BY JOSES SAREN
More than 40 Solomon Islands students received Chinese Central and Provincial Government scholarships for 2026 at a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy, Solomon Islands, on August 25.
The recipients will study at more than 30 universities across China in fields ranging from medicine and agriculture to software engineering and business administration, Chinese Ambassador Cai Weiming said at the award ceremony.
Solomon Islands students pose with their scholarship certificates at the 2026 Chinese Scholarship Award Ceremony at the Chinese Embassy, Solomon Islands. Photo Chinese Embassy, Solomon Islands.
They will join around 200 Solomon Islands students already studying in China, the Ambassador said.
Ambassador Cai congratulated the scholarship recipients and their families for the achievement.
He said education was about giving young people the skills, confidence and opportunities to build a better future, and that this was the spirit behind the bilateral scholarship cooperation.
The Ambassador said many former scholarship recipients had gone on to become professionals in their fields, develop global perspectives through cross-cultural exchange, and contribute to their home country through careers in research, business, public service and education.
He urged the new recipients to treasure the opportunity to study in China, work hard, and make the most of their time there.
Ambassador Cai also encouraged the students to broaden their perspectives once they arrive, to travel and see more of the country beyond their host city, and to serve as cultural ambassadors between China and Solomon Islands.
He said the two countries’ shared Austronesian heritage, tracing back to migrations from China’s southeastern coast to the Pacific, was a foundation for that cultural exchange.
The Ambassador said China-SI relations had achieved tangible results since diplomatic ties were established in 2019, and welcomed the new Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to the one-China principle.
He said China’s policy toward Solomon Islands remained guided by what he called the “4 fully-respect principle” — respecting the country’s sovereignty, independence, will, culture and traditions, as well as Pacific island countries’ efforts to seek strength through unity.
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BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Matthew Wale will deliver a keynote address at a Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) side event during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau.
Prime Minister Wale, who is the outgoing Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), has been invited to address the event on August 31.
The side event will highlight the importance of fisheries to Pacific communities, government revenue, food security and the region’s future economic prosperity.
Ahead of the Leaders Meeting, Mr Wale visited the FFA headquarters on Monday, August 24, where he was briefed on the agency’s work and toured its Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC).
During the visit, the Prime Minister received a briefing on regional fisheries surveillance and monitoring operations, including systems used by Pacific countries to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Mr Wale commended the FFA for its work and expressed appreciation for the capabilities demonstrated at the surveillance centre.
He said he was particularly impressed by the strength of the Pacific’s regional fisheries surveillance system, which is supported by regional cooperation and Pacific-led approaches to protecting the region’s marine resources.
Fisheries remain a major source of livelihoods, food security, government revenue and economic opportunities for Pacific Island countries.
The effective management, monitoring and protection of the region’s marine resources are therefore critical to the long-term interests of Pacific communities.
Mr Wale’s engagement with the FFA highlights the Government’s commitment to working with other Pacific countries to safeguard fisheries, strengthen regional cooperation and ensure the region’s marine resources continue to support the livelihoods and wellbeing of Pacific peoples.
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BY PROFESSOR TRANSFORM AQORAU, VICE CHANCELLOR, SOLOMON ISLANDS NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Papua New Guinea is the Land of the Unexpected. Tonga is the Friendly Islands. Fiji is the Land of Smiles. Vanuatu is the Land of the Happiest People.
And Solomon Islands?
Surely, we are now the Land of the Never-Ending Plot Twist.
We seem to possess an extraordinary talent for making international headlines—often for all the wrong reasons.
We switched diplomatic recognition to China and became the incubator of the geopolitical contest for the Pacific. Before that, some international commentators could barely find us on a map. Suddenly, everyone discovered a deep and historic friendship with Solomon Islands.
Delegations arrived. Aircraft landed. Agreements multiplied. Strategic analysts began explaining our own national interests to us.
Then came the security agreement with China. Canberra, Wellington and Washington collectively developed high blood pressure.
Then came the Shiprider Agreement—more strategy, more sovereignty, more lawyers and more diplomatic language that ordinary people needed another lawyer to interpret.
But now, toilet paper has capped the lot.
It beats everything else.
SBD6.18 million worth of toilet paper!
According to the Auditor-General’s findings reported by RNZ, the original toilet-paper contract was approximately SBD6.18 million—against an overall budget of only SBD300,000. It was later reduced to SBD1.89 million, which was apparently considered a bargain.
At those prices, this was surely no ordinary toilet paper. Each roll should have arrived in a government vehicle, escorted by police, wrapped in silk and embossed with the national coat of arms.
Perhaps it was four-ply sovereignty.
Perhaps every sheet contained a strategic policy.
Perhaps it was designed to wipe away procurement rules, financial controls and institutional memory.
The High Court has now ruled that expenditure from the Sports Solomons Fund was subject to the Public Financial Management Act. It also found that certain expenditure lacked lawful authority and that the blanket waiver of competitive tendering was beyond the NHA’s powers.
This is serious. Public money does not stop being public money merely because we are hosting a major event.
The 2023 Pacific Games were a proud national achievement. Our athletes ran, jumped and lifted weights. Unfortunately, parts of the procurement system appear to have staged their own events: hurdling financial controls, high-jumping over the budget and sprinting away from competitive tendering.
Our athletes finished their races in 2023.
Accountability is still running the marathon.
We can laugh at the absurdity, but the lesson is not funny. Special funds are not magical treasure chests. Major national events do not suspend the law. Public procurement must never become an expensive private adventure financed by taxpayers.
So let Papua New Guinea remain the Land of the Unexpected, Tonga the Friendly Islands, Fiji the Land of Smiles, and Vanuatu the Land of the Happiest People.
Solomon Islands has surely earned its own title:
The Land of the Never-Ending Plot Twist—where geopolitics is complicated, procurement is adventurous, and even the toilet paper comes with a multimillion-dollar storyline.
We have made headlines for many wrong reasons, but this one wipes the floor with everything that came before it.
You could not make it up.
But somehow, we always do.
BY JOY OFASIA
The newly opened Naha Urban Health Centre has set several firsts for Honiara City Council and Solomon Islands’ urban health services, marking a significant step towards modern, efficient and patient centred healthcare delivery in the capital.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Minister for Health and Medical Services Hon. Morris Toiraena said the new facility was the first Health Centre Level 2 in Solomon Islands, bringing a range of primary healthcare and diagnostic services together under one roof.
“This is a new level of health facility providing all facets of primary health care under one roof,” Minister Toiraena said.
The centre provides expanded services including dental care, pathology, medical imaging, a community pharmacy and comprehensive primary healthcare.
Minister for Health and Medical Services Hon. Morris Toiraena .
It is also fitted with Solomon Islands’ first nurse call system, designed to alert staff when a patient requires additional medical attention.
Another new feature is an electronic queuing system for frequently used services, including dental and outpatient care. Patients will receive numbered tickets at reception and can wait in designated areas, including the garden and downstairs until they are called.
Minister Toiraena said the facility represented “a big step up for Solomon Islands” and would establish a new standard for safe and efficient healthcare delivery.
He announced that the Urban Health Services would commence operations from the following day.
The second part of the facility is the Naha Birthing Centre, which will provide birthing services for low-risk mothers. With five birthing suites, the centre is expected to help reduce overcrowding in the labour ward at the National Referral Hospital.
However, the birthing centre will open at a later date while preparatory works are completed to ensure safe deliveries. The Ministry will announce when the service is ready to commence.
Minister Toiraena acknowledged Australia’s support in funding the design, construction, fit out and commissioning of the facility under the Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership.
He also called on the Honiara City Council, Ministry of Health, Naha community and health workers to work together to maintain the facility and ensure quality services.
“Together we can ensure this great facility stands the test of time and lives to serve our women, children and every person that comes to seek the healthcare they need,” he said.
World Bank Representative Bernard Harborne visits Guadalcanal farming projects and commends SIART support for rural farmers. Wednesday 26 August, Honiara – Three Agribusiness Producer Organizations (ABPOs) in Guadalcanal Province on Friday 21 August 2026 hosted World Bank Resident Representative for Solomon Islands, Bernard Harborne, on a visit to their communities, where he engaged with local [...]
The post WORLD BANK REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR SOLOMON ISLANDS AGRICULTURE appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Sogavare calls for a transparent investigation into missing Rennell bauxite records and recovery of SBD$8.6m royalties. Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Leader of the Official Opposition, Manasseh Damukana Sogavare MP, says reports of missing, incomplete and unaccounted-for records relating to the 33 West Rennell bauxite shipments are deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, independently [...]
The post OPPOSITION: INVESTIGATE 33 SHIPMENTS, RECOVER THE PEOPLE’S MONEY appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
PM Matthew Wale urges stronger child protection, education access and greater collaboration with Save the Children. Prime Minister Matthew Wale today received a courtesy visit from Save the Children Solomon Islands Country Director, Ms Tory Clawson. Ms Clawson acknowledged the GREAT Coalition Government’s strong focus on children and young people. She noted that they form [...]
The post PM WALE RECEIVES COURTESY VISIT FROM SAVE THE CHILDREN SOLOMON ISLANDS appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
TO reach Keigold village on the rugged Weathercoast of Ranongga Island, you must first conquer the sea.
There is no proper wharf to welcome visitors.
Instead, boats approach the shoreline cautiously, passengers watching the waves before making the difficult decision to jump into the water and wade ashore.
Then comes the second challenge.
From the seaside, a narrow footpath climbs steeply towards the village — more than 735 steps carved into the landscape.
Last steps to the village. Photo Ben Bilua.
For visitors, the climb can feel endless but for the people of Keigold, these steps are more than a pathway.
These are a daily reminder of how far the community has travelled physically and emotionally to build a new life after disaster.
High in the mountains of Ranongga, surrounded by valleys, streams and thick forest, lies a vibrant community of more than 400 people.
Keigold is a village shaped by hardship, tradition and resilience.
Its story began nearly two decades ago when the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 2007 forced families from their former home at Mondo.
Mr Aldrin Jacob.
Aldrin Jacob still remembers the terrifying moments when the earth began to shake.
“It was like the world was going to end. I could not stand straight,” he recalled.
Two people from the community died during the earthquake and tsunami.
The disaster changed everything.
Within days, families began searching for safer ground.
About half of the people from Mondo moved inland, climbing towards higher ground and settling in a valley surrounded by mountains.
What began as a temporary camp slowly became a permanent home.
Houses were built, gardens were planted, a church was established, then came a school and a clinic.
Part of Keigold village. Photo Ben Bilua.
Years later, Keigold had become a village of its own.
“Living up here in the mountain surrounded by valleys, streams and the forest feel much safer than when we lived at Mondo,” Jacob said.
For many families, the mountain became more than a place of refuge.
It became home.
A life without money.
Life in Keigold moves at a different pace.
There are no busy streets, no shipping services and no reliable communication network connecting the community to the outside world.
Main source of income is; copra and selling of fresh vegetable and root crops at Gizo Market. There is no wharf to support economic activities. Yet, somehow, life continues.
For months, families can survive with little or no cash because they understand the land around them.
They know where to plant, when to harvest, which foods can sustain a family and where to find them.
Traditional knowledge remains one of the community’s greatest assets.
People work their gardens, fish, gather food from the forest and depend on the resources around them.
It is a simple way of life, but it is not an easy one.
Children of Keigold
Keigold residents have learned to survive by relying on their instincts, hard work and knowledge passed down through generations.
Concrete houses, iron roofs and large water tanks stand among the green landscape, quietly telling another story.
The people may live far from modern conveniences, but they are not defeated by isolation.
They have adapted. They have built. They have endured. For years, the community enjoyed a relatively peaceful life on the mountain.
Then Cyclone Maila came.
Jacob described Maila as one of the strongest cyclones to hit Ranongga in more than 50 years.
Its winds tore through the community, destroying homes, gardens and fruit trees.
“Maila hit us hard. Houses were blown down, fruit trees fell and gardens were trashed by fallen trees. But the good news is, no one died,” he said.
The absence of deaths brought relief, but the destruction left another painful problem — livelihoods.
Chief of Keigold village. Photo Ben Bilua.
Coconut trees and other fruit trees that families depended on for income were destroyed.
Copra production, one of Keigold’s main sources of cash, was badly affected.
Market opportunities also declined.
“Our coconuts and fruit trees that we used to get money from are now dead. The struggle is real for many families who are looking for school fees for their children,” Jacob said.
It is certain that recovery will not happen overnight for people of Keigold.
Trees that took years to mature must grow again. Gardens must be replanted. Families must rebuild houses and livelihoods.
For a community already living far from markets and basic services, the journey towards recovery is likely to be long.
A clinic fighting isolation.
Keigold has a school and a clinic — two essential services that connect the community to the outside world.
The clinic, co-funded by the Japanese Government and the Solomon Islands Government, provides basic health services to people living in the remote community.
But the clinic itself is struggling with isolation.
Nurse Gracenah Rolland said the distance between Keigold and Gizo Hospital, as well as the nearest Area Health Centre at Koroivuku, makes emergency referrals difficult.
“For emergency cases, we refer our patients to Koroivuku Area Health Centre and from there critical cases can be referred to Gizo Hospital,” she said.
The problem is getting sick patients there. The clinic does not have a boat dedicated to transporting patients.
Instead, Rolland and relatives of a sick patient must search for boat owners whenever an emergency arises.
An elderly woman at Keigold village. Photo Ben Bilua.
“We don’t have transport readily available just for clinic runs. We hunt for boat owners to transport patients to Koroivuku,” Rolland said.
She believes a boat and engine dedicated to the clinic would make a major difference.
But transport is not the clinic’s only challenge.
For years, the clinic has operated without a proper lighting system.
Patients, including pregnant women and newborn babies, have had to rely on their own solar lights.
“This clinic has been without a proper lighting system for a long time,” Rolland said.
For health workers, the problem becomes particularly serious at night.
Emergency treatment requires adequate lighting. Pregnant women giving birth need proper visibility. Newborn babies require careful monitoring.
“What we need is a proper solar lighting system,” Rolland said.
The clinic also needs a reliable water supply.
At present, a small tank collects rainwater, which is used by both patients and health workers.
Rolland is appealing to authorities, organisations and potential donors to help provide solar lighting, additional water storage and a safe and reliable source of drinking water.
For a remote community, these may appear to be simple requests.
But at Keigold, they can mean the difference between struggling through an emergency and receiving safe and timely care.
Footpath to Keigold Village. Photo Ben Bilua.
The road home
The 735 steps leading to Keigold are perhaps the best symbol of the village.
Every day, people climb them carrying food, supplies and sometimes the burdens of life.
The path is steep. The sea below can be unpredictable. The village itself remains isolated.
But at the top of those steps is something visitors may not expect.
There is life. There is laughter. There are children going to school. There are families tending their gardens.
There are churches, homes and people working to rebuild what Cyclone Maila destroyed.
There is also a deep sense of community.
Keigold may appear to be a place separated from the modern world, but its people have built a way of life that works for them.
They have survived an earthquake and tsunami.They rebuilt their lives in the mountains. They endured Cyclone Maila. And now they are beginning the long task of rebuilding again.
Getting to Keigold is not for the faint-hearted. You must brave the sea. You must wait for the right wave. You must jump ashore when the boatman tells you. Then you must climb 735 steps.
And beyond the treacherous shoreline and steep mountain path lies a community that tells a powerful story about survival.
A place once created out of fear has become a home filled with hope.
And somewhere at the end of those 735 steps, beyond the mountains and valleys, Keigold continues to breathe — vibrant, resilient and alive.
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
CLIMATE change is putting increasing pressure on the lives and livelihoods of communities in central Ranongga.
An investigation carried out by Plan International last week found that climate change and climate-related disasters are affecting key areas of community life, including agriculture, fisheries, income and social wellbeing.
The investigation involved four communities, where people shared similar experiences and concerns about climate change, loss and damage during community tok stori sessions.
According to the investigation, one of the major concerns raised was the changing pattern of weather.
Residents said the traditional wet and dry seasons no longer appeared to follow their usual periods, with rainfall occurring during times that were normally expected to be dry.
They said the unpredictable weather was making it difficult for communities to plan agricultural activities and maintain food production.
The impact of Cyclone Maila has further worsened the situation.
Following the cyclone, communities reported worms affecting root crops and cabbages, making it increasingly difficult to grow and harvest food.
The destruction of coconut trees was another major concern.
Many families depend on coconut trees as an important source of income, but a large number of trees were destroyed by Cyclone Maila.
Coconut plantation destoryed by TC Maila.
Residents said the loss of coconut trees had directly affected household livelihoods and their ability to generate income.
The communities also reported a decline in fish catches.
Fishermen said fish had become harder to catch compared to previous years, raising concerns about food security and the future of fishing as an important source of livelihood.
The findings indicate that climate change is not only affecting the natural environment but is also placing pressure on the economic and social wellbeing of communities.
For people in central Ranongga, changes in weather, damaged food gardens, destroyed coconut trees and declining fish catches are becoming part of a growing challenge that communities must face.
Residents said continued support and appropriate measures would be important to help communities recover from climate-related disasters and strengthen their ability to cope with future impacts.
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NSC, NDFSI gear up for September 5 play for equity open day
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Preparations are gathering pace for the Play For Equity Open Day, with the National Sports Council (NSC) and National Disability Forum Solomon Islands (NDFSI) now looking towards September 5 for the rollout of the inclusive sports initiative.
The NSC said preparations have progressed following a planning meeting between its Sports and Recreational Development Department and the NDFSI team, held as part of efforts to finalise arrangements for the event at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).
The Open Day was initially announced for August 28 but has now been rescheduled to Saturday, September 5.
The change comes as organisers work to ensure the programme is properly structured to provide meaningful opportunities for persons with disabilities to engage in sport, recreation and other lifestyle activities.
According to the NSC, the initiative will place particular emphasis on women and girls with disabilities, while also creating greater opportunities for men and boys to participate in an environment designed to be inclusive and accessible.
Rather than focusing solely on sporting activities, the Open Day will incorporate a range of programmes intended to connect participants with wider opportunities within sport and recreation.
These will include registration and database development, talent identification, sports pathways, community-led inclusive activities and empowerment sessions.
The NSC said the activities are designed to help challenge existing perceptions while addressing some of the barriers that can prevent persons with disabilities from participating fully in sport and community activities.
“The Open Day provides a meaningful, inclusive and empowering experience for participants,” the NSC said, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between the two organisations as preparations progress.
The initiative also carries a broader development focus, with the programme seeking to use sport as a platform for participation, empowerment and greater inclusion within communities.
The activity is supported through the Play for Equity grant under the Australian Government’s Team Up Program, in partnership with the International Olympic Committee through its Olympism365 strategy.
The NSC and NDFSI collaboration forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive sport opportunities in Solomon Islands, with further updates expected as preparations continue ahead of the September 5 Open Day.
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BY LESLEY FOINAGWA IN WEST KWAIO
A local chief in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, has strongly supported customary land recording, saying it could help Bina people settle long-standing questions about traditional land ownership, leadership and boundaries.
Chief Tom Funi said the process could help communities better understand and protect their customary land while preserving their culture for future generations.
He encouraged the people of Bina to accept land recording with “love and faith”.
“We are satisfied with the concept of the land recording process. I fully support it and recommend that the people of Bina adopt this process,” Chief Funi said.
The Bina region is supporting the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project by helping improve understanding of its traditional land, stories and culture. This information can help support development that respects local communities and their traditions.
Chief Funi said customary land was closely linked to the cultural and spiritual identity of the people.
He said disagreements over land had existed since the time of their ancestors, especially over the discovery of land, leadership and ownership.
According to Chief Funi, recording customary land rights could help communities identify and document the people who have legitimate rights to particular areas.
“I fully encourage our people to adopt the land recording process. I fully support it and recommend it, including to the national government,” he said.
He also called on the government to strengthen laws supporting customary land recording, including the Customary Land Recording Act and other relevant customary land laws.
Chief Funi said people should take greater care of their culture, traditional land and natural resources.
“People must value their culture and also their resources,” he said.
For the Bina communities, land is not only about ownership. It carries stories, identity, traditions and connections passed down through generations.
Chief Funi believes land recording provides an opportunity to protect these important connections while helping communities address old questions and prepare for respectful development in the future.
He said protecting customary land today would help ensure that Bina’s traditional heritage remains strong for future generations.
BY LESLEY FOINAGWA IN WEST KWAIO
Community members in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, have been encouraged to record their customary land rights to protect their land for future generations.
The message was shared during a customary land recording awareness programme held at Geaidingale Community High School on Friday, 21 August 2026. The programme was organised by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey.
Land Recording Officer David Oroi told participants that recording customary land was an important way to protect their rights.
“Securing your land rights today for tomorrow,” Mr Oroi said.
He explained that customary land recording involves documenting land rights and keeping the information at provincial and central land recording offices.
The records include the name of the land-holding group, its genealogy and members, land boundaries, primary and secondary rights, and the names of representatives.
Mr Oroi said the process was important for tribes, government, communities, women and young people.
He said recording land could help protect the rights of land-holding groups and preserve important land knowledge for future generations.
“Customary land recording can also contribute to peace and stability,” he said.
For many communities, customary land is more than a piece of ground. It is connected to family history, culture, identity and the lives of future generations. Proper records can help communities protect these connections and reduce confusion over land ownership.
Mr Oroi said customary land is collectively owned by a land-holding group and must be managed according to custom. He added that land disputes could also be addressed through customary reconciliation.
The recording process is carried out by the Tribal Land Recording Unit of the Ministry. It includes several steps, beginning with an application and public notice.
This is followed by recording land rights, marking boundaries, issuing a notice of completion, public inspection and finally the issuance of a Certificate of Completion.
Director of Land Reform Hellen Houkeni was among the ministry officials who attended the programme.
Member of the Malaita Provincial Assembly for Ward 28, John Daubo, and Malaita Provincial Premier Elijah Asilaua also attended.
The awareness programme gave community members an opportunity to understand their customary land rights and learn how recording them can help protect their land and traditional knowledge for generations to come.
BY JOSES SAREN
Most Solomon Islands schools are built near the coast or close to waterways, leaving them exposed to flooding and rising seas, a national climate assessment has found — a risk already realised at Selwyn College, which was forced to relocate following Cyclone Namu.
The finding is part of the Solomon Islands Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), an interactive story map released July 13 by Beca International Consultants with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The assessment cited Selwyn College’s move as the clearest local example of climate hazards already forcing schools to relocate.
Past storms have destroyed school buildings and forced relocations elsewhere too, it said. Remote and under-resourced schools face the greatest risk, the assessment warned.
Aging assets, maintenance gaps and limited funding leave these schools least able to recover quickly after damage.
Delays in repairs can lead to overcrowded classrooms or prolonged disruption to learning, it said.
The assessment mapped 1,050 schools nationwide, including 510 primary schools, 243 community high schools and 10 national high schools.
Facility data was drawn from the Education Facilities dataset held by MECDM and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS). The assessment noted this dataset mixes verified and unverified records, so actual numbers may differ.
Many schools sit within 50 to 1,000 metres of the shoreline, it found. Central, Choiseul and Western provinces were flagged as the most exposed. Low-lying coastal schools face rising seas, storm surges and repeated flooding that can damage buildings and contaminate water supplies, the assessment said.
Separately, the assessment mapped schools against waterways. Only a small share of schools sit directly beside rivers or streams. But many lie within one kilometre of a waterway, particularly in Guadalcanal province, exposing them to flooding and landslide risk during heavy rain.
The assessment rated current climate risk to schools as low to moderate overall.
It said this risk is expected to worsen as rainfall intensifies and coastal erosion accelerates in the coming decades.
The assessment forms part of the evidence base for the Solomon Islands’ first National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
It recommends stronger, more resilient school infrastructure and more flexible learning options to protect against future climate shocks.
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Remote communities in Western province call for supplies as bureaucracy continues to slow Maila relief works
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
COMMUNITIES in remote parts of Ranongga island, Western province are still in need of food supplies as food security challenges continue to worsen following Cyclone Maila.
This follows the reality faced by government in the slow-moving relief work to reach affected communities in the Western and Choiseul provinces due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Chief of Mondo community in Ranongga, Silas Reuban said most gardens planted after the cyclone have been unable to produce enough food to meet the needs of families.
He said the ongoing bad weather has further contributed to the difficulties faced by communities trying to restore their food gardens.
“Currently, we are surviving on the bags of rice that were distributed after the cyclone. Gardening is quite difficult at the moment due to the ongoing weather and also pest invasion,” Reuban said.
He said people in Mondo are now relying on wild taro, locally known as kakake, to supplement their food supplies.
Reuban said food distributions should continue to support communities and families that are struggling to restore their gardens and achieve food security.
Disaster Chairperson of Lale village, Billy Aqolo, shared similar concerns, saying some families are still struggling to put enough food on the table.
“We are slowly recovering from the disaster, but we still need food supplies to support our families,” Aqolo said.
He calls on the Provincial Disaster Committee and the national government to consider continuing food distributions to communities still affected by the disaster.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECCDM) David Hiriasia last week told a media conference the reality of the snail-paced relief work which is due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Mr Hiriasia voiced that it will take time for relief to reach communities in the two provinces, Western and Choiseul.
He said that while funding had been announced to support recovery, the funds could not be distributed immediately because each funding arrangement had its own processes.
“A lot of funding has been announced, and people always refer to those funds, but they also have their own processes. One of the main funding sources was the supplementary appropriation, which Parliament has already passed,” he said
He said Government will continue with the allocation, but can seek additional funding if the approved amount is insufficient.
“If it is not enough, then we request the Government to support with additional funds,” he said.
Hiriasia said Maila’s severity had triggered disaster financing arrangements and support from development partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Australia, New Zealand and other partners.
He said Government is now working through the different processes to ensure assistance reaches affected communities.
“It will take time, and we continue to ask our people in those affected areas to be patient with us and understand that we are prioritising these areas,” he said.
Hiriasia also said Government’s response to Maila was being guided by the national disaster plan, which provides for a whole-of-government approach.
He said the plan was developed following the Gizo earthquake and tsunami and had continued to be refined based on lessons learned from previous disasters.
“The current version, developed in 2018, is reviewed to identify gaps and areas requiring improvement,” he said.
Hiriasia said new government structures, including Constituency Development Committees and Ward Development Committees, will also need to be incorporated into the disaster plan.
“By including these changes, hopefully it will improve response and recovery in the future,” he said.
He acknowledged that recovery from previous disasters had sometimes been delayed because of limited resources, with some disasters not receiving adequate recovery support.
Hiriasia said Government will use lessons learnt to improve its disaster response and recovery approach.
He urges affected communities to remain patient as Government continues to prioritise recovery needs and work through the required processes.
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
ROAD rehabilitation has finally kicked off in Gizo, bringing relief to vehicle owners, businesses and residents who have endured deteriorating road conditions for a long time.
Earlier this week, heavy machinery was seen leveling the road leading to Gizo Community High School.
Yesterday, machines were also busy grinding and compacting the road section from Gizo Market towards Family Shop.
The rehabilitation works are being carried out under the Gizo Road Emergent Works and Spot Rehabilitation Project, endorsed by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).
JED Construction has been awarded the contract to undertake emergent works and spot rehabilitation on key sections of the Gizo Road.
The original scope of works was planned to cover the road section from Gizo Market through PT109 and towards CFC Junction.
However, the scope has been adjusted to ensure the most urgent sections of the road receive attention as soon as possible.
Speaking during the launching of the project, Provincial Minister of Works Freedom Tozaka said improving the road was important to ensure businesses could operate smoothly.
He said Gizo Road had remained in poor condition for a long time and stressed that repairing the road was now urgent.
“Gizo Road has been in poor state for so long and the need to repair the road is urgent,” Tozaka said.
He acknowledged MID for its timely support towards the rehabilitation project.
Tozaka said the Western Provincial Government would continue working closely with donor partners to improve other sections of the Gizo Road.
The rehabilitation is expected to provide better access for motorists and pedestrians while supporting businesses and economic activities in the provincial capital.
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作者:本·比卢亚
吉佐
吉佐的道路修复工程终于启动,为长期忍受恶劣道路条件的车辆拥有者、商家和居民带来了缓解。
本周早些时候,重型机械正在平整通往吉佐社区高中(Gizo Community High School)的道路。
昨天,机械也在忙于对从吉佐市场(Gizo Market)到家庭商店(Family Shop)路段进行磨碎和压实。
修复工程是在基础设施发展部(Ministry of Infrastructure Development,MID)批准下进行的吉佐道路紧急工程和局部修复项目(Gizo Road Emergent Works and Spot Rehabilitation Project)下进行的。
JED Construction公司已获得合同,负责吉佐道路关键路段的紧急工程和局部修复。
原计划的工作范围包括从吉佐市场经过PT109到CFC交叉口的路段。
然而,工作范围已进行调整,以确保最紧急的路段能尽快得到关注。
在项目启动仪式上,省道务部长弗里德姆·托扎卡(Freedom Tozaka)表示,改善道路对确保商家顺利运营至关重要。
他说,吉佐道路长期处于恶劣状态,强调修复道路的紧迫性。
“吉佐道路已经处于糟糕状态很久,修复道路的需求非常紧迫,”托扎卡说。
他对MID在修复项目中及时的支持表示感谢。
托扎卡表示,西部省政府将继续与捐助伙伴密切合作,以改善吉佐道路的其他路段。
此次修复预计将为机动车和行人提供更好的通行条件,同时支持省会的商业和经济活动。
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MID condemns deliberate damage to newly installed road signs along Henderson-Alligator Road and urges public protection. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), through the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), has strongly condemned the deliberate damage to newly installed road signs and road furniture along the Henderson to Alligator Road. Two newly installed road signs [...]
The post MID CONDEMNS DAMAGE TO NEWLY INSTALLED ROAD SIGNS appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Honiara City Council (HCC) Deputy City Clerk Jefferson Patovaki has urged the HCC school leaders to take the lead in driving quality education, saying better education outcomes will not happen automatically.
Mr Patovaki made the remarks yesterday, August 25, at the HCC Multipurpose Hall during an induction programme for HCC school leaders.
“Quality education will not come automatically. We have to drive it,” Patovaki told the school leaders.
He encouraged principals and other school leaders to take the initiative in identifying the needs of their schools and engage with HCC Education provider (EP) on ways to improve education for students.
Mr Patovaki said school leaders should not wait for education officials to approach them but should come forward with their concerns, ideas and proposals.
“Please come to us,” he said, encouraging leaders to communicate what was needed to improve learning and student outcomes.
He also stressed the importance of teamwork and collaboration among school leaders, saying stronger cooperation was necessary to achieve better results for students.
“We want to hear from you, school leaders. We want to hear from you,” he said.
Patovaki further urged school leaders to take a genuine interest in their students and develop closer relationships with them.
He said principals and teachers should communicate with students and understand their concerns, rather than limiting their engagement to formal classroom interactions.
He also acknowledged that schools operate with limited resources but challenged leaders to be innovative and creative in making the most of what they have.
Mr Patovaki warned that schools could fall behind if they relied solely on limited resources without finding new ways to improve their services.
He concluded by calling for a stronger collaborative and teamwork approach between HCC and its school leaders to improve education outcomes for students.
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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Honiara City Council (HCC) Education Director Davis S. Pitamama has challenged HCC school leaders to strengthen leadership, improve education standards and make better use of opportunities and resources available within the capital.
Mr Pitamama made the remarks on Tuesday, August 25, day one of a three-day leadership and induction programme for HCC school leaders held at the Multipurpose Hall in Honiara.
He said HCC schools should not be regarded as “second-class” or “second-choice” schools simply because they operate within the city.
“We are located within the city, classified as city schools, but rated as second class and second choice schools,” Mr Pitamama said.
He said HCC schools have access to technology, services and other resources that could support improved education, but these opportunities must be better utilised.
Pitamama said some parents still preferred other schools in Honiara, while HCC schools were sometimes considered only when there were no spaces available elsewhere.
He said this mindset needed to change, stressing that HCC schools should demonstrate that they can provide quality education and strong leadership.
“This is not for discouraging, but for encouraging HCC so that HCC taps into those opportunities,” he said.
Pitamama also described the three-day programme as an important opportunity for school leaders to meet, share ideas, discuss common challenges and learn from one another.
He said school leaders often work within the same education system but do not always have enough opportunities to collaborate and exchange experiences.
Pitamama encouraged the leaders to use the programme to strengthen their leadership capacity and identify practical ways to improve their schools.
He said HCC expects participating school leaders to take the lessons and ideas gained from the programme back to their respective schools and strengthen their leadership roles.
Mr Pitamama said stronger leadership and greater collaboration among school leaders would help lift standards and improve education outcomes across HCC schools.
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By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Asphalt surfacing is progressing well on sections of the feeder roads under the Auki Road Improvement Project this week.
The asphalt application is the final major stage of road construction, involving a mixture of stone, sand and gravel bound together with bitumen to create a smooth and durable road surface.
Once the surfacing is completed, the remaining works will include road markings and the installation of traffic signs before the project is expected to be handed over in November.
The progress has given Auki residents a clearer picture of what the completed road will look like, with many welcoming the improved standard of the road.
However, heavy rainfall this morning disrupted the asphalt application, forcing workers to temporarily stop operations.
John Toloi, a resident from Kwara’ae, commended the Government and the People’s Republic of China for supporting the road improvement project.
“This is how roads should be. This is a standard road that we should have in our provinces. It is strong and should last for a long time,” he said.
He said the new road standard was a significant improvement compared with some of the old roads, which he said could deteriorate quickly during heavy rain.
Meanwhile, a recent community awareness programme involving the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), police and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development urged members of the public to stay away from active asphalt work areas.
A CCECC liaison officer, George Foubata warned that the asphalt is extremely hot and can cause serious burns if it comes into contact with the human body.
The officer urged residents and motorists to keep away from the work sites and allow construction workers to safely complete the remaining works.
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Selwyn College Old Association (SOSA), through its growing international alumni network, has received five laptops through a generous donation from New Zealand’s Tairawhiti Multicultural Council.
The laptops were recently presented to the SOSA Executive by Professor Arish Naresh of the Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council. The donation is part of the council’s Opportunities Without Discrimination initiative, which continues to make a meaningful difference in communities and create opportunities for people across the Pacific.
The donation was made possible through the generous support of the Ha Family of Adelaide, South Australia, who contributed the five laptops to SOSA.
SOSA said the gesture was a powerful reminder of the impact that can be achieved when people come together across borders through compassion, generosity and a shared commitment to supporting communities.
SOSA President Robert Luke Iroga expressed his appreciation to the Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council, Professor Naresh and the Ha Family for recognising the association and supporting its work.
Iroga said the laptops would form part of SOSA’s assets as the association continues its revival and strengthening of its alumni network.
He said two of the laptops would later be presented to Selwyn College as academic prizes for the school’s top male and female students.
“This donation is timely and greatly appreciated. It is also a manifestation of SOSA’s growing global reach, as former students of Selwyn College continue to excel in different parts of the world and build meaningful networks beyond their old school,” Iroga said.
He said the donation demonstrated that the bonds formed at Selwyn College continued long after students left the school, with alumni now using their networks and relationships to give back to the institution and support future generations of students.
SOSA expressed its sincere gratitude to the Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council, Professor Arish Naresh and the Ha Family for their generosity and support.
Photo: SOSA members receive five laptops donated through New Zealand’s Tairawhiti Multicultural Council and the Ha Family of Adelaide. Photo Credit: SOSA
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
NGAIGA Community has received new water tanks to improve access to safe and reliable water for families.
The tanks are part of the Ward 10 development programme under the Western Provincial Government’s 2026/2027 planning programme.
Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 10, Freedom Tozaka, formally handed over the water tanks to chiefs and representatives of Ngaiga Community.
Tozaka said 10 communities in Ward 10 have been approved for assistance through the Ward Development Committee Fund.
He said the approved projects were identified based on requests submitted by communities and will be delivered as funding and implementation progressed.
“Their requests have been approved and their projects will be delivered later,” Tozaka said.
He said the provincial government had also approved a special budget to assist communities in Ward 10 with cleaning shorelines and removing debris left behind by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Tozaka said the funding was limited but would provide much-needed support to communities as they continued recovery efforts following the cyclone.
“These funds are not enough, but at least they touch our communities. They should be used responsibly according to their needs,” he said.
Tozaka urged communities to make proper use of the assistance provided and ensure the projects benefited families and the wider community.
The water tanks are expected to help Ngaiga residents strengthen their access to water, particularly during periods when water sources are affected by dry weather or other environmental challenges.
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Twenty-four former security guards dismissed nine years ago have finally secured justice, after the Trade Disputes Panel (TDP) ruled that...
The post Nine-Year Fight Ends: 24 Security Guards Win in Unfair Dismissal Case appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
The Parliamentary Opposition has announced a new Shadow Ministerial Team, giving its MPs clear jobs to keep a close watch...
The post OPPOSITION NAMES SHADOW TEAM TO KEEP GOVERNMENT IN CHECK appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Opposition establishes a Shadow Ministerial Team to scrutinise Government ministries, policies, decisions and public spending. Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Parliamentary Opposition Group has established a Shadow Ministerial Team to strengthen scrutiny of Government ministries, decisions, policies and public expenditure. The new structure will give Opposition Members of Parliament clear portfolio responsibilities and strengthen the [...]
The post OPPOSITION ESTABLISHES SHADOW MINISTERIAL TEAM TO STRENGTHEN GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .