The French Navy vessel FS Bougainville arrived in Kiritimati on Saturday, 25 October, as part of France’s ongoing maritime cooperation in the Pacific region.

 

Bougainville, a multi-mission support vessel (BSAOM) based in Papeete, French Polynesia, is a key asset in France’s Overseas Support and Assistance fleet. The primary objective of this deployment was to conduct maritime surveillance operations targeting illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing activities within the Line Islands. The mission was carried out in close collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) and the Kiribati Police Services (KPS).

 

During its stay, the vessel successfully tested Kiritimati’s refueling and restocking capabilities. The crew expressed high satisfaction with the port’s logistical support, reinforcing Kiritimati’s strategic value in regional maritime operations. Honourable Minister Mikarite Temari was formally welcomed aboard Bougainville on Saturday morning for a guided tour of the vessel, which concluded with a ceremonial three-course luncheon featuring traditional French cuisine.

 

On Saturday, crew members took the opportunity to explore cultural local sites around Ronton and Tabwakea. On Sunday, MLPID organised a picnic at Paris Point — a gesture of goodwill and friendship between the people of Kiritimati and the French Navy.

 

This marks Bougainville’s second visit to Kiritimati, the first having taken place under restricted conditions during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021.

Location of Paris Point: https://www.google.com/.../1%C2%B056'06%22N+157%C2%B029...

The new Kiritimati dumpsite was officially inaugurated today by the Minister MLPID, Hon. Mikarite Temari.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister MEHR, Hon. Auria Kitina; the Mayor and Clerk of Kiritimati Urban Council (KUC); church leaders; and staff from both MLPID and MELAD.

 

This milestone follows months of careful planning and coordination. Construction commenced on 1st September, with the official groundbreaking held on 4th September. The site was completed on 28th September.

The project was made possible through the support of the Government of Kiribati’s partner in Solid Waste Management, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT). Logistics were coordinated by Mr. Alice Leney, while local consultant Mr. Harry Langley oversaw the final development of the site.

 

With a total capacity of 7,000 cubic metres, the dumpsite is projected to accommodate Kiritimati’s waste disposal needs for the next 4 to 6 years, based on current generation rates.

Today’s event also marked the formal handover of the facility from MELAD to the Kiritimati Urban Council. An Environmental License was signed to formalize this transition.

 

MLPID contributed to the project by providing heavy machinery for site clearing and levelling, ensuring the successful establishment of this critical infrastructure.

Location of new dumpsite: https://www.google.com/maps?q=2.027056,-157.476389

Tuesday 30 September

 

A team from the Australian High Commission in Tarawa convened a ‘maroro' with government officials at the Linnix backyard. The discussion focused on two key Australian-funded initiatives benefiting the people of Kiribati:

 

- Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS)

- Direct Aid Program (DAP)

 

Application procedures and timelines were presented, and participants engaged actively with questions and feedback.

The programs were introduced by Ms Nicola Roth (Second Secretary – Development) and Mr Timaio Nauto (Assistant Program Manager – Employment & Labour Mobility). Attendees included Heads of Departments (HODs), Officers-in-Charge (OICs), Branch Managers of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

 

While on Kiritimati, the Australian High Commission team will continue consultations with local high schools and community groups. They will also attend the graduation ceremony at the Kiribati Institute of Technology – Kiritimati Campus.

The Heavy Machinery and Mechanical Division (HMMD) of the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID) hosted a welcome and blessing ceremony for newly acquired machinery generously provided by the Kiribati Government under the Outer Island Infrastructure Program project. These machines are designated to support infrastructure maintenance—particularly roadworks—across Christmas, Fanning, and Washington Islands.

 

The fleet includes:

• 3 tractors

• 3 mini tipper trucks

• 3 portable compactors

• 1 backhoe loader

 

MLPID extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE) for their outstanding efforts in the mobilization and successful handover of the equipment. The event was attended by MLPID Minister Hon. Mikarite Temari, accompanied by Members of Parliament Hon. Tonganibeia Koakoa (Tarawaieta), Hon. Moannata Ientaake (Marakei), and Hon. Iakobwa Karutaake (Rabi), along with Mr. David Yeeting, Secretary to the delegation.

 

The machinery will initially be deployed to clear the back road at Tabwakea village, providing improved access to Banana village.

Beginning of clearance work at Tabwakea village: https://www.google.com/maps?q=2.0193303,-157.4845162

A joint team from the Australian High Commission in Tarawa and the Ministry of Information, Communications and Transport (MICT) convened a stakeholder consultation to review the draft Masterplan for Cassidy International Airport. This session builds upon the initial consultation held in February 2025 and marks a significant step forward in shaping the future of Kiritimati’s aviation infrastructure.

Among the participants were the MLPID Minister Hon. Mikarite Temari, staff of MLPID, various NGOs and other Ministries' branches based in Kiritimati.

The Masterplan outlines a strategic vision for the development of Cassidy International Airport over the next two decades, aiming to accommodate a projected rise in international and domestic travelers. It reflects a long-term commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting tourism, and strengthening economic resilience across the Line Islands.

The development of the Masterplan is generously funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) , reinforcing Australia’s ongoing partnership with Kiribati in advancing sustainable infrastructure and regional development.

 

Cassidy International Airport location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/1.9867,-157.3503

On September 19th, the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID) proudly marked the groundbreaking of a new community clinic in Tabwakea village, set to serve the families of te Nii-Itikai and surrounding areas. This milestone project—generously supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China implemented by MLPID—aims to strengthen healthcare access and improve wellbeing across Kiritimati.

The ceremony was made even more memorable by the presence of our Minister Hon. Minister Mikarite Temari and Permanent Secretary Natario Kiati. Present as well was a distinguished visiting delegation, comprising Members of Parliament Hon. Tonganibeia Koakoa (Tarawaieta), Hon. Moannata Ientaake (Marakei), and Hon. Jacob Karutaake (Banaba), accompanied by Mr. David Yeeting, Secretary to the delegation.

Heads of Departments from MLPID, local leaders, and community members, all gathered to witness this momentous occasion and reaffirm their shared commitment to inclusive development and public service delivery.

As this project is listed as one of the 2nd 100 Days of MLPID, the construction of the clinic is expected to commence shortly, with completion before the end of the year.

Clinic location: 2°01'23"N 157°29'10"W