Drought hits Tuvalu; thousands of RAT kits going to Tonga; and PNG football team set for Singapore challenge

A drought is affecting three islands in Tuvalu.

According to an update by Tuvalu authorities, the islands of Nanumea, Niutao, Nui are experiencing below average rainfall.

Authorities are also reporting a shortage of water supplies on the islands.

New Caledonia prison to be moved

The French High Commissioner in New Caledonia says by the end of the year a new location for the territory's main prison is expected to be identified.

Outside Noumea prison, New Caledonia Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel

The Camp-Est jail at the outskirts of Noumea, which is one of the most overcrowded jails run by France, has been at the centre of criticism for years.

Patrice Faure said a key challenge is to find a new site was in part because the prison is threatened by rising sea levels.

Two thirds of the 239 cells are shipping containers to house prisoners.

Chinese city to give 10,000 RAT kits to Tonga

The Tongan Ministry of Health has received 10,000 rapid antigen testing kits from China, to assist with the containment of Covid-19, after the gradual re-opening of the Kingdom's border.

The donation from Dongguan City in Guangdong Province, was handed over by Acting Ambassador for China, Ruan Dewen, to the CEO of the Ministry for Health Dr Siale 'Akau'ola, last week.

Ruan said since the border opened up two weeks ago it was very important to have quick and efficient tests.

The gift was one of the outcomes of a visit to Tonga by a Chinese state councillor earlier this year.

"China Tonga are good friends we are glad to see that our comprehensive strategic partnership of mutual respect and common development has brought a lot of concrete cooperation in various fields, including health cooperation," said Ruan.

Solomons police tackling illegal booze sales

Royal Solomon Islands Police are cracking down on the illegal sale of alcohol.

A spokesperson said officers are making their presence known in Taro in Choiseul Province.

Officers have served suspension letters to four people who are allegedly selling liquor illegally in their premises.

Choiseul's Provincial Police Commander said it follows a number of complaints being filed by members of Taro and Supizae communities.

PNG to warm-up for World Cup play-offs with twin friendlies

Papua New Guinea women's football team will host Singapore in a pair of international friendlies next month.

The matches will take place on Friday, September 2 and Monday 5 at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby with both matches kicking off at 4:30pm.

Head coach Nicola Demaine told the Post Courier the matches are part of their preparation towards next year's Inter-Continental Playoffs in New Zealand with a place in the 2023 Women's World Cup at stake.

Demaine says she will be assembling all players this week to undergo a two week camp in Port Moresby to prepare for the games.