BY TONY IROGA
The Matakale Tribal Management Committee has issued an urgent call to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) to fast-track the long-delayed review and declaration of the Matakale Maetabe, Voba, and Kona Tribal Protected Areas.
Speaking to Island today, Committee Chairman Mr Brian Koveke voiced deep frustration over a nearly two-year administrative standstill that is testing local patience and leaving the island’s premier biodiversity highlands vulnerable to external pressures.
The proposed conservation area spans the customary lands of the Matakale, Voba, and Kona tribes in the highlands of Choiseul Province, taking in Mount Maetabe, the highest peak in the province.
According to Mr Koveke, the communities have spent nearly a decade working through rigorous administrative processes, including extensive cross-border tribal consultations, the resolution of customary boundaries, and the signing of formal Memorandums of Understanding for sustainable resource management.
“Technical groundwork for the initiative has been steered alongside leading conservation partners Ecological Solutions Foundation (ESF), Ecological Solutions Solomon Islands (ESSI), and Wildlife Works (WW),” Koveke said.
He said while project documentation reached its final stage following public notification and the resolution of minor stakeholder grievances the file remains stalled within the Ministry’s Environment and Conservation Division.
He revealed that management committee queries directed to ESF/ESSI and WW Manager Mr David Boseto confirmed that all requisite compliance paperwork has long been filed. Despite subsequent follow-up inquiries sent to the Ministry, no official response has been forthcoming.
“The prolonged bureaucratic delay is carrying heavy local costs that lingering inaction risks eroding community goodwill, cautioning that grassroots patience is wearing thin as tribal members look for viable livelihood support,” he said.
He said the worse still, the delay leaves the fragile ecosystem exposed to growing outside pressures from prospective commercial logging and mining operations encroaching near the proposed boundaries.
“Despite these mounting threats, community rangers and local leaders continue to patrol and safeguard the Mount Maetabe catchment areas,” he said.
“I am appealing to the Ministry, particularly the Environment and Conservation Division, to urgently attend to this matter and proceed with the declaration,” Koveke said. “This will allow the ongoing programmes within our tribal lands to progress and deliver long-term benefits to our tribal people, neighbouring communities, Choiseul Province and the country as a whole.”
With the year drawing to a close, the Matakale leadership is pressing MECDM to issue the formal gazettal before the end of 2026, to enable the three landowning groups to transition into the next vital phases of sustainable environmental stewardship.
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Solomon Islands forecasts two to three tropical cyclones for the 2026/2027 season as communities are urged to prepare. The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) is forecasting two to three tropical cyclones in the Solomon Islands region during the 2026/2027 cyclone season. The cyclone season runs from 1 November 2026 to 30 April 2027. According to [...]
The post TWO TO THREE CYCLONES PREDICTED THIS SEASON appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), through the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), said that the newly upgraded Santa Cruz Airfield in Lata, Temotu Province, will be officially handed over tomorrow, Friday, October 30, 2026.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Communication and Aviation, Fredrick Kologeto, alongside World Bank representative Alison Ofotalau, will lead the handover ceremony to mark the formal transfer of the airfield facilities to the Ministry, a statement from SIRAP2 Project said.
The statement highlighted that the upgraded airfield represents a crucial investment in the nation’s transport infrastructure, and is designed to improve flight safety, enhance air transport services, and establish stronger, more reliable connections between Temotu Province and the rest of the Solomon Islands.
Constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) with supervision by Egis Asia under the SIRAP2 initiative, the government project is supported by the World Bank to boost economic growth, expand tourism and business opportunities, and secure essential lifelines such as health and emergency services for remote eastern communities.
Photo credit: SIRAP 2 Project
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), alongside key domestic stakeholders and international experts, has officially launched a comprehensive National Risk Assessment (NRA) and a national Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Countering Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) Strategic Action Plan spanning 2026 to 2030.
Backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the strategic initiative aims to fortify the nation against critical financial threats and ensure strict adherence to international compliance standards ahead of upcoming mutual evaluations.
Speaking to the media in an interview this week during the National Risk Assessment (NRA) National AML/CFT/CPF strategy workshop, Tom Ha’aute from the CBSI Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), emphasised that the newly completed risk assessment builds on previous evaluations conducted in 2009 and 2017.
He said that the findings highlight critical risk zones that demand immediate resource allocation, robust legal reforms, and enhanced inter-agency coordination to mitigate future vulnerabilities.
Dr. Ramandeep Chhina, ADB consultant highlighted that while the country’s overall money laundering threat is rated high, with terrorism financing assessed as low and proliferation financing rated medium-low, specific sectors face heightened exposure.
“Six predicate offenses were identified as primary drivers of risk, including bribery and corruption, illegal logging, gold smuggling, fisheries exploitation, tax evasion, and cyber-enabled financial scams,” Chhina said.
“Within institutional frameworks, banking and money value transfer services, alongside non-financial sectors like casinos and precious metal dealers, exhibit the highest vulnerabilities. Furthermore, transparency regarding corporate beneficial ownership remains an area requiring targeted regulatory reform,” she added.
ADB contractor Darren Howells explained that the 2026–2030 roadmap relies heavily on a risk-based supervisory model to address these key vulnerabilities.
“By focusing resources on high-risk entities and producing actionable intelligence for law enforcement agencies such as the police and customs, authorities intend to make the Solomon Islands hostile to criminal networks while preserving a transparent, secure environment for legitimate business operations,” Howells said.
He said the newly unveiled AML/CFT/CPF strategy provides a definitive roadmap to close regulatory gaps, safeguard the national financial system, and bolster international trust in the country’s economic institutions over the next four years.
Photo credit: John Houanihau
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Solomon Islands is already experiencing the effects of dry conditions, with communities in several provinces facing growing concerns over water shortages.
In Gizo, Western Province, the impacts are being felt on the ground as drought conditions affect water supplies. Scientists and weather experts warn that the El Niño event could continue to affect the country through February next year.
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Pacific climate experts warn of a potentially record-strength El Niño, with drought, marine heatwaves and cyclone risks into 2027. The warning comes from the official Regional Statement of the 19th Pacific Islands Climate and Ocean Forum (PICOF-19), held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on 20 and 21 October 2026. The statement was produced by [...]
The post Strong El Niño to Influence Rainfall, Temperatures and Cyclones into 2027 appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Villagers at Banika Island in the Russell Islands, Central Province, are being strongly urged to exercise extreme caution with fire as dry El Niño conditions heighten the risk of severe bushfires on the island.
A concerned villager on the island who sought anonymity made the call to the Island Sun following a recent fire incident near White Beach Estate that threatened approximately 12 homes, raising serious concerns regarding unexploded World War II ordnance on the island.
“It is more dangerous because of the remains of unexploded World War II bombs on the island,” he said.
The villager said that the fire started at around 11:00 am on Tuesday morning.
Community members worked together to successfully contain the fire before it reached nearby residences or detonated explosive remnants in the area.
“Banika Island remains heavily scattered with active World War II munitions, including unexploded bombs and artillery shells,” the villager said.
He warned that lighting uncontrolled fires during dry spells creates an immediate hazard to human lives, property, and surrounding communities.
“With dry weather conditions persisting across the country due to El Niño, residents on Banika Island and across the Solomon Islands are reminded to carefully manage campfires, burning rubbish, and agricultural land clearing to prevent potential disasters,” he said.
Photo: Supplied
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THE ISLAND SUN WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!
How is the current dry weather and El Niño affecting your community?
We invite people, especially in rural and remote communities, to share their experiences.
📩 Send us a direct message on Facebook Messenger with:
1. Community name and province
2. Photos of areas affected by the dry conditions
3. Challenges faced – water shortages, food gardens, fishing and daily life
4. Coping measures – what your household or community is doing to manage the situation
📰 Your story may be featured in The Island Sun Newspaper and our digital platforms, with your permission.
Your Community. Your Voice. Your Story.
THE ISLAND SUN WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!
当前的干旱天气和厄尔尼诺对您的社区产生了怎样的影响?
我们邀请人们,特别是在农村和偏远社区的人,分享他们的经历。
📩 Send us a direct message on Facebook Messenger with:
1. 社区名称和省份
2. 受干旱影响地区的照片
3. 面临的挑战 - 水短缺、食品花园、捕鱼和日常生活
4. 应对措施 - 您的家庭或社区正在采取什么措施来应对这种情况
📰 您的故事可能会在《岛屿太阳》报纸和我们的数字平台上刊登,需经您许可。
您的社区。您的声音。您的故事。
Island SunDisasters & Weather灾害与天气·2026-10-28Original ↗原文 ↗
Solomon Islands health authorities and partner agencies recently gathered for a simulated disease outbreak exercise to test how rapidly the country can detect, assess, and report potential public health threats. The initiative, dubbed Exercise Crystal 2026, took place on 24 September as part of a regional simulation coordinated by the...
The post Solomon Islands Tests Emergency Health Response Systems appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
NDFSI reviews a draft disaster plan to improve emergency preparedness, response and protection for people with disabilities. The National Disability Forum Solomon Islands (NDFSI) is holding a two-day workshop in Honiara to review and validate a draft Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan aimed at protecting people with disabilities during emergencies. The plan seeks to strengthen [...]
The post NDFSI REVIEWS DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLAN appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
SIMA advances certification process while preserving Solomon Islands’ maritime heritage The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) has achieved another significant milestone in its efforts to preserve and revitalize the traditional shipbuilding heritage of Langa Langa Lagoon, with MV Grace successfully arriving and docking at Honiara Wharf this week for the technical assessment and certification activities. [...]
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Coastal communities in West Kwaio are moving inland to collect water for drinking and cooking as the effects of the ongoing drought continue to be felt across the country.
The move follows the drying up of community water tanks earlier this month, with little or no rainfall recorded in recent days.
Junior Isaiah, from Kwa’a village, said community members had been forced to travel inland to collect water for their daily needs.
He said residents were also concerned that the prolonged dry spell could cause their inland water sources to dry up.
“Our water tanks have emptied already. So, what we do is move inland to collect water,” he said.
“Before facing this, we could collect water here, but because our water tanks, which can hold enough water for the whole community, have emptied, we have moved inland,” he added.
Aela Fou from Maeana shared similar concerns, saying residents were now searching for alternative water sources after their water tanks and nearby groundwater sources dried up.
Meanwhile, villagers in East Fataleka have also reported that their drinking water sources are drying up.
Talo said their water source had begun to dry up, forcing residents to move further upstream towards the head of a small stream to collect water.
He expressed concern about where villagers would find water if the stream dried up completely.
“We are worried that once our only drinking water source dries up, where will we collect water?” he said.
In a statement issued today, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology warned that all provinces in the country could face the effects of the drought season.
The ministry also issued a public advisory urging people across the country to take the following precautions:
1. Conserve water and use it wisely.
2. Repair leaking tanks, pipes and water storage systems.
3. Store drinking water safely.
4. Monitor local water sources and rainfall conditions.
5. Practise good hygiene and sanitation.
6. Report water shortages, crop damage and other drought-related impacts to the relevant authorities.
[Photo Caption: Residents collect water from an inland source after community water tanks dried up. Photo supplied]
First vessel delivered after partnership between SIMA and TMCS
BY CHARLES STENNET T
The first locally built wooden vessel from Langalanga, Lagoon, Malaita Province, after the signing a partnership arrangement between Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA), and Trinity Marine Consultancy Services, TMCS, MV Grace docked at Honiara Wharf last week awaiting Phase 2 of the Naval Architecture Services Mission.
SIMA on social media post, said the arrival of the vessel marks another significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to preserve and modernise Solomon Islands’ traditional shipbuilding heritage.
SIMA said the vessel is currently undergoing an Inclining and Stability Test conducted by SIMA vessel inspectors and SIMA naval architect, George Kava.
SIMA Team and MV Grace vessel owners ready to conduct the Incline and Stability Test, photo credit-SIMA.
“This critical assessment will determine the vessel’s lightship displacement, centre of gravity, and overall stability characteristics, providing essential technical data required for certification, registration, and compliance with modern maritime safety standards.
“Originally constructed through the renowned Langalanga shipbuilding tradition, MV Grace represents the successful integration of traditional maritime craftsmanship with contemporary naval architecture and safety requirements,” George Kava said.
He said the vessel serves as a practical example of how generations of indigenous shipbuilding knowledge can be preserved while meeting modern safety and regulatory standards.
“As MV Grace undergoes this important phase of assessment, the project continues to demonstrate SIMA’s commitment to safeguarding Solomon Islands’ maritime heritage, strengthening vessel safety, and supporting a more resilient and sustainable maritime transport sector for future generations,” Mr Kava said.
Photo credit: SIMA
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by Charley Piringi The Solomon Islands and Australia have officially teamed up to improve the country’s earthquake tracking and mining oversight with its Geoscience twinning partnership program. This new twinning partnership focuses on strengthening earthquake monitoring and alert systems, and laboratory analytical capabilities to improve mining sector governance and...
The post Solomons and Australia Team Up to Boost Earthquake Tracking and Mining Checks appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
The China-aided Auki Road Improvement Project in Malaita Province has been completed and is expected to be officially handed over next month.
The project was funded and constructed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) with support and assistance from local workers.
According to a statement issued by the China-Aid Auki Road Project yesterday, the road received an excellent quality rating following a final acceptance inspection conducted by experts from October 8 to 20.
The statement said the project had met all the required standards and technical specifications, resulting in the excellent rating.
It added that the completion of the Auki Road Project had significantly transformed the urban landscape of Auki.
“During the acceptance, the expert team carried out comprehensive site surveys and field measurements along the entire road alignment. Key technical parameters, including compaction, width and gradient of the pavement works, were tested on site,” the statement said.
“All test results met the requirements, and the acceptance team rated the project quality as excellent,” it added.
The statement said the completed road will improve local transport connectivity, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and contribute to the socioeconomic development of Malaita Province.
It further described the successful completion of the project as an important milestone that strengthens friendly cooperation between China and Solomon Islands.
“The successful final acceptance marks a key milestone of the project. It demonstrates the reliable quality of China-aided projects, further consolidates the friendly cooperation between China and Solomon Islands, and contributes to people-to-people bonds between the two countries,” the statement said.
The road project is expected to improve transport access and support economic and social activities in Auki and surrounding communities following its official handover.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Geo-technical work is progressing at the newly approved relocation site for the first group of households affected by the proposed Bina domestic wharf project.
The geo-technical activities began early this week, following an environmental science assessment conducted last week.
Speaking to the Island Sun this afternoon, Bina Community Secretary Jackson Maearia said work at the new relocation site was progressing well.
Maearia said the first 14 households approved for relocation were anticipating the move to make way for the domestic wharf project. He added that some families had also decided on repatriation arrangements.
“As we speak, the people, especially the first 14 houses and households, are anticipating relocation, as are those families who have decided on repatriation arrangements,” Maearia said.
He explained that the current activities formed part of the initial preparations for the relocation site, with more substantial work expected to follow.
“The preparation timeline for the relocation work is two years,” he said.
Maearia identified several key tasks that must be completed before the relocation can proceed. These include:
1. Designing the new residences.
2. Raising the ground level through backfilling.
3. Constructing houses.
4. Providing access to piped water.
5. Connecting the area to electricity.
Meanwhile, Maearia reiterated that an assessment conducted by the Harbour Master of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority had subsequently led to the approval of Bina Harbour’s sea depth for both the domestic wharf and the international port.
The relocation is an important part of preparations for the proposed Bina port development, which requires the affected households to move from the designated project area.
[Photo Caption: Overview of the Bina Harbour Project site. Photo: MFMR.]
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Government has urged families and individuals to take responsibility for water conservation and disaster preparedness as the country continues to face drought conditions and prepares for the coming cyclone season.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Mr David Hiriasia, made the call during a press conference on Monday, October 19, at the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
Mr Hiriasia stressed that disaster preparedness should not be left to the Government alone, saying individuals and families must also take active steps to protect themselves.
He urged the public to manage water carefully and make use of available water storage facilities to prepare for possible shortages.
“If you have even a small water storage facility, I urge you to manage your water properly,” Mr Hiriasia said.
He also confirmed that recovery work for shelters damaged by Tropical Cyclone Maila is progressing, with the supply of building materials already underway. Delivery of the materials is expected to begin in November.
Mr Hiriasia said the country must now address both drought and cyclone recovery efforts at the same time.
Although drought remains the Government’s priority, he said recovery from the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila, particularly shelter support, is still an outstanding issue as the cyclone season approaches.
He also urged the public to take precautionary measures, noting that reported sea-related incidents this year have continued to increase.
Meanwhile, National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) Director Mr Jonathan Tafiariki clarified that the initial $10 million allocated by the Government is specifically for emergency response, not recovery activities.
Mr Tafiariki said the funding was allocated to provinces to support immediate emergency response efforts.
He added that the Government had also allocated $75 million through the supplementary budget for recovery activities. However, arrangements for the establishment of a special fund to manage the money are still underway.
Mr Tafiariki said shelter assistance remains the highest priority under the recovery efforts, while part of the funding will support water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions, particularly in Western and Choiseul provinces.
Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
SASAMUNGA community in Choiseul Province has received food relief supplies through support from the New Zealand Government, CARITAS New Zealand and the Solomon Islands Association of Vocational Rural Training Centres (SIAVRTC).
The supplies were delivered to the community this week, with distributions made to families and households facing ongoing challenges following Tropical Cyclone Maila and the impact of El Niño.
SIAVRTC representative at Sasamunga, James Bose Volomo, said the assistance will continue until June 2027.
He said the next phase of the programme will focus on agriculture, with gardening tools to be distributed to families to help strengthen local food production.
Volomo said the support is a rare opportunity for the community and Lauru Rural Training Centre to benefit from such an initiative.
He said the programme will help families address their immediate needs while preparing them for the next phase of assistance.
Meanwhile, Sasamunga Disaster Committee chairperson Tani Kiko expressed gratitude to the organisations and the New Zealand Government for providing the much-needed assistance.
Kiko said the supplies had arrived at a critical time as the community continued to face difficulties caused by Tropical Cyclone Maila and the ongoing effects of El Niño.
“As chairman of Sasamunga Village Disaster Committee, I am humbled and express my heartfelt gratitude to CARITAS New Zealand, SIAVRTC and the New Zealand Government for their concern and love for the people of Sasamunga,” he said.
He also acknowledged those who had worked tirelessly to ensure the food supplies reached the community.
“On behalf of the chiefs, elders, community leaders, women, men, youths and children of Sasamunga, he thanked the three organisations for their continued support and commitment to the community,” Kiko said.
The continued assistance is expected to help affected households meet their immediate food needs, while the planned agricultural support will provide families with tools to strengthen their gardens and improve food security.
Photo: Supplied
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The National Disaster Management Office says an emergency mission is delivering water to drought-hit communities in Rennell and Bellona Province until 25 October 2026.
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
WESTERN Province is preparing to submit a situation report outlining the impact of El Niño and measures needed to address the growing challenges faced by communities.
The Western Provincial Disaster Operations Committee met last week following a call by Premier Billy Veo to compile a report on the effects of the prolonged dry spell across the province.
Provincial Secretary Collin Potakana said information had been gathered during the meeting and forwarded to the provincial Disaster Office, which is currently preparing the official report.
He said the report outlines potential challenges posed by El Niño and identify mitigation measures to help the province respond to the situation.
“We have collected all the necessary information during our meeting. Information gathered was forwarded to the Disaster Office in Gizo, and our officers are working on the official report,” Potakana said.
Island Sun understands that communities across Western Province are experiencing worsening conditions as the prolonged dry spell continues to affect water sources and food gardens.
The lack of rainfall has caused water levels in rivers and streams to decline, while food gardens have been damaged, raising concerns about access to safe drinking water and food supplies.
Gizo has been among the hardest-hit areas, with access to clean drinking water declining rapidly.
Families have increasingly relied on bottled and carton water purchased from shops for drinking and cooking as water shortages continue to affect households.
The situation has also affected the operation of the Western Provincial Government office, which has been forced to operate half-day due to water shortages.
Speaking to Island Sun earlier this week, Premier Veo said the provincial government had requested assistance from the National Disaster Council to help address the water crisis in Gizo.
He said the request included two water trucks and 10 water tanks, each with a capacity of 3,000 litres, to support water distribution and storage.
Veo said the request formed part of the province’s immediate response to the impact of El Niño in Gizo.
Meanwhile, information emerging from communities across the province indicates that the effects of the prolonged dry spell may extend beyond the main urban centres.
However, the full extent of the impact on remote communities remains unclear, highlighting the need for further assessments and field reporting to establish the challenges faced by affected families.
In the meantime, the situation report is expected to provide a clearer picture of the challenges confronting the province and help identify appropriate responses to support affected communities.
[Photo caption: A water source resident of Righuru village in Western Province collect drinking and cooking water from.The water source is now almost dried up due to continued dry spell. Photo Supplied.]
