The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening cooperation under our existing Memorandum of Understanding following a high-level roundtable discussion held today at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara.
The meeting was led by SICCI Chairlady Ms. Namoi Kaluae, Director Mr. Steve Kapei, and CEO Mr. James Dolarii, together with RSIPF Deputy Commissioner Mr. Simpson Pogeava and Director National Traffic Mr. Willie Foufaka.
Discussions focused on two priority areas currently affecting the private sector and the wider public, namely traffic congestion in Honiara City and security arrangements surrounding tomorrow’s Motion of No Confidence sitting in Parliament.
Under the existing MOU between SICCI and RSIPF, both parties acknowledged that the agreement continues to provide an important platform for ongoing dialogue, cooperation, and information sharing between the private sector and law enforcement authorities.
Today’s engagement marked a significant step in activating that platform to address real-time concerns affecting businesses and residents.
SICCI raised concerns regarding the increasing impact of traffic congestion on business operations, productivity, staff movement, and rising operational costs, particularly fuel usage.
The Chamber emphasized the importance of stronger coordination and enforcement around traffic bottlenecks, roadside parking, jaywalking, and traffic flow management within Honiara City.
In response, RSIPF acknowledged the ongoing challenges, particularly along the Central to East Honiara corridor during current road works near the Honiara Central Market and SSEC areas.
RSIPF assured SICCI that police visibility and traffic presence will continue to be strengthened to support smoother traffic movement and minimize disruptions to businesses and the public.
RSIPF further confirmed that traffic monitoring and management measures will continue to be enhanced throughout the road works period, which is expected to continue until July 2026.
On security matters, SICCI emphasized the importance of heightened visibility, monitoring, and responsiveness during the current political period to maintain business confidence and public safety.
RSIPF gave a clear assurance to SICCI and the wider business community that tomorrow will remain business as usual and encouraged businesses to continue normal operations. RSIPF also confirmed that there will be heightened security presence, increased patrols, and high visibility deployments throughout Honiara and parts of Guadalcanal during tomorrow’s Parliamentary sitting. Businesses with existing contingency measures were also encouraged to activate them where necessary.
Deputy Commissioner Mr. Simpson Pogeava acknowledged the importance of the existing MOU between SICCI and RSIPF, noting that it continues to provide an important platform for ongoing dialogue, cooperation, and information sharing between the private sector and law enforcement authorities.
SICCI appreciates the timely engagement with RSIPF and will continue dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, Honiara City Council, and RSIPF, on broader traffic management concerns in the coming weeks.
