WUSI, Malaita Province reach deal

The Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI) met with the Malaita Provincial Government in Auki on Wednesday to discuss long-standing salary issues. During the meeting, WUSI representatives, Malaita Province Deputy Premier Randol Sifoni, and Provincial Secretary Erick George reached an agreement for the provincial government to begin addressing the outstanding concerns of its workers. WUSI…

Improvement of back road to ease traffic flow

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has outlined immediate plans for the improvement and expansion of bypass roads to ease traffic congestion as ongoing road works continue along the West Honiara highway of the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project. To enhance traffic flow, two key bypass routes are set to be upgraded: Hibiscus Avenue (back…

Noni farmers struggle

Hundreds of noni trees and plantations in North West Guadalcanal remain idle after the main buyer ceased purchasing noni fruits two years ago.  Ben Misu  a local farmer from the region said that since Solomon Noni Corporation stopped buying the fruits he lost close to SBD$8,000 per week.  Mr Misu added the main buyer stopped buying…

‘Investing in fisheries and ecotourism, a path to economic growth’

Investing in fisheries and ecotourism presents significant opportunities for economic growth in Malaita Province.  This initiative would involve local farmers, men, youth, and women entrepreneurs, contributing to a more sustainable and expanded economy. Malaita Province Premier Elijah Asilaua emphasized the importance of these sectors during his recent speech at the Provincial Assembly in Auki.  He…

River mining affects communities

River mining is one of the most commonly used method by villagers to extract gold. It involves the extraction of minerals and resources from riverbeds and surrounding environments. However, this method raises several environmental and socio-economic concerns.This process is happening in some places and rivers in Guadalcanal and other parts of the country. Its a…

Malaita province passes $43m budget

THE Malaita Provincial Assembly has passed the 2025/2026 budget during its session in Auki, last Thursday. This passage of the SBD 42,704,960 enables the provincial government to continue providing essential services to its people. Malaita Province Finance Minister, Lemuel Kevianga, said the provincial government expects a surplus of SBD 2,838,000 to support the Ward Development…

ANZ launches matched savings program in SI

ANZ has announced the extension of Saver Plus, the world’s largest and longest-running matched savings and financial education program, to the Solomon Islands. This follows the successful launch of Saver Plus in Fiji and Vanuatu last year. ANZ Solomon Islands Country Head, Heath Bruns, said: “As part of the Saver Plus program pilot, 25 participants…

SI prepares to reapply for EITI membership

SOLOMON Islands Government is preparing to reapply for membership in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) after withdrawing in 2018. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), Dentana Mckinnie, confirmed this during the Solomon Islands EITI Consultation Meeting held at Mendana Hotel last Friday. Mr Mckini stated that Solomon Islands withdrew from…