Honiara City Council

HCC COMMENDS PEACEFUL CONDUCT DURING KOLA WARD 8 BY- ELECTION

The Honiara City Council (HCC) has commended all stakeholders involved in the successful and peaceful conduct of the Kola Ward 8 By-Election held today, 3 June 2026.

Speaking on behalf of the Councillors, Senior Management, and staff of HCC, Lord Mayor Councillor Eddie Kasuteé Siapu expressed appreciation to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission Office, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), and HCC Law Enforcement officers for their professionalism and commitment in ensuring that the by-election process was conducted smoothly and peacefully.

“The peaceful atmosphere witnessed throughout the day reflects the maturity and responsibility of our people in exercising their democratic rights,” Lord Mayor Siapu said.

He also acknowledged and thanked the eight candidates who contested the by-election and their supporters for respecting the electoral process and helping maintain a calm, orderly environment.

Lord Mayor Siapu encouraged all supporters and residents of Kola Ward to maintain the same peaceful spirit as they await the official election results.

“Regardless of who wins the by-election, I urge everyone to continue showing respect, unity, and good sportsmanship. The election is an important democratic process, and the outcome should be accepted in the spirit of peace and community development,” he said.

The Honiara City Council remains committed to working with the elected Ward Councillor and the people of Kola Ward to address community priorities and support the continued development of the ward and the city as a whole.

LAWSON TAMA STADIUM TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR REHABILITATION WORKS

The Honiara City Council (HCC) wishes to inform sports associations, clubs, and the general public that Lawson Tama Stadium is temporarily closed to all activities to allow for essential rehabilitation works on the playing surface.

Director of the Youth, Women, and Sports Division, Mr. Gabriel Riotarau, said the closure is necessary following heavy usage of the stadium in recent months. The rehabilitation program includes re-sanding the playing field and applying fertilizer to improve grass growth and overall field quality.

Mr. Riotarau said these maintenance works are critical in preparing the stadium for upcoming major events, including the OFC Women’s Champions League 2026 and the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) S-League competition.

“We are rehabilitating the ground after heavy usage and preparing it for important international and national competitions. Maintaining the playing surface to the required standard is a priority,” he said.

HCC appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation during this rehabilitation period.

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HCC ISSUES WARNING ON ILLEGAL ENCROACHMENT AND OLD BUILDINGS

The Honiara City Council is calling on individuals and groups illegally occupying land belonging to HCC schools and public areas within the city to voluntarily remove their houses and structures before legal action is taken.

Chairman of the Physical Planning Division, Councillor Charles Aiwosuga, said the Council is seriously concerned about the increasing cases of encroachment on school properties and unauthorized developments within the city.

“Honiara City Council has called on people who encroach on the land of HCC schools, a friendly reminder, please, you people must voluntarily take out your house or be prosecuted,” Councillor Aiwosuga stated.

He said the warning also applies to old and unsafe buildings located within the Central Business District (CBD) and other parts of the city. Property owners are encouraged to comply with city planning regulations and begin taking necessary steps to redevelop or remove deteriorating structures.

“The same goes for CBD areas; old buildings are advised to do the same. A notice will be followed, and you must submit the new building plans,” he explained.

Councillor Aiwosuga emphasized that the Council will soon issue formal notices, and all affected individuals and property owners will be required to comply with the instructions and planning requirements.

HCC remains committed to ensuring proper urban planning, public safety, and the protection of public land infrastructure across the city.

HCC WELCOMES ADB & ISWMP COURTESY VISIT

The Honiara City Council yesterday welcomed representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and its implementing partner, the Integrated Solid Waste Management Project (ISWMP), during a courtesy visit held at the HCC Head Office on Monday, 18 May 2026.

During the meeting, HCC expressed its appreciation to ADB and the Project Management Unit (PMU) for the ongoing partnership and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the ISWMP, including hosting the PMU office at HCC.

Speaking during the meeting, HCC Lord Mayor Eddie Kasuteé Siapu said the Council is eager to see faster implementation of the project to ensure major milestones are achieved before the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in July 2028.

The Lord Mayor also emphasized the importance of extending future ADB support beyond landfill development to include improvements in waste collection services from residential and commercial areas across Honiara.

He said strengthening waste collection systems is critical to ensuring rubbish reaches the designated disposal facilities effectively.

HCC further reaffirmed its commitment to continue working closely with the PMU, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, and the Guadalcanal Provincial Government to ensure the project delivers long-term benefits for Honiara and surrounding communities.

Lord Mayor Siapu also noted that any proposed new waste management ordinances or regulations would require formal endorsement through HCC’s Executive Committee before being presented to the full Council for approval.

The meeting also received updates on key project components currently progressing under the ISWMP.

The Civil Works Package, valued at SBD10 million, covers the closure of the Ranadi landfill and the opening of the new landfill facility at Tenaru. The PMU confirmed that the third revised bid evaluation report has been submitted to ADB and is currently awaiting no-objection clearance before proceeding to financial evaluation. Contract award is targeted for late second quarter or early third quarter this year.

Under the Consulting Services Package CS01, valued at SBD195,000, the Livelihood Restoration Plan will support waste pickers at Ranadi who may be economically affected by the landfill closure. The package is currently under evaluation, with a contract award expected soon.

Consulting Services Package CS02, valued at SBD825,000, focuses on broader recycling and solid waste management improvements, including household recycling awareness, waste separation behavior change, policy and ordinance reviews, and strengthening the financial sustainability of waste management operations.

Meanwhile, the Construction Supervision Consultancy package, valued at SBD1 million, has been issued to five firms, with proposals due on 6 June.

PMU Project Officer Mrs. Aimee Hampel-Milagrosa said the overall objective is to award all major contracts before the end of this year to enable construction activities, recycling programs, supervision works, and livelihood restoration activities to commence in the coming months.

HCC LORD MAYOR CONGRATULATES NEW NATIONAL LEADERSHIP

The Lord Mayor of Honiara City Council, Councillor Eddie Kasuteé Siapu, extends his heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Matthew Cooper Wale on his successful election as Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.

Lord Mayor Siapu said the appointment of Prime Minister Wale marks the beginning of a new chapter of leadership and national service for the country.

He expressed confidence that the Prime Minister’s experience, vision, and commitment to the people will guide the nation toward unity, stability, and sustainable development.

The Lord Mayor also congratulated Hon. Francis Belande Sade on his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Service.

He acknowledged the important responsibility entrusted to Hon. Sade in strengthening the public service and ensuring effective delivery of government services to the people of the Solomon Islands.

In addition, Lord Mayor Siapu congratulated Hon. Deacon Manasseh Maelanga on his appointment as Minister for Home Affairs.

He said the Ministry of Home Affairs plays a critical role in promoting peace, social harmony, community development, and national unity across the country.

Furthermore, the Lord Mayor extended congratulations to all newly appointed Cabinet Ministers who have been entrusted with leadership responsibilities in their respective ministries.

“On behalf of the Honiara City Council and the residents of Honiara, I congratulate all our national leaders on their appointments. The responsibilities before you are significant, and the people of this country look forward with hope and expectation to your leadership,” Lord Mayor Siapu said.

He further stated that strong cooperation between the National Government and local authorities remains essential in addressing the challenges facing urban communities, improving public services, and creating opportunities for economic growth and development.

Lord Mayor Siapu assured the new Government of the continued support and cooperation of the Honiara City Council in working together for the progress, peace, and prosperity of Honiara and the Solomon Islands as a whole.

HCC LORD MAYOR CALLS FOR UNITY AND CALM AHEAD OF PM’s ELECTION

The Honiara City Council Lord Mayor, Cr. Eddie Kasuteé Siapu is calling on all Honiara residents and members of the public visiting the city to remain calm, respectful, and law-abiding during the Prime Minister’s Election tomorrow, Friday, 15 May 2026.

Lord Mayor Siapu said the election of the Prime Minister is an important democratic process for the country, and everyone has a responsibility to ensure peace and order are maintained throughout the day.

He urged members of the public not to engage in any unlawful activities, including violence, property destruction, disorderly behaviour, or actions that may threaten public safety and security in the city.

The Lord Mayor also appealed to supporters of all political groups to respect the rule of law and allow the national process to proceed peacefully and respectfully.

“Honiara is our capital city, and we must all work together to maintain peace and stability during this important national event,” Lord Mayor Siapu said.

He further encouraged residents, businesses, youth groups, transport operators, and market vendors to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities and follow any public safety advice issued during the election period.

The Honiara City Council acknowledges the efforts of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and other responsible authorities in maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors.

The Council continues to encourage unity, respect, and peaceful conduct across the city.

PANATINA WARD 12 WIDOWS GAIN NEW COOKING SKILLS

Honiara City Councillor for Panatina Ward 12, Lydia Yeo, together with the Solomon Islands Widows Association (SIWA), successfully conducted a cooking workshop over the weekend at the Perch Christian School in East Honiara.

The workshop brought together widows from different communities within Panatina Ward 12 to learn practical cooking skills and food preparation techniques to help them generate income and improve their livelihoods.

Speaking during the event, Cr. Yeo thanked all the women who dedicated their time to attend the training.

She said the workshop was an important opportunity for women to gain valuable cooking knowledge and learn different styles of preparing food products that can later be sold to earn income.

Chairlady of the Honiara Central Market Vendors Association, Moreen Sariki, also encouraged the participants, saying that sharing cooking skills among women would empower them and help improve their daily lives.

She highlighted that many of the participants are market vendors and widows who work hard to support their families.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the training, saying they were happy to gain new cooking skills that would help them earn money and better provide for their families.

COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER FOR JACKSON RIDGE CLEAN-UP LED BY Cr. LYDIA YEO

Honiara City Councillor for Panatina Ward 12, Cr. Lydia Yeo, today led a successful community clean-up initiative in partnership with the Panatina Widows Association and residents of the Jackson Ridge community.

The activity, held on 6th May 2026, focused on the collection of household waste and roadside rubbish along the Jackson Ridge Road. Community members turned out in numbers, demonstrating strong support for improving environmental cleanliness and public health within the area.

Cr. Yeo commended the efforts of the Panatina Widows Association and local residents for their active participation and commitment to keeping their community clean.

She emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a healthy and safe environment.

Members of the Jackson Ridge community expressed appreciation for the initiative and shared their enthusiasm for future collaborations with Cr. Yeo, noting that such efforts help build stronger community ties and promote sustainable practices.

FREE TRACHOMA TREATMENT ROLLOUT FOR HONIARA RESIDENTS & VISITING PUBLIC: PROTECT YOUR EYES TODAY

The Honiara City Council Health Team, working with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), has started a three-week trachoma treatment rollout across Honiara today, 29 April 2026.

Trachoma is an eye infection that spreads easily and can cause serious vision problems if it is not treated.

The Council is asking all residents and the visiting public who have not yet received the medicine to visit any mobile medical team in the city.

Health teams are available at the Honiara City Council Office and other easy-to-reach locations within the city.

The treatment is safe, free, and important to stop the spread of trachoma and protect the health of the community.

Everyone is encouraged to take part.

More updates on this rollout program later///...