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…

British envoy visits SIRAP, CAUSE projects

The British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mr. Paul Turner, recently visited project sites in Malaita, Munda, and Noro. The aim of the visits was to observe progress and engage with local stakeholders for three World Bank financed projects, including: the completed Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) and the Community Access…

Malaita lacks mining ordinance 

MALAITA Province government has no ordinance to regulate mining operations despite one company is currently doing prospecting in Fataleka. Malaita’s Premier, Elijah Asilaua said mining remains a potential area for future investment. He said according to the records, only one company has paid business license to do prospecting in Fataleka, East Malaita. However, Premier Asilaua…

Malaita projects to collect $7m

THE Malaita Provincial Government has projected to collect a total revenue of $6,827,135 for the current fiscal year. Minister for Finance, Lemuel Kevianga stated made this projection during his speech on the floor of the Malaita Provincial Assembly this week. However, he noted that there is still considerable work to be done to ensure that…