SMALL MALAITA CONSTITUENCY STRENGTHENS ROAD DEVELOPMENT WITH NEW MACHINERY HANDOVER

The Small Malaita Constituency has taken another major step toward improving rural infrastructure with the dedication and official handover of four new road machines, which will enhance road construction and maintenance across the constituency.

The machinery includes one road grader and one road roller funded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), along with two dump trucks funded by the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) through the 2025 Constituency Development Funds (CDF).

During a recent handover ceremony, Honourable Rick Hou, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade and Member of Parliament for Small Malaita, described the event as a landmark investment in the constituency’s future.

“Today is more than the handover of machinery. It is an investment in our people’s future. Good roads connect communities, improve access to schools and health services, create economic opportunities, and bring government services closer.”

Hon. Hou thanked China for its support and acknowledged the Solomon Islands Government for complementing the initiative through the CDF program.

“The partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and China continues to deliver practical development that directly benefits our people. Together, we are building infrastructure that will serve Small Malaita for many years.”

Representatives from the Ueniusu-Unu Tribes of Roone Village expressed their appreciation, saying the machinery brings hope to communities that have endured poor road access for years.

“We sincerely thank Hon. Rick Hou for making this possible. Better roads will improve transportation, help farmers reach markets, enable children to travel to school safely, and give rural communities easier access to health services.”

The landowners pledged their continued support and cooperation with the road project team to ensure the machinery is used effectively for the benefit of all communities.

Constituency Development Officer Terry Brown Honimae stated that following the handover, the machinery was dedicated before being entrusted to the Small Malaita Road Project Team.

“This symbolizes a shared commitment among government, development partners, landowners, and communities to advance infrastructure development in the constituency.”

Honimae said the new fleet will play a crucial role in opening and maintaining roads, supporting economic growth, improving public services, and enhancing rural communities’ quality of life.

Meanwhile, John Misite’e, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), congratulated Small Malaita Constituency for the milestone achievement and extend gratitude to China (PRC) for its ongoing support toward rural development initiatives that improve the lives of Solomon Islanders across the 50 constituencies.

“In any country, road infrastructure and access are vital for economic and social development. I hope these machines will boost the constituency’s efforts in development and road project implementation for the benefit of all communities in Small Malaita.”

With these additional machines, the SMC increases its operational fleet capacity, allowing for more effective delivery of road projects across various segments in the constituency.

Earlier this year, Small Malaita also received new road construction machinery, including a road roller, grader, and dump truck funded by China through the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) and the SIG through CDF.

This investment marks a milestone in the constituency’s progress toward improving construction efficiency, safety standards, and transport infrastructure development in Small Malaita.

Road Segment from Paeni to Waloa’a River.

Segment from Waloa’a River to Roone Village under construction.

Construction work in progress.

Road segment to Ro’one funded by CDF.

The newly handed-over road machines.

Some of the road construction workers during the official handover ceremony.

Construction in progress.

Waloa’a River crossing (half way from Paeni to Roone).

New road infrastructure brings sigh of relief and easy access to community members.

– MRD Press