3rd December 2025
The Road Transport Board (RTB) is now revived and undergoing strengthening programs under the leadership of Minister of Infrastructure Development Hon. Ricky Fuo’o.
Since its formation in 2009 under the amended Road Transport Act and its subsidiary legislation, this board, formerly called the Highway Authority, has been inactive for quite some time due to a lack of dedicated funding allocation support.
As of last week, the boardβs official logo was unveiled after a competition was successfully advertised and the winner announced.
A local graphic designer, David Kabulanga, was awarded the prize of $10,000 for his creative logo design.
The logo is a circular seal that features a road with a dashed yellow line and five white stars arranged in the shape of the Southern Cross constellation (resembling the arrangement found on the Solomon Islands flag).
It literally interprets a road (service/infrastructure) leading the nation forward by merging the countryβs flag elements with the practical mandate of the ministry responsible (MID) to regulate road laws.
Six vehicles were adorned with this logo, and thanks to support from the Australian Government, this fleet is fitted with sirens and decals, awaiting operational deployment.
A delighted Director of the Ministry’s Land Transport Management Services Division (LTMSD), who is also the board’s acting secretary, Leslie Nate, said given the renewed support, this board will be up and running to carry forward its mandated duties.
The boardβs composition: Permanent Secretary to the Ministry responsible for transport (MID) as the chairperson, Clerk to the Honiara City Council (HCC), Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Commissioner or a nominee, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) or a nominee, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry responsible for Commerce or a nominee, Inland Revenue Division representative, Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Director of LTMSD.
Mr. Nate explained that two other members are representatives of Honiaraβs taxi and bus association.
He called on these two bodies to organize themselves to choose two representatives to be part of the board.
β There will be reforms and reviews going forward; therefore, the need for these two representatives is important, especially since new infringement notices will come into force next year.”
The director further outlined that they will be rolling out their awareness activities soon.
“There are ongoing consultations with relative stakeholders for the formation of a task force, which will be comprised of police officers, MID officers, and Honiara City Council law enforcement officers to help conduct patrols and control our daily traffic.”
βUniforms and other supporting equipment will be sourced soon to enable effective implementation of this board,β Mr. Nate said.
MID Minister Hon. Fuoβo, in yesterdayβs (2nd December 2025) parliament sitting on the 2026 Appropriation Bill 2025, also spelled out RTBβs role in addressing some of the challenges facing the main road network, such as traffic congestion, bus stops, road signage, parking, and enforcing other traffic regulations.
Again, this board is responsible for formulating, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing policies related to road transport, in conjunction with the ministryβs functions of developing national transport policy.
This includes overseeing taxi and bus fares, routes, and the management of road signage and markings. It works closely with the ministryβs vehicle inspector, the police traffic department, and the Inland Revenue Division.
Furthermore, this board has the authority to initiate and conduct prosecutions for offenses under the Act, its regulations, or the Highway Code, subject to the directives of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Ends///
[MID]
