Former PNG PM O’Neill eyes Tavanipupu resort

FORMER Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister and businessman Peter O’Neill has expressed interest in the controversial Tavanipupu Wellness & Spa Retreat located in Marau, East Guadalcanal. Mr O’Neill, currently visiting Honiara, has been exploring some of the country’s iconic tourism destinations, including the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF)-owned Tavanipupu retreat. SINPF General Manager…

Concerns raised over breach of vessel loading capacity regulations

CONCERNS have resurfaced over certain passenger vessels traveling to the Western Province in breach of marine safety regulations by exceeding the authorised passenger capacity set by the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA). Reports indicate that some vessels carry passengers beyond the certified limits, raising serious safety concerns. January is a travel peak time for passenger…

Calls for more development infrastructure in Roviana Lagoon

RESIDENTS of Roviana Lagoon in South New Georgia are calling for urgent development and improved infrastructure, particularly the construction of the long-awaited Bareke Bridge, which would link Munda to other parts of the lagoon. For decades, infrastructure development in Roviana Lagoon and the broader Tetepare Rendova Constituency has been neglected. Concerned residents claim that since…

Construction of new Seghe market 

Australia has appointed local contractor Hatanga Ltd to build the new SBD28.9m Seghe Market in Marovo, Western Province emphasising its commitment to delivering large infrastructure projects with local companies. Speaking at the contract signing last week, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the contract with Hatanga recognised the growing excellence in Solomon Islands to deliver high…

SI, Aust sign AFD for quality education

IN a move to improve equitable school access and enhance the quality of education in Solomon Islands, a signing ceremony was held on Wednesday. The deal dubbed ‘Direct Funding Agreement’ (AFD) was signed by Minister of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), Tozen Leokana and the Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton in Honiara on Wednesday.…

Domavola withdraws logging plans on Vangunu 

DOMAVOLA Company Limited, a logging company, has decided not to proceed with operations in the rainforest on Vangunu, Marovo, Western Province.  Despite receiving a Development Consent from the Environment Advisory Committee (EAC) in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) in 2022, the company opted out due to strong opposition from…