Dear Editor,
As we begin 2025, I feel compelled to raise urgent concerns about the state of our local infrastructure, waste management, and the unchecked rise of illegal market stalls. These are not new issues, but their persistence has reached a point where inaction is no longer an option.
One glaring example is the road from the Town Council Junction past Bulaia Backpackers, Koa Hill, and up to the American Memorial at Skyline. This stretch is not only a vital route for residents but also leads to one of our most historic and significant tourist attractions. Unfortunately, its current condition is an embarrassment riddled with potholes that impose financial burdens on vehicle owners and businesses due to frequent maintenance costs.
The Skyline American Memorial is a place of historical importance and a key tourist attraction. Visitors making the journey there are met with a substandard road, abandoned cars, and piles of rubbish along the way. Illegal betelnut stalls have taken over parts of the road, reducing it to a congested one-way bottleneck. For local tour operators striving to promote the Solomon Islands as a world-class destination, this state of neglect is not just frustrating,it’s demoralizing. How can we showcase our country’s heritage and beauty when we fail to address the most basic infrastructure needs?
This situation is more than an inconvenience; it reflects a deeper failure to prioritize the well-being of our people and the future of our tourism industry. How can we aspire to host global visitors when our own backyard sends a message of neglect and apathy?
The time for action is now. Community leaders, government authorities, and all stakeholders must step up to address these issues. This requires field visits to assess the ground realities, collaborative efforts to clean up and restore these areas, and immediate action to repair the roads and manage illegal activities.
2025 should be the year of change—a year where we prioritize progress, pride, and responsibility. Let’s show the world and ourselves that the Solomon Islands can rise to the challenge. Our nation deserves better, and it’s up to us to make it happen.
Sincerely,
Concerned Citizen.
Letter to the Editor
