CHINA-FUNDED RSDP DELIVERS 400 SOLAR-POWERED STREET LIGHTS TO COMMUNITIES IN EAST HONIARA CONSTITUENCY

The People’s Republic of China (PRC), in partnership with the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), on 19 August 2026, officially handed over Solar-powered Street Lights project worth $1.5 million to communities in East Honiara Constituency (EHC).

This generous support was made possible through the PRC-funded Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP), being implemented by MRD. The official handover program was held at the Norman Palmer School at Gilbert Camp, East Honiara.

The project include 400 units of Solar-powered Street Light components installed in various communities across the constituency (EHC), bringing light to communities, improving safety and creating a better safe environment for men, women, girls and boys.

This significant support is part of the PRC’s ongoing commitment through RSDP to sustainable development and empowering communities through strategic assistance projects that drive long-term improvements to livelihoods and self-sufficiency across the Solomon Islands.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Member of Parliament for East Honiara Constituency and the Minister for Health and Medical Services Honourable Morris Toiraena, said the project was about far more than infrastructure.

“Today is about bringing light to our communities, improving the safety of our people, and creating a better environment for our men, women, girls and boys,” Hon. Toiraena said.

Minister Toiraena said the new lighting would make a tangible difference in daily life across the constituency, giving commuters greater visibility on their way to work, school, church and market; giving women and girls greater confidence and security moving through their communities; creating safer public spaces for young people; and bringing families greater peace of mind.

“This project is not simply about installing lights. It is about illuminating opportunity. It is about strengthening community safety. And it is about improving the quality of life of our people,” he said.

Hon. Toiraena on behalf of the people of East Honiara extended deep gratitude to the People and Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Embassy, and all who worked to make the project possible, describing China as “a true friend and development partner to Solomon Islands.”

He said East Honiara looked forward to continuing a close and constructive relationship with China, with both sides working together to identify further opportunities to improve the lives of residents and support the constituency’s development.

The Minister also recognised the efforts and hard work of the installation team who worked along roads and in difficult conditions across East Honiara to install the 400 lights, as well as the community leaders, volunteers and officers who supported the project.

“Your work may not always receive the attention it deserves, but today we acknowledge you. This achievement belongs to you as well,” he said.

Hon. Toiraena emphasised that the lights belong to the people of East Honiara, not to the Member of Parliament, the constituency office, or any individual, and called on every community and beneficiary to protect them from vandalism, theft and damage, and to report anyone attempting to interfere with the lights or their components.

“Development is also about taking ownership and protecting what we have received,” he said.

He added that the lights symbolised more than infrastructure. “This light represents friendship. It represents cooperation. It represents hope. And it represents our shared commitment to building a better future for our people,” he said, expressing hope that the project would strengthen ties between the people of Solomon Islands and China and open the door to further cooperation.

“Let us keep East Honiara moving forward. Let us keep East Honiara shining,” he said.

Member of Parliament for East Honiara Constituency Honourable Morris Toiraena and Counsellor Li Qinghua of the Chinese Embassy flanked by MRD officials, HCC Councillors representatives, church reps and community representatives.

Meanwhile, Counsellor Li Qinghua of the Chinese Embassy congratulated East Honiara Constituency office and beneficiary communities on receiving the project.

She said “since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Solomon Islands in 2019, our two countries have built a practical and productive partnership across many sectors including health, education, infrastructure developments, agriculture and people-to-people exchanges in short term trainings and scholarship in China.

“Today’s handover is not merely the delivery of hardware. It reflects a shared vision of safety, security, and strong partnership,” Ms Li said.

She added that beyond Solomon Islands’ major infrastructure projects, such as telecommunications towers and Auki Road project, China also places great emphasis on smaller, smart initiatives such as the RSDP programme.

Counsellor Li also expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development and his officers for their continued support.

“From the outset, our focus has been on ensuring that the benefits of this project reach communities directly, and today’s solar light project stands as a testament to that commitment to social and economic development.

“…these solar lights will light your way home at night, and will contribute to greater safety and security within your communities. They stand as a further reflection of our shared partnership. I wish for the friendship and partnership between China and Solomon Islands to last forever,” she concluded.

Community leaders and constituents of East Honiara also expressed gratitude to the MP Hon. Morris Toiraena, the constituency office, MRD, PRC Embassy in Honiara, Honiara City Councillors especially for Wards in East Honiara and the people of East Honiara for their collaborative efforts in delivering the project.

Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Stanley Araha explained that the Constituency’s Solar Street Lights Project is a four-phase initiative to install 400 solar-powered street lights across East Honiara. Funded by China under the RSDP programme, the project aims to improve public safety and road visibility, starting with the main road before extending into surrounding feeder roads and communities.

“Phase 1 has been successfully completed, with 100 units installed covering Panatina, Lio Ridge, Lio Valley, Jackson Ridge, Koboto Market, and Lau Valley SDA Church and surrounding ridge. Phase 2 is currently underway, installing a further 100 units across April Valley, Kwaio Valley, Lau Valley 2, Kobito, Gilbert Camp, Okwala, Aekafo, and Lau Valley Primary School. Phases 3 and 4 will follow, bringing the project to its full target of 400 units.”

“Implementation has faced several challenges, including limited space between roads and residential boundaries, resistance from some residents to having poles sited near their property, and large trees along the road reducing solar charging efficiency, Araha said.

Despite these constraints, he added, the project team is actively addressing them through community engagement and vegetation clearance, and work is progressing well.

Araha thanked the PRC, the MRD, MP Morris Toiraena, and the communities and individuals involved in the project’s implementation.

The RSDP is a partnership programme between the PRC and the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Rural Development. Since 2023, China has actively supported RSDP, which is proposal-based and jointly implemented by MRD and the Chinese Embassy.

The programme aligns with China’s Global Development Initiative, including the Belt and Road Initiative, and supports Solomon Islands’ National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016–2035.

RSDP primarily targets rural and semi-urban communities, aiming to strengthen social and economic infrastructure, promote income-generating activities, and address food security and climate resilience.

Hon. MP Morris Toiraena delivers his speech.

Norman Palmer school students who were part of the program.

PS MRD John Misite’e delivers his remarks during the program.

Officials during the handover program.

One of the street light poles installed at Jackson Ridge.

Solar-powered Street lights installed at Gilbert Camp community.

One of the solar light poles installed at the Normal Palmer School, Gilbert Camp.

One of the street light poles installed at Lio Creek.

CDO Stanley Araha delivers a closing remark.

– MRD Press