SIG News Release

31/08/2025

𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗺 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁: 𝗡𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝗕𝗗𝟵𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿


Honiara, Solomon Islands, 31 August 2025 – The Office of the Prime Minister is warning members of the public of a fraudulent online scheme currently circulating on social media titled “Jeremiah Manele SBD900 Development”.

The scam is using the name and image of Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele to mislead Solomon Islanders into believing they can access a cash grant of SBD900 by clicking an online link. This is false and misleading.

Prime Minister Manele has made it clear that there is no such development grant. The only government funds available to Solomon Islanders are provided through the Constituency Development Funds (CDF). Any other so-called “grant” or “cash prize” promoted in the Prime Minister’s name is fake.

The public is strongly advised to:

Be cautious of online messages offering cash grants or prizes.
Do not click on suspicious links or provide personal or banking details.
Check the official Government website (www.solomons.gov.sb) or the Prime Minister’s official page for accurate information.
The OPMC reminds citizens that scams of this nature are designed to deceive people and obtain their personal and financial information. The best protection is awareness and caution when online.

[ENDS]

25/08/2025

https://solomons.gov.sb/santa-cruz-airfield-upgrade-progressing-steadily/

Santa Cruz Airfield Upgrade Progressing Steadily   The Santa Cruz Airfield upgrade in Temotu Province has achieved a key milestone in substantially completing Phase 1 works […]

25/08/2025

$2.7 MILLION CDF-FUNDED WATER PROJECTS SET TO BENEFIT 4,000 IN NORTH VELLA CONSTITUENCY


The North Vella La Vella Constituency (NVC) in the Western Province is making significant strides to enhance the livelihoods of around 4,000 people through an investment of $2.7 million in five new water supply and sanitation projects.

Funding for these projects was allocated from the constituency’s $3.88 million 2024 CDF budget under its Constituency Development Programme (CDP).

Project implementation commenced in the final quarter of last year in partnership with local communities, marking a significant transformative step toward improving the quality of life for North Vella La Vella constituents.

Beneficiary communities are; Boro, Zararana, Karaka, Sibilado, and Karokesa.

Constituency Project Officer (CPO) Stephen Lupeqeto said that this major investment initiative is part of the broader vision of the constituency, led by Honourable Member of Parliament Clezy Rore, to improve living standards by providing reliable access to essential services, particularly clean and safe water and proper sanitation.

“As of now, one community, Boro, has successfully completed its project. The remaining communities are actively progressing toward completion, with the final handover for all projects planned for later this year.

“This will be the first time these communities will have proper water supply, bringing accessible, clean, and safer water to their doorsteps,” CPO Lupeqeto said.

He further added that one of the main goals of this project is to improve living standards by making essential services like water more accessible.

“Many villagers currently face challenges due to the absence of nearby water sources, requiring them to walk long distances, particularly in bad weather, to access water and sanitation facilities. They often rely on traditional methods for sanitation, which pose significant health and security risks, especially for women and young girls at night.

“So, the NVC’s commitment under the leadership of Hon. Rore, MP, is to change the standard of living for our people.

“Access to clean water and proper sanitation is a fundamental right, and we are committed to making these services accessible to our communities in North Vella La Vella.

“This project is not just about infrastructure but about empowering our communities and ensuring a healthier community,” Mr. Lupeqeto emphasized.

He added that now that water has reached the communities, residents can begin constructing proper sanitation facilities.

CPO Lupeqeto re-emphasized that the NVC office is committed to completing these projects and ensuring that these five communities’ benefit from improved water and sanitation services. This will help reduce the burden on communities, improve health outcomes, and foster sustainable development in the constituency.



– MRD Press

25/08/2025

EVERY DOLLAR INVESTED IN WATER IS AN INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE, SAYS PM MANELE


Monday 25 August 2025, Honiara – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, MP, has reaffirmed that water and sanitation are central to Solomon Islands’ development and vital for health, education, livelihoods, and climate resilience.

Speaking at the opening of the 9th Pacific Water & Wastewater Ministers Forum, the Prime Minister welcomed leaders, innovators, and water professionals from across the Pacific to Honiara, calling the gathering a chance to work together to secure safe and resilient water services for all.

“Water is not just a utility issue,” he said. “Every dollar invested in water is an investment in people, in livelihoods, and in our shared future.”

Prime Minister Manele highlighted the challenges facing Pacific communities, including rising seas, prolonged droughts, extreme weather events, pollution, and aging infrastructure. He outlined the Solomon Islands Government’s response, including strengthening institutions, climate-proofing infrastructure, and integrating resilience into planning from villages to Honiara.

He also called for regional collaboration, urging ministers, partners, and utilities to share practical solutions to improve water and wastewater services across the Pacific. “Better planning and investment must be supported regionally so that no Pacific child grows up without safe water and sanitation,” he said.

On financing, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of affordable, efficient, and accountable water services, guided by the principles of resilience, sustainability, and equity. He encouraged innovation in governance, technology, and service delivery, and recognised the role of young water professionals as the next generation of Water Champions.

“Partnership is our strength. When we act together, our small islands are not small voices, we are a powerful chorus calling for sustainable water futures,” he said.

PM Manele also made a call to action for commitment, collaboration, and leadership. “Let us be bold; let us be united. Water is life, water is dignity, water is resilience, water is our shared future,” Prime Minister Manele said.

[END]

25/08/2025

YOUNG WATER PROFESSIONALS NEXT GENERATION OF WATER CHAMPIONS SAYS PM MANELE


Monday 25 August 2025, Honiara – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, MP, has called on Pacific countries to support young water professionals and accelerate innovation, saying the region’s water future depends on strong governance, partnerships, and empowered new leaders.

Addressing the Pacific Water & Wastewater Conference and Expo in Honiara, he recognised the energy and ideas of early-career practitioners. “You are our next generation of Water Champions. You bring fresh ideas, new energy, and bold solutions. We must support you with mentorship, opportunity, and trust,” the Prime Minister said.

He highlighted two pillars for the future of Pacific water: governance and innovation. Governance must be “transparent, inclusive, and accountable,” he said, while innovation, from renewable-powered desalination to decentralised wastewater systems and smart, data-driven monitoring, can improve service reliability and resilience.

Prime Minister Manele stressed that governments alone cannot deliver these innovations. “Partnership and collaboration with the private sector, academia, regional agencies, and communities are vital,” he said. He also emphasised solutions that respect local governance, culture, and traditional knowledge, including the essential role of women and girls.

He pointed to the power of regional cooperation, noting that through associations like PWWA and development partnerships, Pacific countries can share lessons, build capacity, and advocate more effectively. “When we act together, our small islands are not small voices, we are a powerful chorus calling for sustainable water futures,” he said.

PM Manele urged leaders at every level to step forward and rise up as regional water champions. “It is only through dedication and leadership that today’s challenges will become tomorrow’s sustainable solutions,” he said.

[END]

25/08/2025

SOLOMON ISLANDS HONOURED TO HOST PACIFIC WATER LEADERS


Monday 25 August 2025, Honiara — Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, MP has welcomed ministers, officials, partners and young professionals to Honiara for the 9th Pacific Water & Wastewater Ministers Forum and the 16th Pacific Water & Wastewater Conference and Expo, saying Solomon Islands is proud to host the region’s leading gathering on water.

“On behalf of the Government and People of Solomon Islands, I warmly welcome you all to Honiara and to the hapi isles,” the Prime Minister said. He described the event as a convergence of “leaders, innovators, and champions, united by one purpose: to secure safe water and wastewater services for every Pacific Islander, now and into the future.”

The Prime Minister said the forum theme, Water and Wastewater Services for All: Connecting People, Policies, Communities for a Shared Sustainable Future, is a timely reminder that water and sanitation are central to life and development. He stressed that “Water is not just simply a utility issue.”

Acknowledging shared regional challenges, rising seas salting groundwater, prolonged droughts, extreme weather events, ageing systems and increasing costs, Prime Minister Manele urged delegates to turn these into opportunities for cooperation. “With every challenge comes opportunity, to work smarter, to work together, and to ensure that no Pacific child grows up without safe water and sanitation.”

He encouraged delegates to share knowledge and practical solutions, noting that Pacific integration should also mean cooperation in the planning and delivery of water and wastewater services. He highlighted Solomon Islands’ own direction, where water and sanitation are prioritised under the National Development Strategy, the Solomon Islands Water Sector Plan and the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s Policy Statement.

“Every dollar invested in water is an investment in people, in livelihoods, and in our shared future,” the Prime Minister said, adding that water and sanitation link directly to health, education, agriculture, energy and climate resilience.

He thanked the many partners present in Honiara, including the diplomatic corps, international and regional organisations, water utilities and the private sector. He also recognised the presence of young water professionals, describing them as future leaders of the sector.

[ENDS]

25/08/2025

9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and 16th PWWA Conference and Expo Officially Opens in Honiara   Honiara, Solomon Islands – The 9th Pacific Water […]

25/08/2025

7 CSSI Officers Promoted to Sergeant and Senior Sergeant Ranks -

25/08/2025

Solomon Islands reaffirms respect for Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty and constitutional processes regarding Bougainville   Prime Minister, Honourable Jeremiah Manele, MP, has reaffirmed his Government’s unwavering […]

25/08/2025

PM Manele pledges 20- Thousand Kina to the Inaugural WANSOL Prime Ministers Charity Golf Challenge   Prime Minister honorable Jeremiah Manele MP, has pledged 20 -Thousand […]

25/08/2025

PM Manele holds bilateral talks with Papua New Guinea PM Marape   Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP met with his Papua New Guinea counterpart, Hon. […]