Maka Police Station Officially Opens to Serve Communities in Southern Malaita

The Honourable Jimson Tanangada, Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS), officially opened the newly constructed Maka Police Station during a formal handover ceremony held on 10 July 2025 in Maka, Malaita Province.

The event marked a significant milestone in the Solomon Islands Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement presence and improve security services across rural and remote communities.

Dignitaries from both the National Government and Malaita Provincial Government attended the ceremony, including the Deputy Premier of Malaita Province and Hon. Rick Houenipwela, Member of Parliament for Small Malaita. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort between all levels of government in supporting national policing priorities.

A highlight of the ceremony was a cultural performance by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Brass Band, accompanied by a local panpipe group, which captivated the crowd and added a festive atmosphere to the occasion.

In a heartfelt gesture, members of the communities from South Malaita, East Are’Are, and West Are’Are presented tokens of appreciation, including traditional food, to the official delegation—reflecting the strong local support for the project.

In his keynote address, Minister Tanangada emphasized the government’s firm commitment to supporting the RSIPF in its mission to provide accessible, community-centered policing services throughout the country.

“This station is more than just a building—it is a lifeline for the communities it will serve,” the Minister stated. “Maka Police Station will provide critical coverage to a vast and diverse area, including Hauhui, Uhu, Raroisu’u, Walande, Bina Harbour, and the Maka River and Small Malaita coastal communities.”

He noted that the region spans over 100 kilometers of coastal and inland terrain, home to thousands who have long lacked reliable police presence. The establishment of the Maka Police Station ensures a permanent RSIPF presence in the area—improving response times, deterring crime, and enhancing community safety.

Addressing the people of Maka and surrounding communities, Minister Tanangada said: “This station belongs to you. The officers who serve here are not outsiders—they are here to protect your families, mediate disputes, respond to emergencies, and support your aspirations for peace and development.”

He called on the community to work closely with police officers, noting: “Security is not the responsibility of the RSIPF alone. It is a shared responsibility built on trust, cooperation, and open communication between police, government, and the community.”

The Minister also extended gratitude to landowners and local chiefs, acknowledging their crucial role in enabling the project: “To the landowners and chiefs of Maka—thank you for your generosity and wisdom. Without your support, this station would not have been possible.”

Finally, he issued a call to duty to the officers who will serve at Maka:

“I urge you to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and service. The trust of the community rests in your hands.”

The opening of Maka Police Station marks another important step forward in delivering on the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to improving national security infrastructure, deepening community-police partnerships, and promoting peace and stability throughout the provinces.