The trucks during a dedication ritual.
CDF & RSDP FUNDS NORTH GUADALCANAL CONSTITUENCY’S $2.2 MILLION COOPERATIVE SOCIETY INITIATIVE TO BOOST ECONOMIC GROWTH, LIVELIHOODS
The North Guadalcanal Constituency (NGC) on 11 June 2026 launched a significant development initiative aimed at empowering rural communities through socio-economic growth.
The initiative involves establishing 13 Cooperative Societies with an investment of $2.2 million.
The launch coincided with the official handover of 13 trucks to support existing initiatives within the 12 Green Economic Zones (GEZs) across the constituency.
This effort seeks to promote economic growth, improve livelihoods, and foster sustainable development in North Guadalcanal.
This milestone follows last year’s introduction of 12 tractors to the GEZs, which focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security.
Both initiatives are supported by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) through its Constituency Development Funds (CDF) program and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) under the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP).
Funding contributions include $700,000 from the CDF under the NGC 2025 budget allocation and $1.5 million from PRC’s RSDP 2025 allocation, further strengthening the project’s impact.
The procurement and distribution of the trucks underscore the constituency’s strong commitment, led by Honourable Member of Parliament Dr. Paul Bosawai, to rural development.
Each of the 12 GEZs received a truck, with an additional one allocated to the GPPOL staff Cooperative Society. These trucks will support farm logistics and related activities within the economic zones.
During the handover ceremony, Hon. Dr. Bosawai emphasized the importance of community-driven development and expressed optimism about the project’s potential to transform local economies and livelihoods.
“This ceremony is more than a moment of reflection; it reaffirms our shared responsibility to deliver outcomes that uplift livelihoods, protect our environment, and strengthen our economy for future generations. I believe this will also contribute to the economic growth of the Solomon Islands,” he stated.
He highlighted that these initiatives demonstrate NGC’s commitment to tangible results benefiting every village, family, and farmer.
“Our 2024 budget milestones focus on transforming agricultural potential into real productivity. The 12 tractors procured last year are more than equipment, they are catalysts for change. They will increase farming output, reduce manual labour, and support more reliable harvests, leading to faster planting and harvesting cycles, improved soil management, and new opportunities for rural employment and income stability,” he explained.
He also outlined the strategic importance of the 12 Green Economic Zones, designed to promote environmentally responsible farming while serving as hubs for value-added activities, agro-processing, packaging, and storage. “These zones aim to attract investment and foster entrepreneurship, reinforcing North Guadalcanal’s local economy with sustainable, green growth.
Honourable Dr Paul Bosawai delivers his speech.
“These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to translating budget allocations into tangible on-the-ground impacts, ensuring every home, village, and family benefits from our efforts,” Hon. Dr. Bosawai added.
He described the launch of 13 cooperative societies as a transformative investment by the constituency, built by and for communities.
“These cooperatives will pool resources, expertise, and markets to strengthen bargaining power for smallholders, provide access to affordable inputs, finance, and technical support, and create resilient value chains from farm to market.
“The goal is to improve food security, expand livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to the Solomon Islands’ economy. These cooperatives will empower communities to own and manage economic activities, laying a foundation for shared prosperity and sustainable development for current and future generations,” he emphasized.
He reaffirmed that agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, serving as a pathway to nutrition, income stability, and resilience. The strategy involves mechanization, improved farming practices, value-added activities, and stronger market linkages to ensure fair prices and sustainable incomes.
The theme of the event was “Economic Resilience for National Sustainable Development.”
Hon. Dr. Bosawai also acknowledged development partners, particularly PRC (China), the Solomon Islands Government through the MRD, stakeholders, farmers, and the people of North Guadalcanal for their ongoing support.
In his remarks, MRD’s Permanent Secretary, John Misite’e, commended North Guadalcanal’s example of working beyond traditional CDF projects.
He emphasized that progress relies on partnership, cooperation, and shared community responsibility.
“Today, we celebrate the outcomes of these processes,” he said.
“Congratulations to the constituency and its people for their support and for sharing the vision set by their leadership.”
He expressed hope that the momentum will continue, thanking Hon. Dr. Bosawai’s leadership and the constituency’s development committee for their dedication.
“As someone directly involved in implementing the Constituency Development Program, I thank you for aligning with our government policies. I wish the leadership continued success as we move forward,” PS Misite’e added.
As the country aims to grow its economy, North Guadalcanal, under Hon. Dr. Bosawai’s leadership, emphasizes agriculture as a key driver of economic development, fostering vibrant rural economies that improve living standards.
This project aligns with national efforts to promote economic resilience and social progress across the Solomon Islands.
Reverend Benedict Loe, Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal, offered a dedication sacrament to the trucks.
The event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the Chinese Embassy, Australian High Commission, Guadalcanal Provincial Government, and the people and community of North Guadalcanal.
PS MRD John Misite’e delivers his speech.
Some of the North Guadalcanal constituents who attended the program.
MRD Permanent Secretary John Misite’e, Honourable Dr Paul Bosawai and Counsellor Li from the PRC Embassy are witnessing the launching program.
The tractors that were also funded by RSDP in 2023 for North Guadalcanal Constituency 12 Economic Zones.
Officials and invited guests, including the former Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Dr Derek Sikua during the program.
Officials during the program.
Gift presentations.
Happy constituents during the launch.
Reverend Benedict Loe, Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal, offered a dedication sacrament for the vehicles.
Counsellor Li from the PRC Embassy handed over vehicle key to representatives from GPPOL Cooperative Society as Honourable Dr Paul Bosawai looks on.
Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Honourable William Atu and the Permanent Secretary of MRD John Misite’e during the handover program.
The 13 trucks.
– MRD Press