MP HOU HANDOVERS 300K CDF-FUNDED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT TO NIU PLES COMMUNITY

The Member of Parliament for Small Malaita Constituency, Honourable Rick Hou, officially handed over the Niu Ples Water Supply Project to the community on 27^th June 2026.

Funded through the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) program, the project cost over $300,000.00 and aimed to improve access to safe and reliable water for households.

The project included construction of a water catchment dam, installation of pipelines, building of a storage tank base, setting up of a water storage system, and the establishment of community standpipes.

During the handover ceremony, Hon. Rick Hou emphasized that access to clean water is a basic necessity and an important foundation for improving health, sanitation, and the overall well-being of rural communities.

“This project reflects our commitment to enhancing essential services. Clean and reliable water will reduce the burden on families, improve public health, and foster community development,” he stated.

Hon. Hou acknowledged the efforts of the contractor, project committee, community leaders, landowners, church leaders, and residents who contributed to the project’s successful completion.

He encouraged the community to take ownership of the facility by ensuring proper management and maintenance of the system to serve future generations.

On behalf of the Niu Ples community, the Water Supply Project Chairman Shadrach Holo expressed gratitude to Hon. Rick Hou and the Small Malaita Constituency Office for addressing a critical development need.

He commended Hon. Hou for making the project a reality, noting that it marks a historic milestone as the first reliable and safe water supply since the village’s establishment.

“Historically, families relied on streams and natural water sources, often traveling long distances to collect water.

“The new water system will greatly improve health, hygiene, and daily life, and the community is committed to maintaining it for future generations,” he added.

Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Terry Brown highlighted that the successful completion of the project demonstrates the power of collaboration between the government, the Small Malaita Constituency Office, and the community.

He noted that it is part of ongoing efforts of the constituency office to improve rural infrastructure and basic services across the constituency.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), which administered the CDF, congratulated Small Malaita Constituency on this achievement.

He expressed satisfaction that the constituency office utilized its CDF allocation for such livelihood projects and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting rural development.

“So, access to reliable, clean, and safe water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation is vital. Projects like this will undoubtedly transform lives,” he stated.

PS Misite’e also underscored the importance of collaboration between the government, MRD, constituency office, and communities for project success.

“We all know that water is essential for life. Access to clean and safe water is a key sustainable development goal that the government, through MRD, is committed to achieving for rural communities,” he emphasized.

MRD looks forward to working closely with SMC and the other constituencies to deliver meaningful projects that improve rural livelihoods.

CDF is part of the Solomon Islands Government’s (SIG) Constituency Development Program, administered by MRD and implemented across 50 constituencies to enhance livelihoods.

The Ministry vision aims to empower Solomon Islanders toward self-sufficiency, improved living standards, and sustainable development.

Member of Parliament Hon. Rick Hou (centre), Chairman of the water supply project Shadrach Holo (left) and a village Chief cut the ribbon to officially handover the water supply project to the Niu Ples community.

Community members express excitement for their new water supply.

Community members enjoy their new water supply.

Community members with their MP Hon. Rick Hou excited for their new water supply.

One of the water tab community standpipes.

– MRD Press