Japan is funding the project, continuing on from the first phase that starts from the Honiara City Council round-about to Kukum.

The project has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Japan hopes to get it ready before the Pacific Games scheduled to take place in Honiara in July 2023.

But while it’s good to see the project started, it’s sad to note the obvious lack of maintenance to phase one of this road project.

When Japan completed phase one and handed it over to the Government in 2018, it was a fine product.

The road was built to the highest level of civil engineering one could find anywhere in the world.

Engineers gave the road a 20-year life-span. That is if we keep maintaining it.

However, two years on, lack of maintenance and negligence on the part of the Government was already evident.

First up was the disappearance of the painted lines that separated the lanes.

Those painted lines are important.

They not only separate the lanes, but also beautify the road surface.

They should be regularly repainted. Unfortunately, this was not done.

Now they’re all gone.

And that once beautiful road has lost its image.

Then the roadside drainage.

These were rarely cleared of debris and plastics that were carelessly dumped by certain inconsiderate individuals.

It’s no wonder when it rains, the roads are always flooded.

Here’s another issue.

Owners of concrete mixers that spilled their contents on the road have been getting away with it because authorities are not doing their work.

The same could be said of gravel-loading vehicles.

Spilled concrete and gravel are causing damages to the road surface, yet authorities are turning a blind eye to this.

While we look forward to phase two of the project, let’s not forget that phase one needs our continuous attention.

Can the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) tell us their maintenance plan for the road?

VIEW POINT- A way forward for resolving the HCC saga

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PETER FORAU

Honiara

A LOT has been said about the HCC saga, so let’s now urge the authorities to act appropriately, to bring normalcy to the situation. 

It would seem, judging from the reactions in the social media, that a majority of Honiara residents (and they have a right to demand it) wish to see the current Council dissolved, to pave the way for the HCC to be led by new councillors. 

TSI has suggested, a new election takes place to elect new councillors.

While the suggestion is appreciated, given the population dynamics in the city, a new election based on the current electoral system, could potentially waste every-ones’ time and good efforts.

Why do I say this? Well, electing new councillors based on the current electoral system could return the same people again, and we won’t get what we are looking for – which is to change and get new people in.

Because of this, a new election held on the basis of the current electoral system will not yield the desired change that is being sought.

Instead, may I suggest that, there in Mathew Wale’s counsel to change the system lie what may inherently inspire the accomplishment of the desired change that all residents in Honiara are looking for. 

To stabilize Governance of the HCC, may I suggest that the Minister of Home Affairs dissolve the current Council, and in their place he should appoint interim Councillors who would go in and work to improve HCC Governance, strengthen management, and develop a modernization plan for Honiara. 

The appointed Councillors will also work on changing the electoral system ahead of the conduct of a new election to elect new Councillors. 

May I further suggest that the new system must return councillors who are representative of the diversity of the different cultural groups that call Honiara home. 

This would imply that universal suffrage won’t work, as we have seen.

Instead, the ballot will be based on segregated suffrage which would allow councillors to be elected on the basis of their cultural origins.

So the new electoral system will be based on the usual election requirements, except the actual voting, which will, in the new system occur on cultural lines (hence the name segregated voting). 

So for example, the Chinese community will have a rep and only members of the Chinese community will elect their representative. 

The other expat community will also have their rep, and only them will be able to vote for their rep, no one else. 

All communities in Honiara, Temotu, Makira/Ulawa, Malaita, Central, Isabel, Western, Choiseul, Renbel, will have their reps in the Honiara City Council, but only members of their own respective community will vote for their specific representative. 

All will have one rep each except for Guadalcanal, which in recognition of her special status, shall have two reps in the HCC. 

So in total the Council will have 12 councillors. 

The results of the new change of course are that all communities (including our Chinese and other expat wantoks) in Honiara will be represented in the Council and that all councillors will be focused on developing Honiara as the capital, and not on the wards as currently is the case. 

The wards of course will not lose out as these will be incorporated in the development programs of the three constituencies in Honiara.

In this way, the MPs will actually become involved with the development of Honiara in a more elaborate and concerted fashion than the current selective and disconcerted approach.

Finally, may I venture to even suggest that this new change will yield a durable solution that will motivate all Solomon Islanders living and working in Honiara feeling included in the governance of our capital city, and who knows may be the city will have a different outlook and fell  to it – well planned, clean, modern and well governed, and respected capital city. 

A far cry from what Honiara is today, a dirty, corrupted and unplanned urban sprawl of settlements and shanty suburbs.

Since Honiara is our capital city, it deserves better!

So it’s worth pursuing the proposed changes.

South Choiseul by-election successful

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Ben Bilua
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Assistant Returning Officer of Susumungga Polling Station seals one of the ballot boxes

BY BEN BILUA

In Choiseul

THE by-election to vote a Member of Parliament for South Choiseul Constituency was successfully completed yesterday.

A total of 17 polling stations were established for voters to cast their votes with 21 Royal Solomon Islands Police Force officers providing security.

Voters at Sasamungga went to poll around 7am yesterday morning. Voters already joined the queue as early as 6am before the media and observers reached the polling station.

A similar enthusiastic response was seen at Malangono. Voters came in early to cast their votes; as a result, polling was completed around midday.

Eighty years old Agnes Jacob assisted by two women to return home after casting her vote

All polling stations closed at 5pm and all the ballot boxes were sealed before being transported to Malangono Polling Station for safe keeping. They were later transported to Taro for counting today.

Susan Tamana point to the notice before casting her vote while Officer Mary Saqo smiles

Speaking to the media, South Choiseul Returning Officer, Henry Deva said 80 percent of 6,800-plus voters casted their vote.

He told the media that some of the voters have died, and that changed the voters list.

Hard working Returning Officer of South Choiseul Constituency Henry Deva

Deva said the polling station have established special voting access for people with disability and the elderly, and that welcomes the elderly to cast their votes.

“I was impressed to see voters turn out today (yesterday). On top of that, I was also impressed that voters follow the COVID-19 instructions like hand washing in all polling station.”

He said the ballot papers will be kept overnight at Malangono Polling station with 22 Royal Solomon Islands Police Force plus electoral officials on guard.

Voters searched for their names at Susumungga

“Tonight (yesterday night) all ballot boxes will be kept overnight at Malangono. Our Police officers will guide the ballot boxes to avoid tempering. Tomorrow morning (today morning) the ballot boxes will be transported to Taro by the police,” Deva explained.

He salutes the five Assistant Electoral officers who have played an important role making it easier to mobilise activities during the polling day.

Deva stressed that team work really paid resulting in the successful roll out of the polling day.

A voter tries to locate his name from the voting list at Malangono

He acknowledged voters for behaving during the voting as well as respecting the process and procedures of electoral commission.

Djokovic charged

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ROBSON Djokovic is expected to front the Honiara Magistrate’s Court today after police charged him for alleged breaches of the Electoral Act.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea will preside over the case this morning.

Police yesterday confirmed Djokovic, Prime Minister Sogavare’s nephew and chief of staff, is facing three counts.

The charges were laid after on instructions of the Director of Public Prosecution following recent High Court ruling that although an indigenous Solomon Islander, Djokovic is not a citizen.

His lawyer is appealing the decision.

Djokovic, whose mother is from Choiseul and father Australian, has been charged with:

  1. Obtaining registration by false pretense Contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code.
  2. Fraudulent Voting Contrary to Section 120 (c) of the Electoral Act 2018.
  3. Prohibition of a non-citizen from membership of a Political Party Contrary to section 41 (1) of the Political Parties Integrity Act 2014.

RSIPF Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Crime and Intelligence Patricia Leta says:

“Information gathered concerning this matter stated that the chief of staff, a holder of an Australian Passport was a member of ‘Our Party’ that has been registered under the Political Parties integrity Act and a registered voter of South Choiseul Constituency in the 2019 National General Election (NGE).”

Meanwhile, his defence lawyer Wilson Rano confirmed to the Island Sun yesterday that he received notice that Djokovic’s case will be mentioned today in the Magistrate’s Court.

On their appeal case regarding Djokovic’s citizenship status, Rano said a direction hearing will be conducted in the High Court this afternoon.

1 recorded anaphylactic reaction to AstraZeneca

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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AstraZeneca vaccine. Photo by NDTV.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE country has recorded one case of a serious anaphylactic reaction to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the case was witnessed in the Shortland Vaccination roll out.

“I am duty bound to inform you that we witness our first serious anaphylactic reaction to the AstraZeneca vaccine in the Shortland Vaccination roll out.

“The reaction was diagnosed very quickly and was treated promptly by the Medical team.

“The lady recovered all her vital signs, pulse, and blood pressure sensation within an hour,” he said.

Sogavare said Anaphylaxis is described by doctors as a severe form of an allergic reaction to something – in this case the AstraZeneca vaccine.

He said like any other medicine the AstraZeneca vaccine has its side effects in this case it was severe and the more common side effects very mild and non-specific like dizziness and headaches.

Sogavare said the key is recognising the side effects when the anaphylactic reaction occurs and treating them promptly and appropriately.

“I commend health team for the excellent job in identifying and treating the anaphylactic reaction in the lady resulting in immediate dull recovery,” he said

Sogavare adds, more than 13,000 people across the country have received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccines and vaccination for Honiara and Malaita Outer Islands have closed.

“Will advise in due cause when further vaccination in these two location will recommence. Vaccination in Choiseul and Western will continue,” he said.

SI’s first light steel factory

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Work on the Mamara City project last year.

PRESS RELEASE

Construction of a light steel factory is underway near the Mamara New City project west of Honiara, which will provide more job opportunities for locals with the potential to boost the country’s export sector.

Once operational, the factory will put Solomon Islands in the list of few countries in the region to host a steel factory besides Australia and New Zealand.

The factory is part of the development plan for the Mamara New City project at the Mamara- Tasivarongo- Mavo land.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) Riley Mesepitu said the factory would be located at Poha.

He said the factory will not only provide job opportunities for locals but it will also boost the country’s potential for exportation of primary products.

Mr Mesepitu added that construction work is now underway alongside the construction of the public servants’ housing project.

The developer’s representative, Mr Yii Ging Hii who is also Malaysia’s honorary consul to Solomon Islands, said earlier the Mamara- Tasivarongo- Mavo project will not only host residential homes, hotels and other facilities but will also host light industries.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

Continue with covid-19 basic measures: McNeil

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Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Public is being encouraged to continue with basic covid-19 safety measures.

Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Health and Medical Services Pauline McNeil issued this advice amid the roll-out of the covid-19 vaccine.

She said despite being vaccinated, public must continue practising the safety measures

She said the basic COVID-19 basic safety practices include; washing your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub, covering mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing and sneezing – dispose of the tissue immediately and clean your hands afterwards, keeping your distance, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth and avoiding unnecessary overcrowding and social gathering.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare early this week in his national address also reminded public to maintain the above measures.

“It is crucial we maintain covid-19 safety practises that have been announced by the Ministry of Health and Medical Service in their awareness programmes,” he said.

Bangladeshi’s defence accuse prosecution

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Defence lawyer of a Bangladeshi facing rape charges is accusing prosecution of playing delay tactics.

Lawyer Hubert Fugui told court yesterday prosecution had been slow in providing disclosures regarding the charges against the accused.

Fugui explained that the case had been brought before the court on April 17; he was given the disclosures several weeks later.

And, he adds that the dates on the medical report were dated April 18.

He said prosecution should assess the evidence and properly update court on the status of investigation, rather than coming to court and seeking adjournments.

Court then adjourned the case for June 8, for the accused to enter a plea.

This is the case of a Bangladesh national who is faced with counts of rape, indecent act, criminal trespass and count of intimidation.

Regarding the rape charge, police alleged that the accused raped an underage girl on unknown dates early this year.

Prosecution alleged that the Bangladeshi raped an 11-year-old girl at an area in East Honiara.

According to Police the case was reported to the Henderson police station by the mother of the victim.

Police said the victim’s mother called in at Henderson Police Station and reported that her daughter was raped by a Bangladesh national in his bedroom.

The mother said she only knew of the incident when she heard stories from other girls about what happened to her, it was at that time the mother asked her daughter and confirmed that the accused has been doing sexual action on her for about a week but she was afraid to tell anyone about it.

Police officer’s case returns in court

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

The case of a police officer accused of crashing a police vehicle into the Holy Cross cathedral brick wall has been adjourned for today.

The incident occurred in 2019.

Police officer Markie Rokoto’s case was mentioned in court yesterday before Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea.

The trial date had been set for May 31, and yesterday’s session was an interim mention.

Iomea however announced that he would be hearing another trial on that week, and suggested that this case be re-allocated to another magistrate or the trial date be changed.

Public Prosecutor Helen Naqu said her office has already made arrangements for their two witnesses to be transported over to Honiara on the trial date. However, given Magistrate Iomea’s situation, public prosecution would have to re-book the witnesses.

Iomea then adjourned the case for today to re-confirm the trial date.

Rokoto is facing charges in relation to an allegation between 10.30pm and 11pm on February 19, 2019 at the Holy Cross Cathedral along the Mbokonavera road.

The allegation said that Rokoto drove at a high speed along the Mbokonavera road while under the influence of liquor and was heading south when he ran the vehicle into the Holy Cross Cathedral brick wall near the road and overturned.

It was also alleged that there were two other police officers in the vehicle with Rokoto during the accident.

PRIVATE VIEW- TSI commends McNeil, urges police to arrest

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands (TSI) commends the Commissioner of Lands (CoL) Mr.Alan McNeil for reporting the forgery allegation to police and refusing to grant the Fixed Term Estate (FTE) to Chengs Constructions Ltd.

The allegation [forgery] by the Commissioner of Lands that the signature of the Levers [RIPEL?] Solomons Ltd Board Director, Mr Patrick Wong was forged is a serious allegation requiring the police and other responsible institutions [JANUS] to step in, investigate and arrest the person or persons or firms hired or engaged by Chengs Company implicated in this corrupt dealing.

With the current Commissioner of Lands who has vowed to clean up corruption in State land dealings gone are the days of corruption when corrupt and unscrupulous dealers, speculators can easily forged documents in order to get land title from the Ministry of Lands.

Commissioner of Lands Mr McNeil must be commended, and we need more officer like him to be sitting in positions of power to curb corruption that is widespread in every aspect of government procurement, allocation of government land, issuing of concessions, etc. The integrity of the public office has gone down the drain and there is very little consciousness amongst public officials when it comes to corrupt conduct and practice.  

The fight against corruption is a must for all of us.  It is because of corruption that our doctors and nurses and patients do not have a decent hospital from which to provide health and medical care to the taxpayers of Solomon Islands. It is of corruption that the clinics are without medicine, Taro hospital and other health infrastructure are in the state they are in today. Corruption is the Tsunami that is killing most of our people and denying our graduates employment opportunities. It is the climate change that we need to address today and not wait for the next day or next year.  There are many public servants who want to do the right thing in fighting corruption, but they are faced with two major challenges, risk to their lives and for economic reasons. It is therefore important that the police who is empowered to investigate must step up to the challenge.  Transparency Solomon Islands also calls on the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption [SIICAC] to step up and look into giving the Anti-Corruption Act 2018 a tooth to bite.  So far the Commission has not gone out to meet stakeholders in this space, not to the Commissioner of Lands who is really trying his best to learn more about the corruption conducts in that ministry as would be for other ministries. Yes Transparency Solomon Islands understands that the Commission does not have funds and is not resourced, but does it really need funds to go and consult with the Commissioner of Lands? Letting him know he has their support. It is time that SIICAC goes out and meet and support those officials who are trying their best as in this case.

There are those holding important decision-making positions within the government who make an effort to stand against corruption and are saying no to corruption, but they need to know that the authorities are with them and that the public is appreciative of their efforts as in the case of the Commissioner of Lands. The action of the Commissioner of Lands is one that contributes to stopping the Corruption Tsunami that is hitting the country bad, be it forestry, mining, land dealing, procurement etc. and will save the country from corruption and serve the interest of the nation first than those corrupt businesses and individuals. This is not the first time the Commissioner of Lands uncovers suspicious corrupt dealings relating to land dealings by officials within his ministry. McNeil must be commended for his stand to refuse giving Chengs Company the FTE and for referring the matter to police for criminal investigation. But how many more before the police, the SIICAC etc. before they investigate and charge those responsible.

Whether Chengs Company already bought the land or not, TSI holds the view that the location of the plot which Chengs has already erected a building is supposedly on land that was compulsory acquired from Levers for development needs of the National Airport in the name of public good and purpose.  Such compulsory acquired land should remain the property of the government for the purpose for which it was acquired. There is therefore besides what the Commissioner of Land is fighting for a lot dealings that needs to be examined here.  Perhaps this is a scheme for extortion of money from the government when the airport is developed and improved.  How can Chengs Company be allowed to do so through this foreigner.

The reason why this land cannot be allocated to anyone be it with correct signatory from Patrick Wong or not is simple. Plane used the airport every day for take-off and landing, thus the airport needs a clear space on its surrounding areas unlike this building was built just a meter away from the fence.  The building which the company built is just beside the fence of the Henderson airport and right under the power lines of Solomon Power. The building is located between the airport fence and the highway road is very risky and portrays that something is not right with those dealing with the company to construct a building on that area. Permanent Secretary (PS) for Ministry of Aviation and Communication (MCA) Mr. Moses Virivolomo in the past years when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has already question the responsible authorities on the land dealing surrounding the Henderson airport, which were allocated left and right to Asian companies to build high buildings. The building must be taken down and relocated somewhere that is distance away from the airport and the electric lines. Whilst Transparency Solomon Islands notes the question from the PS of Aviation and Communication, the allocation of those land was started by the Civil Aviation Committee and put to a stop when the former Commissioner of Land [Ruth Liloqula] questioned it and put a stop to any further allocation other than for government purpose.  Since then, land has been allocated left right and everywhere.

It was also revealed in the Island Sun news yesterday that Chengs Company engaged Robert Mani’s consultation firm to follow up on the matter and a sum of $450,000 was paid to LSL, including a Hilux. Transparency Solomon Islands holds the view that LSL has breached its Grant Instrument terms and should not continue but surrender the land back to the Commissioner of Land. The safety of the travelling public and the future expansion and development of the airport are more important than Chengs Company. The police must investigate, and Guadalcanal provincial government put a stop building on the site on Cheng Company.

Transparency Solomon Islands fully supports the action taken by the Commissioner of Land Mr. McNeil and asks police not to sleep on this case now that it has been reported. The alleged forgery must be investigated and the person responsible must be arrested and prosecuted. The high prevalence of corruption in this country is an indication of poor performance of responsible authorities, and more importantly the under resourcing of them pose a more serious problem, especially when one looks at the pillars of the National Integrity Systems [NIS] of the country. Civil Society Organisations are a pillar of the NIS and as such must step up and be truly the voice of the voiceless as always claimed in dialogues with the government.

Thank You Commissioner of Lands for the stand you took and for exposing this corrupt deal.  Forgery is an offense in the Penal Code so the laws are there.  The police now need to do its part.

–TSI

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