South Guadalcanal Constituency is no longer a “close yet far away,” region now.
The statement was issued by the Member of Parliament [MP] Rollen Seleso during the Motion of Sine-Die in Parliament in December 2025.
He declared that the construction of new telecommunication towers in that area had transformed one of the Solomon Islands’ most rugged constituencies.
MP Seleso hailed the installation of three towers now operating on a 4G network as a milestone that has brought his people into the mainstream of national development.
“For the first time, our people in the Weather-coast can go to their gardens, go fishing or engage in their daily activities and still connect with their families and loved ones,” he said.
“Communication is no longer a privilege, it has become a reality for all.”
The project, he said, has altered daily life in communities long isolated by geography and poor infrastructure.
Farmers, students and families are now able to access services, information and markets that were previously out of reach.
MP Seleso linked the achievement to broader efforts to ensure that rural areas benefit directly from government spending.
He argued that connectivity is not simply about convenience but about empowerment, enabling citizens to participate more fully in the economy and society.
He also acknowledged the role of landowners who hosted the towers, urging communities to be “good stewards” of projects that serve both present and future generations.
While praising Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in maintaining stability, he stressed that development must be measured by its impact on ordinary families.
“South Guadalcanal is becoming closer and nearer to the major happenings of our nation as it grows and develops,” he said.
“Connectivity is no longer a distant dream, but a lived reality reshaping rural life.”
By ANDRIANAH DELASALET KOLE
Solomon Star, Honiara
Photo caption: MP Rollen Seleso [skipper] with MPA John Stewart during a trip to South Guadalcanal. Photo supplied.