BY NED GAGAHE
THE Opposition has challenged the Wale Government to show how it will finance its ambitious programme, warning that Parliament has been presented with a long list of promises without clear costings, funding sources or implementation timelines.
Opposition MP Trevor Manemahaga raised the concerns during debate on the Speech from the Throne in Parliament last week.
He said the Government had outlined major commitments including public-service salary increases, a Higher Salary Commission, a Sovereign Wealth Fund, re-establishment of the National Bank of Solomon Islands, free education, major infrastructure projects, expanded health services and numerous legislative reforms.
However, he questioned how Government could pursue fiscal consolidation while announcing a wide range of potentially costly commitments without first presenting Parliament with a clear financing plan.
“Where are the cost estimates?” Manemahaga asked.
He also questioned which initiatives would begin in 2026, which would be pushed to 2027 and which would have to be deferred.
He said Government must also explain what revenue would fund the commitments, what existing programmes would be reduced or discontinued and what the annual recurrent costs would be once major projects or institutions were established.
Manemahaga said the Opposition was not against the Government’s proposals but wanted Parliament to properly examine whether they were realistic, affordable and capable of being delivered.
He said the real challenge facing Solomon Islands had never been a shortage of policies, plans, committees or announcements, but implementation.
“A farmer cannot bank a promise,” he said.
“A patient cannot be treated by a policy statement.”
He added that a child could not learn from a development plan without a teacher, classroom and learning materials, while a broken road could not be repaired by another committee.
The Opposition also questioned two major financial proposals—the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund and the re-establishment of the National Bank of Solomon Islands.
Manemahaga said a Sovereign Wealth Fund would not automatically create national wealth and would require actual revenue surpluses, strong governance, independent investment management, transparent reporting and protection from political interference.
On the proposed national bank, he warned that it must be commercially viable, professionally managed and protected from politically directed lending.
Otherwise, he said, it could become another liability for taxpayers rather than an institution that expands economic opportunities.
The Opposition said it was prepared to consider both proposals constructively but wanted proper feasibility studies, capital requirements, governance arrangements, risk assessments and implementation timetables before Parliament was asked to endorse them.
Manemahaga said the Opposition was not against ambition or reform.
But he warned against what he described as “ambition without a delivery mechanism”.
He called on Government to table within 60 days a National Delivery and Accountability Schedule covering every major commitment in the Speech from the Throne.
The schedule, he said, should identify the baseline position, total cost, funding source, responsible ministry, annual and quarterly milestones, provincial allocation, implementation risks and measurable expected results.
He also called for Ministers to report quarterly to Parliament on progress against the commitments made in the Speech.
“This would turn the Speech from an announcement into a contract of accountability with the people,” Manemahaga said.
He said Solomon Islanders did not need another season of announcements but a season of implementation.
“They need fair prices. They need markets. They need medicine. They need functioning schools. They need roads and shipping services.
“They need jobs,” he said.
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BY NED GAGAHE
The Government is set to introduce five major pieces of legislation aimed at reforming land governance, resolving land disputes, improving housing and strengthening coastal and marine management in Solomon Islands.
The proposed reforms were outlined by the Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey Oliver Salopuka in Parliament while responding to the Speech from the Throne.
The five Bills are the Customary Land Governance Bill, Land Dispute Resolution Bill, National Housing Bill, Land Information System Bill, and Coastal and Marine Governance Bill.
The Minister said the proposed legislation would form one of the most comprehensive reform programmes undertaken in the lands sector, with the aim of establishing a land governance system that is transparent, fair, modern and inclusive.
He said the reforms were necessary because land remains central to economic development, infrastructure, agriculture, investment and social stability.
“Land is not simply a resource. It is our identity. It is our history. It is our culture. It is our inheritance,” the Minister said.
He said weak governance, fragmented administration, unresolved disputes and outdated legislation had prevented Solomon Islands from fully unlocking the potential of its land while protecting the rights of customary landowners.
CUSTOMARY LAND
The proposed Customary Land Governance Bill will focus on strengthening the recognition and protection of customary ownership while providing greater legal certainty for landowners.
Around 85 percent of land in Solomon Islands remains under customary ownership, making effective customary land governance a major issue for national development.
The Minister said the Bill would strengthen governance arrangements within customary landholding groups and establish mechanisms to ensure communities receive equitable and transparent benefits from development on their land.
It would also encourage the establishment of Community Trust Funds, allowing revenues generated from customary land to support education, healthcare, infrastructure and future generations.
The Minister stressed that the reform was intended to empower customary landowners rather than replace them.
“It is about ensuring that development happens with them, not around them,” he said.
LAND DISPUTES
The Government also plans to overhaul the way land disputes are resolved.
The Minister said unresolved land disputes continued to undermine social cohesion, delay investment and divide communities.
The proposed Land Dispute Resolution Bill, developed with the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs and the Attorney-General’s Chambers, would seek to establish a more accessible, culturally appropriate and efficient system for resolving disputes.
The reform would strengthen community-based dispute resolution and recognise the role of chiefs, traditional leaders, churches and local institutions.
The Government’s objective, the Minister said, was to transform land from a source of conflict into a foundation for reconciliation, stability and national unity.
LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT
The Minister said protecting customary ownership should not prevent economic development.
He said secure land rights would create greater confidence for investment while ensuring customary landowners remained active participants in economic progress.
The Government intends to support development in agriculture, tourism, fisheries, mining, manufacturing and downstream processing.
The speech also identified projects and activities including the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Project, cocoa and coconut plantations, eco-tourism, renewable energy projects and conservation areas for carbon markets.
The Minister said customary landowners must receive fair recognition, meaningful participation and equitable returns from such developments.
“The era of unequal partnerships must end,” he said.
DIGITAL LAND RECORDS
Another major reform will involve modernising land administration.
The proposed Land Information System Bill would establish a secure, integrated and fully digital land information system to replace paper-based records, fragmented databases and manual processes.
The Minister said digitising land records would improve transparency, reduce opportunities for fraud and provide more accurate information to landowners, investors, financial institutions and Government agencies.
He said modern technology would also support faster surveys, more reliable records and improved national planning.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The Government is also proposing a National Housing Bill to provide a comprehensive framework for housing development.
The Minister said rapid urbanisation had placed growing pressure on Honiara and other urban centres, with many families living in informal settlements without secure tenure or adequate access to water, sanitation, roads and other essential services.
The proposed legislation would improve coordination across Government, encourage affordable housing investment and strengthen national housing policy.
The Ministry will also work with Guadalcanal Province, Honiara City Council and development partners to improve land administration and extend essential services to informal settlements.
The Minister said these communities were home to thousands of Solomon Islanders and their dignity and wellbeing deserved equal protection.
COASTAL PROTECTION
The fifth proposed Bill will focus on coastal and marine governance.
The Minister said climate change, rising sea levels, coastal erosion and environmental degradation were increasing threats to communities and national development.
The Coastal and Marine Governance Bill would strengthen the legal framework for coastal management while recognising and protecting customary sea rights.
It would also support sustainable coastal planning, greater community participation in environmental management and improved resilience to climate-related hazards.
The Minister said the legislative programme was ambitious because the challenges facing Solomon Islands were significant.
He called on Government, Opposition and Independent MPs to support the reforms in the national interest.
“Let us rise above politics,” he said, urging Parliament to unite behind legislation aimed at strengthening customary ownership, promoting peace, expanding economic opportunities, improving housing and protecting the environment.
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
TABAKA Technical Institute (TTI) in Western Province has secured a major partnership with Solomon Islands National University (SINU), opening new opportunities for its staffs and students to pursue higher-level technical qualifications.
The two institutions signed a five-year Excellence through Skills Innovation Partnership last week, marking what TTI describes as a significant milestone in strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Solomon Islands.
TTI Principal Joash Lawrance said the partnership was a dream come true for the institution and its students.
“It’s a milestone in itself, and TTI acknowledges SINU for the support,” Lawrance said.
He said the five-year partnership would strengthen TTI’s capacity to deliver quality technical and vocational education while creating clearer pathways for students to advance their studies.
“Under the partnership, the two institutions will work together on institutional capacity building, staff development, programme and curriculum development, quality assurance, skills training and pathways to higher-level technical qualifications,” Lawrance said.
He said the agreement would give TTI students greater opportunities to continue their education beyond the institution and pursue further qualifications through SINU.
Lawrance said strengthening links between technical training institutions and the national university is important to ensure students can build on the skills and qualifications they had already gained.
SINU Vice-Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau welcomed the partnership, stressing that its success would depend on how effectively the agreement was implemented.
Professor Aqorau said the partnership should not remain simply an agreement on paper, but must be supported by clear implementation plans and measurable outcomes.
The partnership is expected to strengthen collaboration between TTI and SINU and contribute to the development of a more effective TVET pathway for students in Western Province and beyond.
For TTI, the agreement represents an important step towards expanding its educational opportunities and strengthening the quality and relevance of technical training available to Solomon Islands students.
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New Higher Education Ministry
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Honiara
The Solomon Islands education sector is set for a major structural reform with a planned establishment of a new Ministry of Higher Education, Skills Development, Research and Innovation.
Responding to the Speech from the Throne in Parliament on Friday, Minister for Education and Human Resources Development Hon. Stephen Kumi said the reform recognises that school education and higher education have become distinct sectors requiring separate leadership and policy direction.
Mr. Kumi said the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development will continue overseeing Early Childhood Education, primary and secondary education, with a focus on literacy, numeracy, curriculum delivery, teacher quality and school governance.
The proposed Higher Education Ministry will instead oversee universities, colleges, scholarships, technical and vocational education, research, innovation and workforce planning.
"Together, these two Ministries will create a stronger and more responsive education system that better meets the needs of our growing population and our future economy," he said.
The Minister also outlined broader education reforms currently underway, including the redevelopment of the Senior Secondary Curriculum and review of the Early Childhood Education Curriculum.
He said by 2027 Solomon Islands is expected to have a coherent curriculum framework covering education from early childhood through to Year 12.
Mr. Kumi said the Ministry has also launched a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pilot programme with technical support from UNESCO to better prepare students for future employment opportunities.
In support of the reforms, the Government is progressing several key pieces of legislation, including bills on digital transformation in education, higher education and skills development, tertiary education governance, the proposed Solomon Islands University of Technology, and a new National TVET framework.
The Minister said the legislation will provide the legal foundation needed to modernise the education system, improve governance and strengthen quality assurance across the sector.
///Ends///
Government to Use SIMHL for Up to 25% State Equity in Mining Projects
The Government will use the proposed Solomon Islands Minerals Holding Limited (SIMHL) to take direct equity stakes of up to 25 per cent in strategically significant mining projects under reforms proposed in the new Mineral Resources Bill.
Minister of Mines Derrick Manuari outlined the proposed reforms in Parliament this week while contributing to the debate on, and expressing his support for, the Governor-General’s Speech from the Throne.
Manuari said the reforms would fundamentally change how Solomon Islands participates in and benefits from the development of its mineral resources.
Under the proposed State Equity Participation Framework, SIMHL will be empowered to exercise statutory back-in rights of up to 25 per cent equity in eligible mining projects.
The Minister said this would allow the State to benefit beyond royalties and taxation by also receiving dividends and benefiting from the long-term capital growth of successful mining operations.
“The GREAT Coalition Government has further strengthened the proposed Mineral Resources Bill through five strategic policy reforms that fundamentally redefine the manner in which Solomon Islands will govern, develop and benefit from its mineral wealth,” Manuari said.
He said the reforms are intended to establish a modern and transparent mining sector that promotes responsible investment while ensuring Solomon Islanders receive a greater and more enduring share of the wealth generated from the country’s natural resources.
The proposed framework will also establish a Mining Equity Participation Fund to support the acquisition and management of State equity interests in mining projects.
According to Manuari, the framework will further strengthen the participation of customary landowners in mineral development.
Another key component will be the establishment of an independent National Mineral Assay Laboratory.
The laboratory will provide internationally recognised services for ore verification, mineral valuation, quality assurance and royalty verification.
Manuari said the package of reforms represents a significant shift in the Government’s approach to mineral resources—from being a passive resource owner to becoming an active participant in the mining economy.
The proposed Mineral Resources Bill is part of the Government’s broader effort to reform the mining sector and ensure that future mineral development delivers sustainable and broader benefits to the State, customary landowners and the people of Solomon Islands.
PM Matthew Wale commits to advancing the Guadalcanal Provincial Hospital with government agencies and development partners PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing the proposed Guadalcanal Provincial Hospital, signalling concrete action in response to the needs of the province. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the Prime Minister said Government will work [...]
The post Wale Commits Government to Guadalcanal Hospital appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
PM Matthew Wale says Free Education will be fully costed and legislated, with implementation details to reach Parliament Prime Minister.Matthew Wale has welcomed the Opposition Leader’s support to the free education principle that ‘the classroom shall not be closed in the face of any Solomon Islands child because of the poverty of that child’s parents.’ [...]
The post PM Welcomes Opposition Support on Free Education Principle appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Makira-Ulawa Province Marks 43rd Second Appointed Day
Makira-Ulawa Province today celebrates its 43rd Second Appointed Day with a programme hosted by the East Makira Constituency Host Committee at the National Museum in Honiara.
The celebrations began early this morning with Makira-Ulawa people assembling at the SMI Town Ground before a parade made its way to the National Museum.
The official programme includes the arrival of the Guest of Honour, Hon. Derick Franklyn Wasi, followed by the blessing of the provincial flag, the national and Makira-Ulawa provincial anthems, and a flag-raising ceremony by the Solomon Islands Scout Association.
The programme also featured cultural presentations, including a susugu dance by Ulawa boys, a speech on the culture of Makira-Ulawa Province, and the cutting of the 43rd Anniversary cake.
Later in the day, awareness talks were delivered by medical and RSIPF teams, covering health and crime awareness, followed by cultural entertainment and performances from Makira-Ulawa groups and Artists.
The celebrations conclude with a word of thanks and closing prayer.
The 43rd Second Appointed Day celebrations provide an opportunity for Makira-Ulawa people to celebrate their culture, heritage and provincial identity.
Happy 43rd second appointed day, Makira-Ulawa Province.
The government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, has reaffirmed its commitment to placing Indigenous Solomon Islanders at the centre of the country’s economic development.
Delivering his speech in response to the Speech from the Throne in Parliament this week, Minister Hon. Harry Kuma said government policies such as the “First Bite, Better Bite” business principle are designed to give locals priority access to business opportunities, government procurement, and economic benefits within reserved business sectors.
He stressed that the policy is not intended to discourage foreign investment, but rather to ensure that economic development strengthens local ownership, participation, and capability.
“The Ministry will therefore advance the review of reserved business activities, the new MSME legal framework, reforms to Company Haus, cooperative development, and provincial business support.
“Our task is to create a pathway from informal business activity to a resilient and bankable business, from a small cooperative to a reliable supplier, and from a local producer to a competitive exporter,” he said.
He added that government procurement must become part of this pathway so that a greater share of public expenditure helps build capable local enterprises, while ensuring value for money and maintaining integrity.
The Minister further emphasised that government procurement must also help build capable local businesses rather than exclude them.
“We should not train local businesses and then design procurement systems that automatically exclude them. Protecting our local companies shouldn’t mean they never have to work hard to improve.
“When we give local businesses special treatment, we must also give them training, clear rules, new ideas, and high standards,” he said.
Minister Kuma also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building local companies that are strong enough to compete, grow, employ workers, and eventually sell to the rest of the world.
ENDS//
The post Government Reaffirms Focus on Indigenous Solomon Islanders in Economic Development first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
政府通过商业、工业、劳工和移民部(Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration)重申了将土著所罗门岛民置于国家经济发展中心的承诺。
在本周国会对王座演说的回应中,哈里·库马(Hon. Harry Kuma)部长表示,政府的政策,如“第一口,最好口”(“First Bite, Better Bite”)商业原则,旨在优先给予当地人商业机会、政府采购和保留商业领域内的经济利益。
他强调,该政策并不旨在阻碍外国投资,而是确保经济发展加强当地的所有权、参与和能力。
“因此,商业部将推进对保留商业活动的审查、新的中小微企业(MSME)法律框架、公司事务所(Company Haus)的改革、合作社发展和省级商业支持。
“我们的任务是创造一条从非正式商业活动到有韧性和可融资的商业,从小型合作社到可靠供应商,从地方生产者到具有竞争力的出口商的路径,”他说。
他补充说,政府采购必须成为这条路径的一部分,以便更大比例的公共支出帮助建立有能力的当地企业,同时确保物有所值并保持诚信。
部长进一步强调,政府采购还必须帮助建立有能力的当地企业,而不是将其排除在外。
“我们不应培训当地企业,然后设计自动排除它们的采购系统。保护我们的当地公司并不意味着它们不需要努力改进。
“当我们给予当地企业特殊待遇时,我们也必须给予它们培训、明确的规则、新的想法和高标准,”他说。
库马部长还重申了政府致力于建立足够强大的当地公司,使其能够竞争、增长、雇佣工人,并最终向世界其他地区销售的承诺。
结束//
该文章最初发表于所罗门岛广播公司(Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation,SIBC)。
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has apologised to the leaders and people of Guadalcanal for not attending the province’s second appointed day celebration.
Speaking in parliament yesterday [Friday, August 7] to conclude the motion of thanks to the Governor General, PM Wale touched on the matter of his absence being mentioned in the parliamentary debate.
Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu has accepted the apology in a statement today [Saturday, August 8].
Wale voiced his sincere apologies assuring that it was an error in judgement that had no political strings attached and without malice.
“Mr Speaker, before I leave the domestic front, let me deal directly with a matter that has been raised in this debate: my absence from the Second Appointed Day celebrations of Guadalcanal Province.
“Let me state plainly that there was no political intent in that absence, none whatsoever. I made a judgment: since both the Minister for Provincial Government and the Deputy Prime Minister were going to be present, I decided that this was adequate representation of the Government.
“I obviously misjudged the feeling of some in this matter, and I therefore unreservedly apologise. I offer that apology without qualification, because Guadalcanal is the province on whose land this Parliament sits, and its feelings are owed respect, not management.
“At the same time, I must be honest with this House and with all our provinces: I may not be able to attend every Second Appointed Day event, and where duty keeps me away, I hope my absence is kept in perspective and not overblown, because the measure of a Government’s regard for a province is not the seating chart of a single day; it is what the Government does for that province across every day that follows,” Wale said.
PM Wale then addressed issues raised by Premier Atu in his 2nd appointed day speech, starting with Guadalcanal’s reiteration of its longstanding wish for statehood.
“First, on the long-standing question that stands behind so many others: the GREAT Coalition Government will bring the question of State Government to a determination by the end of 2027. A question that has waited upon this nation for decades will not be left to drift any longer; it will be brought to a decision, and the provinces will know where they stand,” Wale said.
Wale also promised to build a provincial hospital for Guadalcanal.
“It is my promise, and the promise of the GREAT Coalition, that the Government, working closely with our donor partners, will deliver as appropriately as we can in building the Guadalcanal Province Provincial Hospital, as requested by the Honourable Premier in his Second Appointed Day speech.
“The Government, through the Social Sector under the Prime Minister’s political division in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, will work closely with Guadalcanal Province, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination and other government agencies to start the work that is required for this project, and to bring the concept paper to Caucus and to Cabinet as soon as possible,” Wale said.
Premier Atu today [Saturday, August 8] in a statement accepted Wale’s apology, reassuring G-Province’s support of GREAT development plans for Guadalcanal.
“On behalf of the people of Guadalcanal, I accept the Hon. Prime Minister’s apology and his reason for not attending,” Atu said.
Atu assured the Prime Minister of Guadalcanal province’s commitment to “work with the GREAT Coalition Government to enhance the unity and development of our country and the wellbeing of our people”.
On Monday, August 3, Guadalcanal held the official closing of its four-day celebration of its 42 second appointed day at the national stadium, east Honiara. First-ever celebration to be held in Honiara city.
PM Wale did not attend, rather had sent his deputy, Francis Sade, in his place.
This did not go down well with Guadalcanal provincial leaders and people.
In a statement on Thursday, August 5, Guadalcanal Premier Atu publicly expressed disappointment on behalf of his government and people at PM Wale’s absence. Atu’s statement also marks the first provincial leader to protest the absence of a prime minister in a provincial day celebration.
“The Guadalcanal Provincial Government expresses disappointment in the Prime Minister Hon Matthew Wale’s decision not to attend the Province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day celebrations,” the statement said.
Premier Atu said his government and the people of Guadalcanal had looked forward to receiving PM Wale, especially to allow them to present their longstanding request for statehood and hear his response in person.
“It would have meant a lot for the Prime Minister to attend, listen to our call for federalism, our preparations for it, and respond to it in person,” Atu said.
In parliament on Thursday, August 6, Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal Dr Paul Popora Bosawai raised this matter implying political reasons for PM Wale’s absence.
“PM my people wish you well in your leadership, particularly with your brand of servanthood as you’ve stated and I quote We are not your lords, we are your servants’. This statement is empowering and reflects our country’s motto ‘To lead is to serve’,” Mr Bosawai said.
“Mr Speaker, my people felt that during the Guadalcanal second appointed day we did not fully witness the commitment and action. We anticipated that our good prime minister would come even if he did not intend to deliver a speech, simply to acknowledge the people and return to his national duties as explained by his deputy prime minister during the Guadalcanal government speech on the second appointed day.
“We wanted to congratulate you Hon prime minister during our provincial day. However your absence prevented us from doing so.
“The speech from the throne also emphasised ‘we are not your lords, we are your servants’ Mr Speaker. This statement should not merely remain a slogan, it must be practised in leadership. It is an empowering call to all of us members of parliament to put our nation Solomon Islands first and to serve our people with integrity and political honesty.
“So my brother prime minister through Mr Speaker, whatever political reasons may exist, we will continue to support policies that serve the people,” Bosawai said.
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Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale says the Government has taken steps to strengthen fiscal discipline and stop long-standing leakages in public finances.
In his closing remarks in response to the Speech from the Throne yesterday, the Prime Minister said the Government is actively closing gaps that have allowed revenue to “quietly haemorrhage” through discretionary tax exemptions and unexamined arrangements.
“What I can tell the House today is the direction of travel. The leakages in our public finances are being plugged,” he said.
Prime Minister Wale highlighted a key reform announced by the Minister of Finance and Treasury on 17 June.
And that is, he said the termination of all resource-sector tax exemption Memoranda of Understanding, alongside the restoration of the Revenue and Customs Exemption Committee as the sole lawful authority for granting exemptions.
“This decision restores integrity to our revenue system,” the Prime Minister said.
“It ensures that exemptions are no longer granted through discretionary arrangements but through a transparent and lawful process.”
Prime Minister Wale welcomed the Opposition Leader’s support for the reform.
He said such consensus reflects the importance of protecting national revenue.
“That decision is what fiscal honesty looks like in practice,” Prime Minister Wale said.
“It is the foundation on which this Government will rebuild the fiscal buffers our country needs.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that these measures mark a critical step towards strengthening public finances, restoring accountability and ensuring that government revenue is safeguarded for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders.
[end]
OPMC statement
The post PM says gov’t moves to plug revenue leaks and fiscal discipline first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing the proposed Guadalcanal Provincial Hospital, signalling concrete action in response to the needs of the province.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the Prime Minister said the Government will work closely with development partners to deliver the project in a practical and coordinated manner.
“The Government working closely with our donor partners will deliver as appropriately as we can in building the Guadalcanal Province Provincial Hospital,” he said.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the project responds directly to the request made by the Premier of Guadalcanal Province during the province’s Second Appointed Day celebrations.
He outlined a whole-of-government approach to progressing the initiative, led through the Social Sector under the Prime Minister’s Political Division in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Prime Minister Wale said this will involve close coordination with Guadalcanal Province, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination and other relevant government agencies.
He said work will begin on the necessary groundwork, including the development of a concept paper to be submitted to the Caucus and Cabinet for consideration as soon as possible.
“That is how this Government answers a province,” the Prime Minister said.
“Not with ceremony but with commitment.”
The Prime Minister emphasised its focus on delivering essential health infrastructure and improving access to quality medical services for communities across Guadalcanal Province.
[end]
OPMC statement
The post Gov’t commits to progress Guadalcanal Provincial Hospital Project: PM Wale first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
– Malaita provincial government hands over relief donations to NDMO aimed at Western province
BY JOSES SAREN
The Malaita Provincial Government yesterday handed over cash and material donations collected from churches in Malaita and Honiara to support communities affected by Cyclone Maila in Western Province.
The handover took place at the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in Ranadi, with NDMO receiving the contributions on behalf of the victims.
Malaita Provincial Secretary Eric George said the donations came from a sincere appeal by the Malaita Premier to citizens in both Malaita and Honiara.
“These contributions come from the kind hearts of citizens who stepped forward to support the victims, families, and our brothers and sisters affected by Cyclone Maila in the Western Province,” George said.
He said the Premier was unable to attend due to an overseas commitment but extended his wholehearted appreciation to everyone who donated.
Solomon Kalu, chairman for the Malaita Provincial Disaster Committee, coordinated the collection of donations from churches in both Honiara and Auki after the appeal went out in early April.
Provincial Minister for Fisheries, Environment, and Conservation Jerry Hite, representing the Malaita Provincial Executive, thanked Mr Kalu and the churches for their response.
“As modest as it may seem, it is a significant help to our friends,” Hite said.
NDMO Director and Chairman of the National Disaster Operations Committee Jonathan Tafiariki said the donations would be delivered to communities affected by Cyclone Maila, with Western Province the hardest hit.
He said agriculture and food supply had been heavily disrupted in the province, and communities classified as red zones would continue to need ongoing assistance.
Tafiariki thanked the Malaita Provincial Government for complementing the national government’s disaster response and for mobilising its community networks in support of the victims.
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The Guadalcanal Province has accepted Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s “unreserved apology” for not attending the province’s 42 nd Second Appointed Day celebrations.
Guadalcanal Province Premier Willie Atu said, “On behalf of the people of Guadalcanal, I accept the Hon. Prime Minister’s apology and his reason for not attending.”
“We thank Hon. Prime Minister Wale for using the floor of Parliament to convey his apology. That is leadership and respect. Guadalcanal Province reciprocates its respect to the Prime Minister.”
He said the province is encouraged by the Prime Minister’s assurance that the GREAT Coalition is committed to addressing issues important to the people of Guadalcanal.
Premier Atu said he is particularly grateful “to hear the Prime Minister inform Parliament and the nation that statehood and a Guadalcanal provincial hospital are included in the GREAT Coalition Government’s policy agenda.”
He said the Guadalcanal Province and its people are pleased with the GREAT Coalition’s pledge to table the issue of state government in Parliament by the end of 2027.
Hon. Prime Minister Wale told Parliament the state government issue “has weighed upon this nation for decades [and] will not be left to drift any longer. It will be brought to a decision, and the provinces will know where they stand. The legislation for the Constituent Assembly must be dealt with before the end of 2027.”
Premier Atu said Guadalcanal Province has already completed the preparatory work needed to support and inform the Constituent Assembly, the body established to deliberate on the draft Federal Constitution before it is submitted to Parliament.
He said the province has completed its report on “Minimum Criteria Readiness for Statehood under the Proposed Solomon Islands Federal System,” which has been approved by the Provincial Executive.
On the issue of a Guadalcanal provincial hospital, the Premier said he is pleased with the Prime Minister’s assurance that the GREAT Coalition is working closely with development partners and the relevant ministries to deliver this much-needed infrastructure development for Guadalcanal.
Premier Atu assured the Prime Minister of Guadalcanal Province’s commitment to “work with the GREAT Coalition Government to enhance the unity and development of our country and the wellbeing of our people.”
[end]
GP statement
The post Guadalcanal province accepts Prime Minister’s Wale’s apology first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Government Moves to Develop Second Road Corridor to Ease Honiara Traffic
The Government is moving to address Honiara’s worsening traffic congestion through the development of a second road corridor linking Henderson in East Honiara to White River in the west.
Speaking in Parliament, the Minister responsible for Infrastructure and Development said the Government, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is progressing plans for the Honiara Alternative Road Corridor, which is expected to provide a second major route through the city.
“To alleviate the current traffic congestion problems we experience on a daily basis in Honiara, my ministry, in collaboration with ADB, is embarking on the Honiara Alternative Road Corridor, which is expected to be our second road corridor, connecting the existing feeder roads from Lunga to White River,” the Minister said.
He said the Ministry is currently in the process of procuring an engineering firm to undertake a feasibility study and detailed design for the proposed alternative route.
The project is intended to provide an alternative to the existing main road through Honiara and help reduce pressure on the city’s increasingly congested road network.
The Minister also revealed that his Ministry is working with ADB on the rehabilitation of the White River–Lambi Road on West Guadalcanal.
He said the engineering consultant’s report for the project is expected to be submitted to the Ministry in October 2026.
“Upon receiving this report, my ministry will further look at the implementation arrangements to expedite this road project,” he told Parliament.
Meanwhile, with funding support from the Government of Australia, the Ministry is planning several major road improvement works in Honiara in 2026, which will be carried out through local contractors.
One of the projects will involve the Florence Young–Kolaridge Road, which the Ministry plans to fully rehabilitate with an asphalt pavement.
Another major section identified for rehabilitation is Hibiscus Avenue, from Town Ground through to the Point Cruz Hot Bread Roundabout.
The Government says the planned investments are aimed at improving Honiara’s road network, easing congestion and providing safer and more reliable transport links for the growing population.
