Solomon Islands has rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), the global framework designed to make the management of a country’s oil, gas and mining resources more transparent and accountable. The move, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), marks an important step in the country’s efforts to strengthen...
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The Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project has invested $8.7 million in 20 Agribusiness Producer Organisations (ABPOs) to support community pig farming and improve the livelihoods of 532 households across Malaita, Guadalcanal and Makira/Ulawa provinces. Of the 20 ABPOs, 16 are in Malaita, three in Guadalcanal and one in...
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A media release from the SIART Project says copra production should increase among the 14 producer organisations it supports in Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira/Ulawa.
Finance Minister Rexon Ramofafia calls for responsible SINPF investment to protect members’ savings and support economic growth. By; Steven Kamoa Finance Minister and Treasury Rexon Ramofafia says the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) can play a greater role in the national economy while protecting the retirement savings of its members. Speaking at SINPF’s 50th [...]
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PNG surge into MSG final as Solomon Islands suffer heavy defeat
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
SOLOMON Islands’ hopes of reaching the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup Women’s final have ended after the side suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Papua New Guinea this afternoon in Suva, Fiji.
The PNG Bilums produced a dominant display at the HFC Bank Stadium, scoring twice in the opening half before adding three more goals after the break to complete a convincing victory over the Solomon Islands side.
According to the match result, PNG went into halftime with a 2-0 advantage before extending their lead early in the second half.
PNG’s Michealyne Butubu ( looks for a passing option as Solomon Islands’ Midfielder tracks back to close down space. Photo credit: Mai TV.
Solomon Islands managed to find the back of the net once after PNG had added two more goals, giving the Solomon side a brief consolation.
However, the Bilums responded with another goal to complete the 5-1 scoreline and maintain their perfect record in the women’s competition.
The result sees PNG finish the round-robin stage unbeaten and strengthen their position as defending champions.
Fiji Football Association had confirmed before today’s final round that PNG had already secured their place in the October 3 final after collecting nine points from their opening three matches.
Solomon Islands entered the decisive encounter on seven points following a 1-1 draw with Vanuatu and victories over Fiji and New Caledonia.
The Solomon Islands side’s 1-0 win over New Caledonia on Saturday had moved them level with Vanuatu on seven points and kept their final hopes alive going into the final round.
However, the five-goal defeat leaves Solomon Islands on seven points and behind Vanuatu on goal difference.
Vanuatu had already completed its four round-robin matches with seven points and a +4 goal difference, while Solomon Islands had entered today’s match with a +2 goal difference.
Solomon Islands defender Bridget Alele ( leaps to clear the ball under heavy challenge from PNG attackers. Photo credit: Mai TV.
PNG now advance to the Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final, with Vanuatu set to join them as the second finalist following the completion of the round-robin stage.
The final is scheduled for Saturday, October 3.
PNG entered the 2026 tournament as defending champions after winning the inaugural women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Port Moresby last year. The Bilums opened their title defence with a 4-0 victory over Fiji before beating New Caledonia 4-1 and Vanuatu 2-0.
For Solomon Islands, the tournament ends with Seven points secured from their two victories and a draw.
[Photo Caption: Solomon Islands midfielder Eileen Ama Lalawa ( shields the ball away from PNG defenders during their decisive round-robin match. Photo credit: Mai TV.]
by Georgina Maka’a A High Court judge has refused to lift an injunction stopping Malaysian logging company Sunrise Investments Limited from further harvesting and exporting tubi from customary land in Isabel. Justice Michael Pitakaka ruled that the interim orders, which the court issued in March this year,& must remain in...
The post Sunrise Tubi Harvest Halted, But Court Allows Logs to be Exported appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
作者:乔治娜·马卡(Georgina Maka’a)
高等法院法官拒绝解除对马来西亚伐木公司日出投资有限公司(Sunrise Investments Limited)进一步在伊莎贝尔(Isabel)习惯用地上采伐和出口木材的禁令。迈克尔·皮塔卡法官(Justice Michael Pitakaka)裁定,法院在今年三月发布的临时命令必须继续有效......
这篇文章最初发布在 In-depth Solomons。
BY NED GAGAHE
STUDENTS of St Mary Tanagai Community High School (CHS) have been challenged to find their voices, speak with courage and use their voices to address issues affecting their school and communities.
School Principal James Mepobu made the call during the school’s annual speech contest at the school hall on Friday, September 25, held under the theme “Our Voice is Our Future”.
Mr Mepobu said the speech contest was more than a competition, describing it as an important platform for students to develop English language and public speaking skills.
He said the ability to speak confidently was important both inside and outside the classroom.
“English is an international language in our country. It is commonly used to disseminate information in schools and at workplaces,” he said.
Mr Mepobu said speech contests helped students improve their writing, reading, listening and speaking skills while also building confidence in public speaking.
He said the theme challenged an old perception that children should simply be seen and not heard.
“For a long time, many people thought that children should be seen and not heard. That students should only listen. But today, we are changing this perception,” he said.
“Our voice is not just noise, but it is power.”
Mr Mepobu said students’ voices represented their identity, responsibility and future.
He said speaking about issues such as culture allowed students to express who they were, while remaining silent in the face of problems would not bring change.
“If we see bullying in school, if we see our environment polluted, if we see our community facing problems, we cannot remain silent,” he said.
“We must speak.”
He also reminded students that the future leaders of Solomon Islands were already sitting in the school hall.
“The future leaders of this nation are sitting in this hall right now,” he said.
Mr Mepobu encouraged contestants to speak from the heart, inspire their peers and not be discouraged if they did not receive a prize.
He said nervousness was normal for beginners and urged students to use the experience to improve their public speaking.
Mr Mepobu thanked the English department teachers for their support in preparing the contestants and congratulated all participating students.
He ended his message with a direct challenge to the wider student body.
“Nobody else can speak for you. If you don’t use your voice, you lose your power,” he said.
[Photo Caption: School Principal James Mepobu delivers his remarks during the school’s annual speech contest at the school hall on Friday, September 25. Photo credit: Ned Gagahe.]
作者:内德·加加赫
圣玛丽塔纳盖社区高中(St Mary Tanagai Community High School, CHS)的学生们被挑战去找到自己的声音,勇敢发言,并利用他们的声音来解决影响学校和社区的问题。
校长詹姆斯·梅波布(James Mepobu)在9月25日星期五于学校礼堂举行的年度演讲比赛上发出了这一号召,比赛的主题是“我们的声音是我们的未来”。
梅波布校长表示,演讲比赛不仅仅是一次竞争,他将其描述为一个重要的平台,让学生们发展英语语言和公众演讲技能。
他说,自信地发言在课堂内外都很重要。
“英语是我们国家的国际语言。它通常用于学校和工作场所的信息传播,”他说。
梅波布校长表示,演讲比赛帮助学生提高写作、阅读、听力和口语技能,同时也增强了他们的公众演讲信心。
他说,这个主题挑战了一个旧观念,即孩子们应该只是被看见而不被听见。
“很长一段时间以来,许多人认为孩子们应该被看见而不被听见。学生们只应该倾听。但今天,我们正在改变这种看法,”他说。
“我们的声音不仅仅是噪音,而是力量。”
梅波布校长表示,学生们的声音代表了他们的身份、责任和未来。
他说,谈论文化等问题让学生能够表达他们是谁,而在问题面前保持沉默不会带来改变。
“如果我们看到学校里的欺凌,如果我们看到环境被污染,如果我们看到我们的社区面临问题,我们不能保持沉默,”他说。
“我们必须发声。”
他还提醒学生,所罗门群岛的未来领导者们已经坐在学校礼堂里。
“这个国家的未来领导者们现在就坐在这个礼堂里,”他说。
梅波布校长鼓励参赛者们发自内心地发言,激励同龄人,并且如果没有获得奖项也不要气馁。
他说,紧张是初学者的正常反应,并鼓励学生利用这次经历来提高他们的公众演讲能力。
梅波布校长感谢英语系的老师们在准备参赛者方面的支持,并祝贺所有参与的学生。
他以对更广泛学生群体的直接挑战结束了他的讲话。
“没有人可以替你发声。如果你不使用你的声音,你就失去了你的力量,”他说。
[照片说明:校长詹姆斯·梅波布在9月25日星期五的学校年度演讲比赛上发表讲话。照片来源:内德·加加赫。]
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has begun a national review of health indicators and reporting forms to reduce clutter and make routine data easier to use, the World Health Organization said.
BY NED GAGAHE
STUDENTS of St Mary Tanagai Community High School (CHS) were given an opportunity to speak out on issues affecting their lives and the country during the school’s annual speech contest on Friday.
Held at the school hall on September 25 under the theme “Our Voice is Our Future”, the contest brought together 12 students — three boys and nine girls — competing across three categories.
The categories were junior for Forms 1 and 2, intermediate for Forms 3 and 4, and senior for Forms 5 and 6, with four students competing in each category.
The contest was witnessed by teachers, students and invited guests.
The judging panel was drawn from schools in Honiara, including heads of departments and English teachers from White River CHS, Tamlan High School and Bishop Epalle Catholic School.
Judges during the speech contest. Photo Ned Gagahe.
Topics presented by the students included the importance of education, discipline as a key to success, the impacts of drugs, the fight against climate change, the impact of mobile phones, and the importance of trust, stability and growth in national development.
Guest of honour and Chief Executive Officer of the Guadalcanal Provincial Education Provider, Timothy Ngele, said the annual speech day provided students with an opportunity to express their views on issues of interest to the school and wider community.
He said the theme, “Our Voice is Our Future”, was a powerful statement that encouraged students to recognise the importance of their voices.
Mr Ngele officially declared the annual speech day open.
School Principal James Mepobu said the speech contest was aimed at helping students become confident english speakers and develop their public speaking skills.
School Principal James Mepobu delivers his remarks during the school’s annual speech contest at the school hall on Friday, September 25. Photo Ned Gagahe.
He said English was an international language and was widely used to communicate and disseminate information in schools and workplaces.
“Therefore, speech contest is one of the ways to help learners improve their English in writing, reading, listening and speaking skills,” Mr Mepobu said.
He encouraged students to see their voices as a source of identity, responsibility and power.
“Our voice is not noise, but it is power,” he said.
Mr Mepobu said students should speak up when they saw problems such as bullying, environmental pollution and other issues affecting their communities.
He also reminded students that they were the future leaders of the country and needed to develop the courage and confidence to speak with truth and respect.
“To our speech contestants, be encouraged. I know that being nervous is a normal experience for all beginners. Be simple. Speak from your heart,” he said.
St Mary Tanagai CHS Annual Speech Contest 2026 hosted at the school. Photo Ned Gagahe.
Among the contestants was Form 4A student Shanett Boko, who spoke on the impact of mobile phones in the classroom in the intermediate category.
Shanett said it was her first time taking part in a speech contest and she initially lacked confidence.
However, standing before an audience and delivering her speech helped her overcome some of her nervousness and strengthened her confidence in public speaking.
She said the experience would help her improve her education and public speaking skills.
In the senior category, Form 5A student Francis Orodani presented a speech on “Trust, Stability and Growth are Pillars for National Development” and went on to win the senior division.
Francis said he was nervous when he first stood before the audience but gained confidence as he delivered his speech.
He said his topic was important because Solomon Islanders needed to trust one another, share knowledge and work together for the country to grow and develop.
Francis also said the experience would help him prepare for his future role as a leader.
“I believe this will improve my speaking and build my confidence. As a leader in the future, I can stand up and speak to the public and share ideas with people,” he said.
Mr Mepobu congratulated all the contestants and thanked the English department teachers for supporting students in preparing their speeches.
He also encouraged students who did not receive prizes not to be discouraged, but to use the experience as an opportunity to improve for future contests.
“Even though you might not receive a prize today, please do not be discouraged. Use that opportunity as a tool for improvement for the upcoming speech contests,” he said.
He reminded all students that their voices mattered.
“Nobody else can speak for you. If you don’t use your voice, you lose your power,” Mr Mepobu said.
[Photo Caption: Contestants with their prizes pose for a group photo with the school officials and guest.Photo credit: Ned Gagahe.]
BY JOSES SAREN
A North Malaita copra farmer wants the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) to run its own transport to collect farmers’ produce.
Willie Suiarala, 36, from Bethany Village in North Malaita, Malaita Province, said dedicated transport would give rural farmers more support.
Mr Suiarala has farmed since he was a boy. His father started the family coconut plantation, and he has kept it going over the years.
He built a copra dryer on the farm. He dries his coconuts into copra there before taking them to market.
He thanked CEMA for supplying him with copra bags. He said the bags have helped his farming work.
Suiarala strongly urged CEMA to go further and own transport to collect produce from communities.
He said the service would make it easier for farmers to get their produce to the CEMA buying centre.
He also called on the Government to resource CEMA properly so it stays open in Auki.
The Auki buying centre has helped farmers greatly, he said. It pays competitive prices and stocks basic farming materials.
Farmers in rural areas depend on CEMA as a market for their copra and other produce, Suiarala said.
Photo Caption: Willie Suiarala.
Solomon Islands’ Fourth UPR outcomes adopted by the UN Human Rights Council, with 140 recommendations supported. The United Nations Human Rights Council, during its 63rd Session in Geneva, Switzerland, has adopted the outcomes of Solomon Islands’ Fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Solomon Islands recalled its participation in the 52nd Session of the UPR Working Group [...]
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The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) in partner with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) held an Academic Symposium 2026 Cohort 2 under the theme ‘’Transforming Higher Education Teaching and Learning for Student Success’’.
The symposium brings together academic staffs, researchers, education professional and partners to share the knowledge experiences and perspectives on strengthening higher education in the pacific. It will also provide a valuable platform for dialogue collaboration and exchange of innovative ideas that respond to the diverse context cultures and learning needs of pacific students.
DFAT Representative Dr Tristen Armstrong and Dr Transform Aqorau.
Delivering the key note address Vice Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Dr Transform Aqorau says transforming higher education at Solomon Islands national university (SINU) is fundamentally about nation building. If Solomon Islands wants a respectful, knowledgeable, ethical and united society, the university must intentionally design its courses, teaching, assessment and support around those goals, not just around exams and jobs.
‘’A knowledgeable and productive society needs graduates who can examine evidence, solve problems and apply professional knowledge with digital capabilities and practical judgement,’’ he said.
Dr Aqorau also mentioned that improving how SINU prepares teachers has a ‘’multiply effect’’ each well prepared teachers can influence hundreds or thousands of learners over their career. He calls for stronger links between SINU, schools and the Ministry so that curriculum, teacher preparation, classroom practice and assessment are aligned across the whole system.
Vice Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Dr Transform Aqorau.
Dr Aqorau highlights that Solomon Islands also needs properly resourced national capacity for curriculum oversight, for teaching standards, for teacher accreditation, assessment and professional support.
‘’We should build a model suited to our context, but we must build the structures that turn policy into practice. I believe that we have an opportunity to build in the future of SINU to carry these ideas into the SINU’s strategic, academic and corporate plans for 2026-2030,’’ he said.
The academic symposium under the theme has plenary sessions for the cohort 2 with various topics to discuss. The symposium will reflect a shared commitment to strengthen academic practice, teaching and learning, research and student success.
The support of the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Australia Awards Solomon Islands (AASI), which has contributed to this important academic initiative.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services and its partners marked World Heart Day in Honiara on 29 September, where an ultrasound machine for echocardiography was handed over by the Australian Government through DFAT.
BY JOY OFASIA
Minister for Finance and Treasury, Hon. Rexon Ramofafia, has officially opened the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Mini Career and Trade Fair in Honiara, as SINPF marks its 50th Golden Jubilee anniversary.
In his Keynote address at the official opening, Minister Ramofafia said the 50th anniversary represented five decades of service, contribution, responsibility and investment, but above all, five decades of trust, stability and growth.
He said the theme of the anniversary “50 Years of Trust, Stability and Growth” was appropriate because it reflected the Fund’s history while providing a foundation for its future.
“50 years represents the five decades of service contribution, responsibility, investment and above all five decades of trust, stability and growth,” Minister Ramofafia said.
He highlighted the growing importance of national provident funds as institutional investors and their potential contribution to the country’s economic development.
The Minister said investments by the Fund could support businesses, employment, infrastructure, housing, financial services, telecommunications, tourism, fisheries and other productive sectors.
“This is how we can move from serving to investment, to enterprise and to employment and economic opportunities,” he said.
Reflecting on SINPF’s 50-year history, Minister Ramofafia said the anniversary was about more than the institution’s history, but also about the contributions made by generations of Solomon Islanders.
“As we look back over the past 50 years, we are looking at more than history of the institution. We are looking at the contribution of generations of Solomon Islanders and contribution of generations from parents to children,” he said.
The Minister also acknowledged the SINPF Chairman, Board and staff, saying they had inherited an institution built over 50 years.
He described this as both a significant achievement and a great responsibility, stressing that the Fund’s next 50 years would require the same commitment, discipline and integrity that had helped build the institution over the decades.
Minister Ramofafia congratulated SINPF on reaching its 50-year milestone and formally declared the SINPF Mini Career and Trade Fair open.
The two-day fair, which will be held from Tuesday 29 to Wednesday 30 September, is part of a week-long programme celebrating five decades of SINPF’s service to Solomon Islanders.
The event is being organised by SINPF with support from its subsidiaries and shareholder companies, including Solomon Ports (SPOL), Solomon Finance, Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company and Our Telekom.
The participating companies are showcasing their products, services and promotional offers to members of the public throughout the fair.
SINPF has invited members of the public to visit the showground to learn more about the services provided by the Fund and its subsidiaries and shareholder companies.
The 50th anniversary provides an opportunity for SINPF to reflect on its contribution to Solomon Islanders over the past five decades while looking ahead to its role in investment, economic development and financial security for future generations.
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has received a SBD$150,000 scholarship contribution from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to support 37 SINU students who have been successfully nominated for the prestigious Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship for Semester Two of 2026.
The cheque was received yesterday by SINU representative Andrew Awa on behalf of the University, in the presence of Acting Prime Minister Hon. Francis Sade and China’s Chargé d’Affaires H.E. Yang. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, H.E. Yang extended heartfelt congratulations to the 37 students on their remarkable achievement.
The Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship is a highly esteemed programme aimed at promoting international cooperation and educational exchange. The scholarship supports students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a strong commitment to fostering friendly relations between China and Solomon Islands.
“This year marks the fourth consecutive year that the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship has been awarded to outstanding students at SINU. The scholarship will serve as a beacon of hope for young people in Solomon Islands, sow the seeds of hope for the country’s development, and stand as a powerful testament to the sincere friendship between China and Solomon Islands,” H.E. Yang said.
Over the past seven years, the Chinese Embassy has continued to expand people-to-people exchanges between China and Solomon Islands. Nearly 300 Solomon Islands students have received full scholarships to study in China, providing opportunities for young Solomon Islanders to gain international education and experience.
The continued support through the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship reflects the growing cooperation between China and Solomon Islands in education and human resource development, while creating further opportunities for young people to contribute to the country’s future.
SINU congratulates the 37 scholarship recipients and acknowledges the continued support of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China towards education and the development of Solomon Islands’ future generations.
Australia partners with Smart Technology to train hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in mobile phone repair and skills. People with disabilities should not be left behind. That’s why Australia has established a new partnership with Smart Technology, a technology and mobile phone repair business in Honiara to provide targeted training to ten (10) hearing-impaired Solomon Islanders in [...]
The post AUSTRALIA EXPANDS INCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGY TRAINING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Solomon Islands has rejoined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the United Nations Development Programme said on 29 September, as gold and nickel projects expand the mining sector.
所罗门群岛于9月29日重新加入了采掘行业透明度倡议(Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative),联合国开发计划署(United Nations Development Programme)表示,随着黄金和镍项目的扩展,采矿行业正在发展。
Researchers say drought losses can trigger sorcery accusations in Papua New Guinea and that planning for the coming El Nino should include prevention measures, in an article on the Devpolicy Blog.
Welcoming 50 young delegates from across the nation to the parliamentary chamber yesterday, Speaker of the National Parliament Patterson Oti handed over the floor to a generation ready to claim its seat at the decision-making table. “Your presence here today demonstrates your commitment to leadership, civic responsibility, and the future...
The post Your Voice Matters’: Speaker Oti Welcomes Young Leaders as National Youth Parliament Convenes appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Police in Auki detained a 30-year-old man on 28 September 2026 over an alleged knife attack that left a 45-year-old man in critical condition, according to a police statement published on the Solomon Islands Government portal.
BY NED GAGAHE
CHINA has expressed its readiness to work closely with the Solomon Islands Government to take the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.
China’s Chargé d’Affaires H.E. Yang Jie made the statement during a reception in Honiara yesterday at Heritage Park Hotel to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
He said China and Solomon Islands had maintained mutual respect and support since establishing diplomatic relations in 2019, with cooperation expanding across infrastructure, health, trade, education and people-to-people exchanges.
“Looking ahead, China stands ready to work closely with the Government of the Solomon Islands to elevate our comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level,” he said.
The diplomat said China’s cooperation with Solomon Islands was guided by the principle of respecting the country’s sovereignty and independence, its will and its cultural traditions.
He said the two countries had continued to develop political mutual trust over the past seven years, while practical cooperation had also expanded.
China, he said, had remained Solomon Islands’ largest trading partner for several consecutive years, with bilateral trade approaching US$4.3 billion.
He also highlighted a number of Chinese-supported projects in Solomon Islands, including the National Stadium, National Referral Hospital Comprehensive Medical Centre and the National Broadband Network.
The Auki Road project in Malaita Province is also scheduled for handover in November, he said.
The diplomat further highlighted China’s medical assistance, saying the Chinese medical team had treated more than 80,000 local patients and carried out advanced medical procedures.
He said Chinese police personnel had provided professional training to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and conducted community outreach programmes.
China has also supported training opportunities for Solomon Islanders, with nearly 300 students receiving full scholarships to study in China and more than 1,700 people from various sectors undertaking training programmes there.
The Chargé d’Affaires said people-to-people exchanges had also grown, including cooperation between Chinese provinces and Solomon Islands’ provinces.
He said the visa exemption agreement between Hong Kong and Solomon Islands, which took effect on August 26, had made travel between the two sides more convenient.
He also reaffirmed China’s position on the One-China principle, saying it remained the political foundation of China’s relations with Solomon Islands.
The diplomat praised the Solomon Islands Government for continuing to adhere to the One-China principle and said China was willing to further share development opportunities with Solomon Islands.
He invited Solomon Islands to “take a ride on the fast train towards modernisation” and work together to build a China-Solomon Islands community with a shared future.
The reception was attended by Acting Prime Minister Francis Sade, Speaker of National Parliament John Patteson Oti, government representatives, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, Chinese nationals and other invited guests.
[Photo: Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Yang Jie delivers his remarks yesterday at Heritage Park Hotel. Photo credit: Ned Gagahe.]
BY LORETTA B MANELE
There is steady progress in the construction of new control tower facilities in Honiara and Munda under the Second Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).
A statement from SIRAP 2 Project this morning said major structural works have completed in Honiara while finishing, electrical and installation works are advancing at both sites.
Work carried out for the two tower facilities is being implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) with support of the World Bank with construction being undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), with Egis Asia providing supervision consultancy services.
For the Munda Control Tower, completed work include ceiling framing, suspension supports and anchoring on the ground floor in preparation for ceiling closure.
Construction of the Munda Air Traffic Control Tower in progress, photo credit- SIRAP 2 Project.
This will be followed by the next stage of installation of two layers of fire-rated gypsum board in designated fire-rated rooms and moisture-resistant gypsum boards in toilets and other wet areas.
In progress is cable pulling and plastering works and tiling mock-up has also commenced in a toilet, including wet-area waterproofing and testing, to guide subsequent finishing works and confirm compliance with required quality and installation standards.
In Honiara, all major structural works have been completed for the control tower including the antenna mast foundation at roof level.
Top section of the Honiara Air Traffic Control Tower, photo credit- SIRAP 2 Project.
To add on, works have now moved onto the finishing stage with electrical and building-services installations.
There is also surface preparation ahead of plastering that is ongoing on the ground-floor exterior walls, shear walls and internal building walls, while blockwork from the ground floor to the third floor is complete.
Cable tray installation is also in progress on the ground floor, and cable pulling has advanced up to the third floor.
The statement noted that de-propping scaffolding removal and housekeeping are also continuing inside the tower building as work areas are progressively cleared for the next stages of construction.
Alwyn Danitofea, MCA Permanent Secretary welcomed the progress, saying that they are pleased to see steady progress on the new control tower facilities in both Honiara and Munda.
“These are important national infrastructure projects, and the completion of the major structural works in Honiara is a significant milestone.
“We remain focused on ensuring that the remaining works are completed to the required standards so these facilities can support safe, reliable and efficient air navigation services for many years to come,” he said.
SIRAP 2 Project said in preparation for in preparation for the eventual transfer of equipment and services to the new tower facility, Solomon Islands Airports Corporation Limited (SIACL) and Solomon Telekom have inspected the cable route from the existing tower building to the Main Equipment Room (MER), and the route connecting the Very High Frequency (VHF) Room to the Voice Communication and Recording (VCR) Room.
This inspection is said to be a vital step in planning the safe and orderly transfer of existing equipment and services and in confirming that the new facility can be connected to the necessary communication and operational systems.
“The continued progress at both Honiara and Munda represents another important milestone in the delivery of SIRAP2’s aviation infrastructure programme and supports the Government’s efforts to modernise aviation facilities and strengthen safe and reliable air connectivity across Solomon Islands,” the statement said.
Photo credit: SIRAP 2 Project
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BY JOSES SAREN
Betikama student McArthur Bird has urged leaders to end political instability in his winning SINPF 50th anniversary speech in Honiara yesterday.
Bird won the senior secondary category of the school speech competition, organised by the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF), at Desmond Probert Hall on September 28, organisers said.
He spoke on the topic “Trust, Stability, and Growth: The Pillars of National Development.”
Bird pointed to what he described as constant motions of no confidence and shifting geopolitical alliances in Honiara.
“How can we build a house when you keep shifting the foundation?” he asked leaders.
According to Bird, the constant shuffling at the top shakes the trust of the people and shatters stability.
He said neutral courts and leaders who respect the Constitution are needed for national stability.
Bird argued that institutions such as SINPF give workers a steady pillar when politics shift.
He said workers’ futures remain secured regardless of who sits in the Prime Minister’s chair.
Bird described trust as the belief that leaders and institutions are honest and fair.
However, he said public faith in government offices has been repeatedly shattered.
Bird cited corruption and nepotism, and said many people still question whether public funds are spent wisely.
He held up SINPF as proof that institutional trust is possible.
Bird said more than 152,000 Solomon Islanders save with SINPF, which holds a $4.6 billion investment portfolio.
He added that nearly 50,000 citizens use the youSave micro-savings scheme.
On growth, Bird said the country has relied too heavily on finite resources such as logging and mining.
He warned that when global commodity prices fluctuate or resources run out, the country is left with empty pockets.
Bird called on the country to invest its national savings in fisheries, agriculture, infrastructure and forestry.
He pointed to SINPF’s backing of SolTuna, which he said provides jobs for about 2,000 local workers.
Bird said two-thirds of those workers are women.
He linked the three pillars together, saying trust creates stability, stability fuels growth and growth builds deeper trust.
Bird closed by urging the country to heal old wounds with honest leadership and protect its peace with strong laws.
Fourteen contestants took part in the senior secondary category.
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