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ZFM 99.5 My Favourite Music Station, Honiara (2025)

20/08/2025

The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project II (CAUSE II) continues to make strong progress under its Component 3 – Redi4Waka.

(19 Aug 2025) Since past week’s the Project Management Unit (PMU) and Project Implementing Units (PIU’s) have successfully graduated 383 community members in Honiara, Guadalcanal Province, Western Province and Malaita Province through work-readiness training.

These graduates are now lined up to take part in community works, including footpath construction, solar light post installation, and reflective kerb painting on main roads.

In particular, PIU’s have already scheduled teams for the installation of solar posts along completed Jacob’s Ladders and new footpaths, ensuring safer and more accessible public spaces.

The Redi4Waka training equips participants with practical job skills, life skills, and awareness on climate resilience—building confidence while preparing them for both short-term engagement in CAUSE II works and longer-term employment opportunities.

This new project invests in climate-resilient infrastructure and fosters economic opportunities for urban communities.

It will be implemented by CAUSE II as an initiative by the Solomon Islands Government, with support from the World Bank and Australia.

Its goal is to enhance climate-resilient infrastructure, promote economic inclusion, and improve service delivery in urban areas in the nation's fastest-growing urban centres, including Honiara City and the peri-urban areas of Guadalcanal Province, Malaita Province (Auki), and Western (Gizo, Noro, and Munda).

Meanwhile, the design and survey for component 1 of the project are undertaken by Kramer Asia Pacific (SI).
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With photos

20/08/2025

LOCAL WORKERS CELEBRATE NAHA HEALTH CENTRE MILESTONE

(19 AUGUST 2025) Nearly 200 Solomon Islands workers have been thanked for their work on the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre at a ceremony marking the completion of all major structural works and roofing.

Australia’s High Commissioner joined with Solomon Islands ministers for infrastructure, national planning and development coordination, and women, youth, children and family affairs to tour the facility and meet the large workforce responsible for delivering all major works in less than a year.

Minister for Infrastructure, Hon Ricky Fuo’o, said the workers should be proud of their efforts, recounting his visits to the old Naha Clinic as a young boy.

“All of you can be proud to tell your children that your hands built this modern, new health facility, for the benefit of our people,” Minister Fuo’o said.

“Australia committed through the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program to using local workers on Australian-supported infrastructure, and today we see the fruits of that approach. It provides good jobs, and it supports the development of our industry.”

Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the Naha project has always been a celebration of the long and trusted partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands.

“This facility is on track to open next year, delivering high quality birthing and outpatient services for mothers, babies, and families, and relieving pressure on the National Referral Hospital,” High Commissioner Hilton said.

“But as we see today, the project has also created a huge range of skilled jobs for local workers – with training and mentoring provided so that everyone leaves the Naha site with a good income, new skills, and an appreciation for quality infrastructure and on the job safety.”

With the project now 67 percent complete, the completion of roofing and structural works marks a significant milestone with all internal works able to be completed undercover.
Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Hon Cathy Nori was also on hand to thank the workers and meet with the many women also working on the construction.
“Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre will support our health workers, and we thank Australia for its support to better health services for our community,” Hon Nori said.
While infrastructure works continue, close partnership and collaboration is preparing the Centre for a smooth opening next year, with a Ministry of Health and Medical Services-led working group including Honiara City Council, National Referral Hospital and Australia undertaking workforce planning, equipment fit out, and training.

The SBD250 million health facility will provide a dedicated Birthing Centre alongside an Urban Health Centre which will provide dental, medical imaging, pathology and outpatients services.

ENDS///

20/08/2025

PNG Prime Minister Marape extends invitation to Prime Minister Manele for the Inaugural WANSOL Prime Ministers Charity Golf Challenge

(20 Aug 2025) The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape MP, has formally invited Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP, to participate in the inaugural ‘WANSOL Prime Ministers Charity Golf Challenge.’

The landmark event is set to take place on Friday, 22nd August 2025, at the prestigious Royal Port Moresby Golf Club.

In his official invitation, Prime Minister Marape expressed that Prime Minister Manele’s presence would be “a tremendous honour and a powerful symbol of the friendship and collaboration between the two states.”

The event is particularly significant as it coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary, marking a historic occasion to reaffirm the leadership and unity of the Pacific region.

Prime Minister Manele has warmly accepted the invitation, stating, “I am honoured to be part of the inaugural WANSOL Prime Ministers Charity Golf Challenge and extend my best wishes for the success of this noble charitable event.”

The WANSOL Prime Ministers Charity Golf Challenge, to be held biennially, is a unique initiative designed to deepen the enduring bonds between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea through sport, camaraderie, and goodwill.

This event brings together leaders from government, business, and civil society across both nations to foster bilateral cooperation and raise funds for charitable causes benefiting communities in both countries.

Proceeds from the inaugural tournament will be directed towards supporting vital sectors including sports, healthcare, and education, reinforcing the shared commitment of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands to youth development, health services, and regional unity.

Prime Minister Manele leaves for Port Moresby, Thursday 21st August. The Government of Papua New Guinea will partially cover the trip’s expenses.

The 2027 edition of the WANSOL Prime Ministers Charity Golf Challenge will be hosted in Honiara.

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20/08/2025

Youths arrested for playing loud music at late night and threatening community leaders in Malaita

(20 Aug 2025) Auki police arrested eight youths for playing loud music late at night and threatening community leaders at Ambu and Kokomu in Malaita province on 17 August 2025.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Malaita Province, said, “Three suspects are female among the eight arrested, and they are all placed in police custody.”

Supervising PPC Ramosaea said, “The suspects were drunk, used abusive words, and acted aggressively, challenging the community leaders for a fight.”

PPC Ramosaea said, “These youths are the ones who are involved in causing nuisance and drinking alcohol with very loud noises and threatening the community peace at times with bad behaviors.

Superintendent Ramosaea said, “The suspects were released after they had been charged with the offense of intimidation contrary to section 231 of the penal code. They will appear before the Auki Magistrates’ Court on 25 August 2025.”

“This is not good behavior in our communities. I appeal to the good community leaders of Malaita Province to work together with the police to reduce such antisocial behaviors in our communities,” said PPC Ramosaea.

End//…

20/08/2025

Police appeal on those victims of the street fighting that has gone viral on social media to come forward and report it for investigation

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is calling on those victims of street fighting that went viral on social media few days ago to come forward and report it for investigation.

This police appeal came after videos of youths or students involved in street fighting which has gone viral few days ago on social media.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) of National Capital and Crime Prevention (NCCP) Mr. Simpson Pogeava said, “This is a high risk for our youths and students to involve in such uncalled-for behavior. Police emphasizes the importance of addressing such behavior to prevent further occurrences and ensure safety of our youths and the general public is maintained.”

AC Pogeava said, “We encourage parents and guardians to engage in conversations with their children about dangers of street fighting and the potential of its legal consequences or repercussions.

Mr. Pogeava said, “Community leaders are also playing an important role in molding our youths not to be involved in such unwanted behaviors. By so doing, it will reduce possible risks to our youths.”

“I appeal to social media users to be sensitive and mindful of sharing such videos and become viral online on social media but report such matters to police. We must respect each other, especially those who are victims of crime,” said AC Pogeava.

Those who are victims of the particular incident, please call in at the nearest police station and report the matter for police to investigate.

End//…

20/08/2025

Wale urges authorities to address health concerns in Sikaiana

(19 Aug 2025) LEADER of Opposition Hon Matthew Wale has raised serious concerns regarding the lack of medical personnel and health services in Sikaiana, Malaita province.

Hon Wale was responding to a media statement from the MPA of Ward 33 Hon Lemuel Kevianga that people on the island are in dire need of a nurse and have been without proper medical care since October last year.

The Leader of Opposition has questioned why such serious issue has not been addressed and ignored by health authorities.

“Why is this serious matter ignored and only known to authorities through the media? Its been 11 months and when such serious matters regarding health services goes unnoticed it is no longer an oversight but pure negligence,” Hon Wale said.

Hon Wale said not having a nurse on Sikaiana since October 2024 is not only inexcusable but also unacceptable.

The Leader of Opposition has called on the health ministry to address this issue with urgency.

“One could imagine similar situations around other provinces in the country, maybe it’s worse than Sikaiana,” Hon Wale said.

The Opposition Leader also encouraged the ministry to consider the increase of number of nurses in such locations.

“Build proper homes for our nurses in our remote islands and equip our health care centres with sufficient medical supplies. Sikaiana is a less populated island so it should be easier to manage if prioritised,” he said.

Hon Wale also encouraged the government to establish community health volunteer schemes for basic healthcare and community outreach as part of its primary health care policy.

“Provide appropriate training to these volunteers on basic health care services. Such knowledge will come a long way in helping communities and families especially in our remote areas,” he said.

ENDS//

20/08/2025

SOLOMON ISLANDS OFFICIALS LEARN FROM PAPUA NEW GUINEA ROADS AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT WITH AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT

(20 August 2025) An official delegation from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has completed a three day study tour of Papua New Guinea's (PNG) road maintenance, and vehicle safety and inspection management systems to improve road safety and economic development in Solomon Islands.

The PNG Study Tour between 18-21 July shared valuable insights between the two Melanesian nations about best practices for building and maintaining a safe and sustainable road transport network.

Minister for Ministry of Infrastructure Development Honourable Ricky Fuo’o emphasized the importance of learning from our neighbouring countries, whom share similar challenges in improving service delivery and infrastructure development that can help connect islands.

He highlighted that this trip demonstrates efforts of the government to revive the Public Works Department.

“There is a lot to gain from this trip. Thanks to the Australian Government for their continuous support towards our capacity and reformation programs,” Hon. Fuo’o said.

Director of the Land Transport Division, Leslie Nate, said the exchange program highlighted the importance of robust policies, effective governance, and strategic planning in road and transport management.

“The key takeaway is the need to establish a robust policy and legal framework that provides both the legal mandate and financial backing necessary for efficient service delivery and road infrastructure development,” Mr. Nate said, citing PNG’s Road Act and Road Management and Maintenance Master Plan under the Department of Works and Highway.

Mr. Nate, who is also the acting Secretary of the Road Transport Board, adds that road infrastructure development must be strategically linked to broader economic growth, involving collaboration across government ministries and the private sector.

The group of mechanical, civil and procurement officials met with the PNG Department of Works and Highways, the Road Traffic Authority, and the Australian programs supporting them.

Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Australia had a lot to learn from each other as they grow and manage their national road network.

“Australia has been a long-term investor in the road networks of both Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea,” Mr Hilton said.
“Through finance, capacity building, and supporting the use of local contractors, that hire local workers Australia is building regional transport systems that will grow economic opportunities for farmers, business and households.”

The delegation also visited Vehicle Safety Inspection Sites to understand how PNG is keeping its roads safe.

The Solomon Islands delegation commended PNG’s initiatives and encouraged ongoing efforts to improve road and traffic management systems through strategic collaboration to enhance regional infrastructure development and economic growth.

ENDS//

20/08/2025

BAETE OPENS TRANSFORMATION PATHWAYS TRAINING WORKSHOP

(19 Aug 2025) The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has officially opened the Transformation Pathways Training Workshop, a three-day program aimed at strengthening Solomon Islands’ capacity to plan and implement sustainable agricultural and food system strategies.

The opening remarks was delivered by Deputy Secretary Special Duties (DSSD), Mr. Simon Baete, who welcomed participants and development partners, acknowledging the support of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as collaborators from Cawthron Institute New Zealand, University of Technology Sydney, CSIRO, WWF Solomon Islands, the South Pacific Commission (SPC), and other institutions.

Mr. Baete emphasized that the workshop comes at a critical time as the country faces increasing challenges from climate change, population growth, global pandemics, and pressure on natural resources.

He stressed the need to move beyond traditional approaches and explore new pathways that build resilience, sustainability, and prosperity for Solomon Islanders.

“This training provides us with an opportunity to use evidence-based planning tools and forward-looking methods to anticipate uncertainties and design strategies that will secure food and nutrition for our communities, strengthen rural livelihoods, and safeguard our environment for generations to come,” Mr. Baete said.

The training is being delivered under the Future Kaikai Project, which supports Solomon Islands in developing transformation pathways for agriculture and food systems. The project focuses on building national capacity, ensuring that innovative planning tools can be applied directly to government policy and program development.

The project is funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and aims to support long-term pathway planning for community-level food systems transformation under climate change. It is implemented by WWF Solomon Islands, in collaboration with the Cawthron Institute New Zealand and the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney.

Project Leader, Dr. James Butler, expressed the crucial need for transformation, stating:
“Food systems pathways are a crucial tool to help adapt to climate and social change, and support environmental and food security outcomes.

This tool supports MAL officers in food systems planning to support extension officers and communities.
This helps identify priority crops and livestock systems that will thrive in the future.

Mr. Baete also highlighted the importance of partnership, noting that no single institution can address these challenges alone.

“This initiative reflects the strong collaboration between government, research institutions, development partners, and our local communities. Together, we can design transformation pathways that reflect not only global best practice, but also our Solomon Islands values, culture, and aspirations,” he added.

The Transformation Pathways Training Workshop will run for three days, bringing together senior officers from various Departments of MAL to share knowledge, engage in practical training, and chart new directions for the future of Solomon Islands’ agri-food systems.

End//////
MAL

20/08/2025

UN Resident Coordinator- Courtesy Meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka.

(18 Aug 2025) The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Dirk Wagener paid a courtesy visit to the Minster of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Honorable Peter Shanel Agovaka, on Monday 18th August 2025.

Mr. Wagener who is based in Suva, is the United Nation Resident Coordinator and coordinates the United Nations development operations in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Minister Agovaka thanked the UN Resident Coordinator for the support of the UN Organizations and also highlighted the programs supported by the 9 UN Agencies in the country.

Minister Agovaka commend all UN agencies ongoing programmes and projects in the country such as the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) for the success of M-SELEN and “MobileFund” which is a small and short-term loan ranging from SBD$50 to $2,000 that can be used for small investments.

Solomon Islands has also launched a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination Big Catch-Up campaign to protect girls aged 9–14 years against cervical cancer, supported by World Health Organization and other partners.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office, through its Anti-Corruption Project and with generous support from the Government of the United Kingdom, organized a week-long operational mentoring mission in Honiara aimed at strengthening the institutional and operational capacity of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC).

Minister Agovaka spoke on some of the challenges that people in Solomon Islands face in terms of lack of services in rural areas such as infrastructure development, health and so forth.

He calls upon the UN Resident Coordinator to strengthen the collaboration going forward noting the importance of decentralisation to create employment opportunities for rural people such as the Bina Harbour Project.

Mr. Wagener states that the next Joint Steering Committee meeting for the Country Implementation Plan will be held after the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September 2025.

Minister Agovaka stressed the need for a UN presence office in Honiara and looks forward to work closely with Mr. Wagener to ensure Solomon Islands achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and ensure that the smooth transition strategy to Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation is a success.

ENDS///

MFAET PRESS RELEASE

20/08/2025

Panarui community in South Choiseul surrender a suspect of a serious stabbing incident to Taro police

(19 Aug 2025) Taro police have received a suspect for a serious stabbing incident surrendered by the Panarui community in South Choiseul recently.

The Panarui community handed over the suspect after he allegedly stabbed an elderly person with a kitchen knife.

The victim went out looking for the suspect who took his kitchen knife and escaped to a nearby village.

The victim meets and approaches the suspect near their village and asks the suspect to return his kitchen knife. The suspect refused and walked away with the knife.

An argument broke out between the victim and the suspect. During the argument, the suspect attacked the victim using the knife and stabbed the victim several times on his body. After the stabbing, the suspect escaped from the victim.

The victim was assisted to Sasammungga Mini-hospital by relatives, but due to the seriousness of the wound, the victim was referred to Gizo Hospital for treatment and further observation.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Choiseul Province Superintendent Barry Pogesopa said the community is working together to locate the suspect. They arrested him and handed him over to the Taro police station for further interrogation in relation to the wounding incident.

PPC Pogesopa said the suspect is interviewed for the alleged offense and currently remanded at Gizo Correctional Services for unlawful wounding contrary to section 299 of the Penal Code, awaiting court due to his safety and the seriousness of the offense he committed.

Superintendent Pogesopa said the victim and the suspect were closely related, and the suspect was believed to be a person with a mental disability.

“I would like to acknowledge the Panarui community for standing tall in assisting police in apprehending the suspect in this wounding incident. This prompt action by the community helped mitigate the situation at the village. Thank you for the job well done. Let us continue to work together to make our home a better place,” said PPC Pogesopa.

Mr. Pogesopa said the increase of people with unsound minds is currently increasing in our communities. This is alarming and poses a threat to the well-being of our communities. Extra care should be taken when dealing with people with unsound minds to avoid similar incidents from occurring in the future. Investigation into the matter is continuing.

End//…

20/08/2025

Police arrest a 19-year-old male person for allegedly committing Indecent Act without Consent in Shortland Islands

(19 Aug 2025)Kulitanai Police, have arrested a 19-year-old male person for allegedly committing indecent act without consent on a 12-year-old girl in a village in the Shortland Islands, Western Province.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Wilken Miriki said the alleged incident first occurred in 2023. The recent incident occurred in July 2025, where the suspect went into the victim’ room and touched her while she was sleeping.

PPC Miriki said the suspect also allegedly went into the victim’s parent’s room and indecently touched the victim’s mother, who was also asleep, in the month of July 2025.

Superintendent Miriki said the suspect is a close relative to the family and has been living with them for a few years.

"Parents, protect your children; not every relative has a good intention and respects our kids. Report to police if you know of a victim or are a victim of any form of sexual offense." Superintendent Miriki said.
End//…

20/08/2025

Thirteen suspects arrested for disputing telecommunication tower installation project in east Choiseul

(19 Aug 2025)Taro police have arrested thirteen suspects for disputing the installation of a telecommunication tower at Susuka village in east Choiseul.

It was alleged the suspects, who dispute the location of a telecommunication tower, approached members of the community who are working on the project, threatened them, and ordered them to stop working due to a dispute over the land.

The motive behind the incident is a long-standing land dispute between two parties over the location of the telecommunication tower.

During the confrontation, one of the suspects approached and assaulted one of the community workers who was looking after the project materials.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Choiseul Province Superintendent Berry Pogesopa said a formal complaint was lodged at Taro Police Station regarding the incident.

Taro Police conducted a normal investigation, located the suspects, arrested them, and placed them in police custody at the police station.

PPC Pogesopa said all suspects were interviewed and bailed to appear before the Choiseul Magistrates’ Court on a later date for intimidation, contrary to section 231 (1) of the penal code, and common assault, contrary to section 244 of the penal code.

“Government projects must be respected, as they will connect the communities to the outside world. Despite the differences, I urge all good citizens to resolve these differences peacefully and allow such projects to progress without hindrances in our communities. Such conduct was seen as a hindrance for our development in our communities,” said PPC Pogesopa.

PPC Pogesopa urges parties having disputes over customary land to refrain from taking laws into their own hands but to take grievances to the right authorities to deal with. Taking laws into your own hands will result in being dealt with by law, and you will face consequences of the law.
He said there are ways available, and I call on every good citizen to abide by the rule of law and to consider these venues when having disputes in our communities.

Investigation into the matter is continuing, and those having information that can assist police can contact Taro Police on phone 63199 or the police toll-freeline on phone 999.
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