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ZFM 99.5 My Favourite Music Station, Honiara (2025)

16/10/2025

PNG DEFEAT SI

A thrilling game yesterday between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands (SI) saw PNG defeated SI by 78 points to 56 points.

FINAL MATCHES WILL BE PLAYED TODAY💥

16/10/2025

SI WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM DEFEATED

(16 OCT 2025) Solomon Islands women’s team have suffered their third defeat in a row in the FIBA Melanesian Cup 2025 to PNG this evening at the Friendship Hall.

The final score is PNG 65 points and SI 23 points.

Up next is the SI Men's against PNG.

You can watch the live by searching SI Men's vs PNG at YouTube, or just make your way to Friendship Hall and watch the game.

ENDS///
ZFM NEWS

16/10/2025

WASH FACILITY AT HONIARA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL RESTORED

Honiara, Solomon Islands (October 16, 2025) - The Solomon Islands Government, through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), with funding support from the New Zealand Government and implementing agency UNICEF, has restored the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facility at Honiara Senior High School.

The WASH facility, which was damaged during the violent events of November 2021, officially opened in a new brand facility symbolizing resilience and recovery that gives hope for safe and gender equality and dignity in education.

It was handed over to the school by the New Zealand High Commission, Jothan Curr, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Franco Rodie, Deputy Lord Mayor, Clement Terewauri, and Abdiweli Mohamed, UNICEF Pacific Solomon Islands Chief of Field Officer.

Addressing the handing-over event, New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Curr said the WASH facility is an important part of Education.

He said the opening of the new WASH facility is a big step in shaping the future of children in Solomon Islands.

“Water is life,” he said.

His Excellency Jonathan Curr said the New Zealand government will ensure schools have access to WASH facilities, as WASH facilities are an important part of Education.

Permanent Secretary Dr. Franco Rodie highlighted that the restoration of the WASH facility serves as a symbol of resilience and recovery, reminding us that even in the hardest times, hope will always find a way to rebuild.

He said WASH facilities are investments in life itself, providing students with health, safety, and dignity, teachers with a safer, cleaner workplace, and parents and community peace of mind.

He said the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, along with the Ministry of Health and development partners, recognized WASH in schools as a national development priority.

“Education and health are inseparable, and investing in healthy schools is investing in a stronger, smarter, and more resilient Solomon Islands,” he said.

He urged Honiara Senior Schools to continue teaching students about hygiene, cleanliness, and respect for school property.

He acknowledges the government of New Zealand and UNICEF for their generosity and steadfast friendship towards education.

UNICEF Pacific Solomon Islands Field Officer In-charge, Abdiweli Mohamed, expressed that the new WASH facility is about creating a future for children without worrying health.

The project, supported by the Government of New Zealand through UNICEF, has delivered modern rainwater harvesting and storage systems, fully rehabilitated toilet blocks, and convenient handwashing stations for the school.

ENDS///

Photo 2: Official guests and Honiara Senior High School students pose for a photo opportunity in front of the new WASH facility.

Photo 2: Honiara Senior High School students happy with their new WASH facility.

16/10/2025

MID Clarifies Relief Work and Upcoming Maintenance on Vura and Naha Roads

(16 Oct 2025) Central Project Implementation Unit (CPIU) under the Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) wishes to clarify that road maintenance work on the Vura and Naha roads will commence shortly.

In a statement, CPIU said, "We hear your
concerns and fully aware of the deteriorating conditions along these sealed sections of East Honiara and are doing our best to address it with the limited funds allocated."

“A contractor will be engaged to carry out specific maintenance on these sealed roads, funded through the National Transport Fund (NTF) contributed by the Solomon Islands Government.”

The statement outlined that this maintenance for the East Honiara road network will be expedited as a variation to the existing contractor for these roads, since the quantities specified in the original contract have been exhausted.

CPIU further explained that this contract will cover the entire loop from SDA Kukum, through Vura, Naha and Borderline, across to Zion, Kola, Talise, and down to St. Barnabas Cathedral.

“Moving forward, our primary focus is the Honiara road network, and we appreciate the patience of community members,” the statement added.

CPIU also wishes to clarify that the road works along Vura and Naha carried out earlier last month were intended as relief measures.

"This relief work was undertaken in preparation for the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, which was successfully hosted in Honiara last month."

Some delegates attending this event were accommodated at housing facilities in Vura and Naha, necessitating relief works to ensure smooth travel and access for both delegates and community members.

“This relief work involved ripping up the defective sections of the roads and replacing them with base course materials."

"This is not a reflection of substandard work but a necessary measure to facilitate safe and efficient movement," CPIU explained in response to inquiries from East Honiara residents on social media.
Another issue we would like to clarify is dust control along the road networks in Honiara.

“We have previously engaged water spray trucks for the main highway and selected feeder roads on a sporadic basis."

“We will increase the frequency of these dust suppression operations, depending on available funds and contractors with spraying vehicles,” the CPIU added.

It also highlighted that, while there are other dust control methods, their use is restricted by the country’s environmental regulations.

Meanwhile, the Vura Drainage System is set for full rehabilitation under the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE II) Project.

Ends///

With photos

Photo 1: The contract will cover the entire loop from SDA Kukum, extending through Borderline, Zion, Kola, Talise, and down to St. Barnabas Cathedral.

Photo 2: CPIU also wishes to clarify that the road works along Vura and Naha carried out earlier last month were intended as relief measures.

Photo 3: MID through CPIU have previously engaged water spray trucks for the main highway and selected feeder roads on a sporadic basis and will increase the frequency of these dust suppression operations, depending on available funds and contractors with spraying vehicles.

16/10/2025

📢 PUBLIC NOTICE

Solomon Water (SIWA) would like to inform all our valued customers and followers that we now have a new official page.

To continue receiving important updates such as planned water outages, restoration notices, water quality updates, and community news, please make sure to follow Solomon Water - SIWA .

👉 Click the link below to visit and follow our new official page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/16q374Kdnm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

15/10/2025

SI WORKING TO ESTABLISH A DEFENCE FORCE: TANANGADA

(15 Oct 2025) The Minister for Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, Jimson Tanangada told Parliament today of the government's intention to establish a Defence Force.

Responding to questions asked by the member of Parliament for East Malaita and Leader of Independent Group, Manasseh Maelanga, that read; "is the government intending to establish a military force? If so what would be the rationale of having a military force? How will it complement or differ from the existing police force?,

Tanangada said this is a long term plan of the government and the government is keen to achieve it.

"The government has initiated preliminary policy to explore the establishment of a Solomon Islands Defence Force. This initiative is being approached cautiously, strategically and transparently as part of the broader implementation of the national security strategy that we have launched earlier."

"Let me emphasize that this is not an attempt to militarize our nation, but rather a long-term nation building effort aimed at enhancing Solomon Islands resilience, sovereignty and self reliance. The intent is to develop a defence capability that allows our country to better respond to disasters, security challenges, maritime threats and areas that strengthen the capacity of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force." Tanangada said.

He said this plan is grounded in the national aspiration for self reliance and sovereignty.

"The principle to the security of Solomon Islands is that it must be owned, led, and sustained by Solomon Islanders. It's a very tough aspiration but it is not impossible to achieve."

He said the country"s experience of the ethnic tension, Bougainville Crisis and social unrests fairly explains the limitation of the existing force - RSIPF to respond to such emergencies.

He stated that "the RSIPF will continue to be our first line of defence -the principle institution responsible for law enforcement, maintaining internal security and public order. The proposed defence force will complement, not replace the RSIPF. its focus will be on non-policing roles, including national and maritime security, humanitarian and disaster response, national emergency support."

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Aoke-Langalanga and Opposition Leader Mathew Wale, and the MP for East Choiseul, Manasseh Sogavare criticized the plan stating that Solomon Islands should learn from the experiences of other Melanesian countries such as Fiji and PNG who have their own defence forces.

Wale said, "We must be careful not to rush because Fiji also had military coups and PNG also have their own issues that are directly linked to their military. So it's better that we plan it first. Take for example if the government somehow delays payment of soldiers allowances, they will come to the Parliament with guns." Wale said.

Sogavare said if Solomon Islands is to have a defence force, then the government must have full control over it.

He suggested that it would be better if the Melanesian sub-region establishes a defence force that combines the five Melanesian member states/territory to look after the Melanesian bloc's interests.

ENDS///
ZFM NEWS

15/10/2025

AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS LAUNCH OF NEW DIVE CENTRE IN WESTERN PROVINCE

(15 Oct 2025) Fatboys Resort has now launched its new Dive Centre in Gizo, Western Province - a significant step in growing Solomon Islands’ dive tourism industry.

Fatboys has long been ranked one of the best tourism operators in Solomon Islands on TripAdvisor by its growing numbers of international tourists.

The resort has now moved into dive tourism, after the closure of two established operators in 2023 due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. It has invested its own resources to build a fully equipped dive shop, purchase dive equipment, and recruit an experienced dive instructor. Plans are also underway to construct new accommodation units for divers seeking to stay on-site.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, welcomed the launch and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting the growth of tourism in Solomon Islands.

“Diving is one of Solomon Islands’ most unique attractions, and this new dive centre will help the sector recover and grow. Australia is pleased to partner with local tourism operators such as Fatboys to strengthen tourism, create more local jobs, and bring economic benefits to communities in Western Province,” High Commissioner Hilton said.

Australia supported the development of Fatboys’ new Dive Centre by financing the purchase of a customised dive boat and the construction of a new jetty for divers’ arrivals and departures.

Owner of Fatboys Resort, William Brody Ewing, said the dive centre is a milestone for both the resort and the wider tourism sector.

“Fatboys has always been committed to offering world-class experiences to our guests. Expanding into diving allows us to diversify our services, support the recovery of the sector, and showcase the incredible underwater attractions of Solomon Islands to more visitors,” he said.

The new dive centre will not only attract divers from around the world but also generate wider benefits for Western Province by creating employment, increasing tourism revenue, and strengthening the resilience of the local economy.

Through these partnerships, Australia is supporting Solomon Islands’ tourism sector, building business resilience, and inclusive economic growth.

ENDS///….

Media enquiries: Ms Litonya Shallcross, Australian High Commission, 7737294

PHOTOS:
Photo Caption 1: Fatboys Resort’s customised dive boat supported by Australia.

Photo Caption 2: Fatboys Resort’s new jetty for divers’ arrivals and departures supported by Australia.

Photo Caption 3: Representatives from Fatboys Resort, Strongim Bisnis, the Australian High Commission, Western Provincial Government, Tourism Solomons and Solomon Airlines in front of the new Dive Centre.

Photo Caption 4: Key stakeholders and guests celebrating the official launch of Fatboys Resort’s new Dive Centre.

Photo Caption 5: Guests taking a tour of the Dive Centre facilities and equipment.

Photo Caption 6: Guests taking a tour of the Dive Centre facilities and equipment continued.

15/10/2025

“Public Service Bill” pushes for a modernised Public Service

(15 Oct 2025) The Minister for Public Service, Francis Sade, has
tabled the Public Service Bill 2025 for the second reading in Parliament yesterday,
marking a significant step towards modernising the country's public service.

The Bill aims to strengthen the institutional framework that governs public officers,
promote a professional and responsive public service, and enhance accountability and transparency.

Key features of the Bill include:
Establishing a clear and comprehensive legal framework for public service
organisations, structures, and remuneration, strengthening accountability and transparency through robust oversight systems
and ethical conduct defining roles and responsibilities of key officeholders, and
Promoting uniform employment and management practices based on merit,
fairness, and non-discrimination.

The Minister emphasised the importance of integrity, accountability, and performance in the public service, highlighting measures to strengthen the ethical foundation, including
a legally binding Code of Conduct and annual declarations of interests for senior
officers.
The Bill has undergone a thorough review by the Bills and Legislation Committee, and the Government will introduce amendments to incorporate the Committee's recommendations.

The Minister emphasised that the Bill is a cornerstone of the government's public
service reform agenda and called on Parliament to support its passage.

The passage of the Bill is expected to lay the foundation for a modern, trusted, and capable public service that values merit, innovation, and integrity.

Ends///

Photo: Public Service Minister Francis Sade

15/10/2025

Minister Nori joins World Leaders in urging global solidarity for women's development

(15 Oct 2025) The Solomon Islands Minister for Women, Youth, Children
and Family Affairs, Cathy Nori, joined leaders around the world this week to call for global solidarity for women’s development during the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in Beijing on Monday.

Minister Nori used the global gathering of leaders to highlight Solomon Islands'
current progress and challenges in women's development across the country.

She highlighted that through the Government’s national gender equality and women's development policies, the Solomon Islands continues to advocate for initiatives that protect women and girls from violence, support women's role in government, and encourage women's leadership at all levels of society.

“Across our islands, women are rising as community leaders, change-makers, and
helping to build stronger and more resilient communities, she said.

Nori, however, highlighted that Solomon Islands journey is without challenges,
noting the effects of climate change on women and girls in the communities.

“Our journey is not without challenges. The growing impact of climate change continues to affect women and girls disproportionately,” she said.

“Indeed, every challenge allows us to collaborate and reaffirm our shared responsibility to ensure no one is left behind due to this disadvantage,” Nori added.

The global gathering noted that the Beijing Declaration in 1995 created a
comprehensive and visionary plan, which is still the most progressive benchmark for
women's and girls' rights.

Much has improved, but there is a long way to go. Female participation in politics and
the economy, freedom from abuse and sexual and reproductive health rights are still contested.

Ends///

15/10/2025

25 members from Dunde attends a CPC workshop in Munda

(15 Oct 2025) Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Solomon Islands Police Support Program (SIPSP) have recently conducted a one-day Crime Prevention Committee (CPC) workshop in Munda, Western Province.

The training package covers a variety of topics, including crime prevention and CPC, partnerships with police, and its stakeholders. The training was attended by the Dundee church minister.

The workshop is purposely for keeping CPC safe, moving around at night in an ideal patrol number, recognizing and assessing risky situations, and knowing when to withdraw when encountering a situation.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) of National Capital and Crime Prevention (NCCP) Mr Simpson Pogeava said the CPC also learns ways of passing on important information and responding to youths and emergencies in any incident.

AC Pogeava said CPC is learning basic Crime Prevention through Environment Design (CPTED) principles with some ideas about how to make their community environment safer from crime; an example could be lighting or cutting back vegetation that criminals can hide behind.

Dunde CPC attendees were very engaged throughout the three-day workshop and have learned valuable insights and knowledge on how to perform their duties.

They expressed their gratitude towards the trainees and acknowledged RSIPF and SIPSP for their support in delivering such a workshop.

SIPSP sponsored uniformed t-shirts and rechargeable torches for night patrols, which are essential for visibility during night patrols.

RSIPF and SIPSP visited Munda Community High School and talked to both primary and secondary school students separately about cybercrime. The awareness was well received by the secondary students, followed by probing questions.

End//…

15/10/2025

Man arrested for burning down permanent house in Malaita Province

Auki Police have arrested a 36-year-old male suspect for burning down a permanent house at Faubulu village in east Kwara’ae, Malaita province.

Police arrested the suspect on 10 October 2025 after he escaped to a village in central Kwara’ae. The burning incident also happened on the same date as the arrest made.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) of Malaita Province, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said the suspect, as informed by the community, had a very aggressive and uncaring attitude towards others in his community.

Superintendent Ramosaea said the suspect was charged with arson contrary to section 319 of the Penal Code and remanded at Auki Correctional Facility. He will appear before the Auki Magistrates’ Court on a later date.

The provincial police commander had applauded his officers for the quick response and also extended his appreciation to the community leaders for supporting the police.

“I appeal to parties involved to refrain from retaliation and allow police to deal with the matter,” Ramosaea said.

End//…

15/10/2025

Man, damage OBM engines with axe arrested

Maka Police have arrested a 30-year-old male person for damaging two Yamaha outboard motor (OBM) engines at Masupa village in East Are’are recently.

The damage incident occurred on 8 October, when the suspect allegedly entered a shed that housed the two engines, and used an axe to smash the two engines.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) of Malaita Province, Superintendent Michael Romosaea, said the owner of the shed was in Honiara when the incident occurred, and he reported the matter to Maka police.

Ramosaea said a case was established and the suspect brought to Auki police station on 10 October 2025.

He was formally charged with the offense of malicious damage contrary to section 326 (1) of the penal code.

Ramosaea said the suspect had been threatening and causing fear to the people at Masupa village for a long time.

Ramosaea added that the suspect has now been remanded at Auki Correctional Facility while waiting for his court trial on a later date.

End//…

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