ROAD UPGRADE MAKES PROGRESS
Work on upgrading the stretch of road between Townground and White River in West Honiara is making steady progress over the past months since its commencement.
Most of the major underground works related to water pipes, telecommunication and power lines have been completed.
Work is now concentrating to completing the culvert and drainage system between the Chinese Embassy Office and St John School area.
Placing and compacting of gravels is also underway from the stretch of road between Rifle Ridge and White River area.
With the seven-days progress of work tar-sealing is expected to commence in the coming months.
The project was signed in May 2022 under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP) which aims to improve and extend the existing 4-lane road, from the central market through to White River (approximately 5 km).
The upgrading work for the stretch of road from the Central Market to Townground will be undertaken later.
Funds for the project was made available by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) is implementing the project.
The road upgrade once completed will provide better road conditions for commuters.
New year celebration at Katurasele
Katurasele community in South Choiseul was buzzing with excitement this week as villagers welcome New Year (NY) 2025 in a colourful celebration.
Reports stated, the village successfully staged a four-day program.
The community was packed with those who travelled to spend their festive break in early December.
The new year’s program was held a week after the community successfully held its Centenary (100yrs) anniversary since the arrival of the Adventist Gospel at Katurasele.
The 2025 NY committee was led by Chairperson Leslie Molea and supported by Chris Gumese Puisasa as assistant.
Puisasa said the NY program started on Sunday with preparations works and ended on Wednesday with a feast.
Sports activities featured mix volleyball and men’s soccer started on Monday.
He said, heavy rain on Monday affected sports activities and slowed things down a bit but was completed on Tuesday.
For sports, the overall sports champion team is Sisilaku.
All the children’s activities such as treasure hunt, blind folding, races etc were also played on Tuesday.
He said, the highlight of the program was on Wednesday during the New Year’s Day.
He said, Wednesday was reserved solely for food preparations for the feast which was held later in the evening.
The community was divided into three zones where all the cookings took place.
“The highlight of the program was the feast in the evening and the social night program that followed after.
“A control house was built at the center of the village, where a sound system was set up that helped to mobilise and organise the people to attend the programs and activities,” Mr Puisasa added.
The NY committee expressed gratitude to all who took part and supported the program.
“A big thank you to Hon Tozen Leokana for the timely financial support that contributes immensely towards the successful celebration of the NY program,” he said.
On Wednesday during the New Year’s day, the feast was organised
SI Chinese association members celebrate New Year
MEMBERS of the Solomon Islands Chinese Association (SICA) in Honiara join the country this morning to welcome 2025.
As part of their celebration the members were divided into two groups and visited most of the Chinese operated shops to perform the dragon dance.
This morning most of the shops’ entrance were decorated with balloons allowing the dance party to stop by and performed.
At each shop, the performance started from outside before entering the shop. They then moved to the next shop after completing their dance.
A spokesperson for the group said, this is part of celebrating and welcoming the New Year with their members.
One of the groups visited all shops located at the west side of the city, while the other group visited the east side.
Most of the SICA members were excited to receive the dancing party.
Members of the public also stopped by to watch and enjoy their performance.
Heavy showers over the weekend had resulted in parts of the Maranatha Hall and Solomon Islands Mission (SIM) compound in East Honiara flooded.
The new multi-million ‘Millennium Terminal’ is now serving the traveling public following its official commissioning on Thursday 19th December. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele officially opened the two-storey complex. The seaport terminal offers a spacious spot for sea travellers where they can now have a space to rest, take shelter during bad weather, do their shopping, enjoy something to eat at the restaurants and access some of the services available inside the terminal. The new terminal is fully funded thanks to Solomon Ports.
Merry Christmas to all our readers and followers, from the Management and Staff of Solomon Star Ltd. Here the staff perform ‘The Greatest Gift of All’ by Kenny Rodgers and Dolly Parton.
Fiji Airways Women’s Sevens team pre-warmup.
