News and Reports

SICCI Meets with MID and Police on Traffic Congestion

21 February 2012

On Tuesday 14 February, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) met with officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) and the Traffic Division of Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIP) to explore ways in which the traffic congestion in Honiara could be improved.

In the meeting between SICCI (Calvin Ziru and Bruce Saunders), RSIP (Inspector Babalu) and MID representatives, SICCI sought clarification from MID on their understanding of why the traffic has become so congested. MID reported that the congestion was due to several features related to the present road system including (a) the high concentration of public buses occupying the outside lane, (b) neither the old nor new Matanikau bridges having double lanes going each way, (c) the high volume of traffic utilising the roundabout outside Honiara City Council  particularly as many drivers use it to u-turn, and (d) permanent road islands which limit the option to adjust traffic lanes to reduce congestion at peak times.

MID further advised that the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) had indicated support to expand the Matanikau bridges.  JICA Project Formulation Advisor, Yoko Osama, confirmed that JICA was keen to provide support for this project although it would eventually be a matter of timing as JICA had already committed its resources to multiple projects in the coming years. This could mean that implementation of the Matanikau bridge project would not be possible for at least another two years. Additionally the option of connecting the No. 3 area to Mbokonavera is being considered.

SICCI emphasized how traffic congestion and the bus system are negatively impacting on businesses. SICCI CEO, Calvin Ziru, on behalf of his members revealed that many businesses and workers are suffering as a result of the traffic congestion.

“Not only are many more workers arriving late due to the traffic, but they now have to take 2 to 3 buses just to travel to and from work, increasing traveling cost to between $18 and $24 a day”, said Mr. Ziru.

“In our discussions with the MID and the Police, we were told that the option of rerouting westward traffic through Chinatown or to regulate traffic flow to certain hours of the day would not solve the problem as traffic would still be congested at the Chinatown bridge and at the HCC roundabout.”

Bruce Saunders, Vice-Chairman of SICCI further expressed concerns about the response that businesses received. “Basically we were told that there is no short to medium term solution to traffic. As such we firstly have to support the initiative that Government and the MID are considering in its partnership with donor partners, and to insist that these developments do take place. It is just a pity that in such an important year with the Festival of Arts and the Royal Visit, we have no solution to the problem”.

Also of concern is the issue of having no one sole authority to handle traffic in the Solomon Islands. Despite having an act prepared for the formation of a traffic board for almost two years now, this has never been enacted by Parliament. The traffic board consists of Police, Honiara City Council, MID and transport operators and would operate as one authority to handle traffic issues. The interim measure put forth by Police will be to have special traffic officers on duty from Monday to Friday to assist with traffic flow. This measure is due to start in a few weeks.

In a separate but related issue, the motor vehicle dealers within SICCI have also begun advocating the introduction of regulations to the importation, registration and licensing of motor vehicles in the Solomon Islands, demanding that the government seriously consider new laws to ensure that the types and age of vehicles imported do not make the Solomon Islands a dumping ground for used vehicles.

Solomon Islands Women In Business Association now Online

2 November 2011

The Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) has officially launched their website at the ‘Women in Business’ breakfast held at the Heritage Park Hotel on the 2^nd November 2011. The morning began with a welcome from SIWIBA Acting President Julie Haro followed by inspirational speeches from SIWIBA executives Anne Maedia, Tele Bartlett and President Ning Gabrino. The women brought to light the important economical role of women in Solomon Islands and encouraged everyone to partner with them in an effort to build the nation.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Mrs. Ethel Sigimanu and Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Robert Sisilo were invited to conduct the official launch of the website with the cutting of the ribbon.

With over 140 people in attendance the support from local businesses, government ministries and aid donors was evident. World Bank is a proud sponsor of the event and we would like to acknowledge them for a generous gesture pointed towards this development.

New Overseas Investor for KFPL

12 April 2011
 
Minister of Finance and Treasury Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo on Monday has signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Government, the Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (ICSI) and a major Wood Manufacturing Company from Taiwan.

The MOU now paves the way for the investment of US$ 6 million into the Kolombangara Forestry Plantation Limited (KFPL) and US$ 5 million for a new sawmill factory that will be established on KFPL for wood production.

Under the Joint Venture arrangement, the Nien group of Taiwan companies owns 60% shares in KFPL while ICSI retains 40% shares.

The Nien Wood Manufacturers Company will be responsible for the manufacturing and exporting wood products worldwide with an annual turnover of US$350 million.

KFPL operates a 14,400 hectare certified-sustainable forest plantation on Kolombangara Island in Western Province.

KFPL Board Chairman Tony Hughes said the effect of the incoming investment will strengthen KFPL’s financial position by reducing its external debt and provide assured access to the international market for its wood exports.

It will also enable KFPL to increase quality timber products to world market standards as well as to be re-planted with high-quality trees.

He said the sawmill factory would be a direct investment owned by Nien and the construction of the factory would enable in-country production of sawn timber to overseas market requirements.

“The investment would add substantial value to national exports and more so creating 150 new jobs for people in the rural areas,” Mr Hughes said.

Minister Lilo welcomed the Joint investment describing it as a significant development for Solomon Islands.

“This indicates overseas investor confidence in the economic and social environment of our country,” he said.

He assured other foreign investors of the government’s commitment to support genuine investors who are willing to invest and support development of the country’s economy.