Director of Project Management Unit under MCT, Mr. Hudson Kaefia (third from right) hands over the 75hp Yamaha OBM engine and marine safety equipment to rep from Malaulalo Conservation and Tourism Association (MCTA), Mr. Vincent Marita (third from left). Also pictured are; Director of Culture Division under MCT, Mr Dennis Marita (right), MCT Development Officer for Eastern Region, Ms. Joan Sautehi (second from right) and on the left are two other reps from MCTA.
MCT supports MCTA with 75HP OBM engine
Honiara, Solomon Islands – 16/06/2026: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), through its Department of Tourism, has supported the Malaulalo Conservation and Tourism Association (MCTA), with a 75HP Yamaha outboard motor engine and marine safety equipment to improve logistics services of the tourism project on Malaulalo Island.
The support was officially handed over on Monday 15 July, and comes under the Ministry’s Small Grant Scheme, aimed to empower local communities to conserve their natural and cultural heritage while creating livelihood opportunities through tourism.
Under the support, the Ministry has allocated SBD $496,432.15 to MCTA, in 2025, and has been implemented on several key initiatives to support tourism on the island.
The initiatives include;
- A feasibility study to assess the island’s tourism potential
- Preparation of architectural designs for visitor accommodation facilities
- Purchase of an outboard engine and marine safety equipment
- Construction of a visitor bathroom facility
These investments aimed at improving the island’s tourism readiness and enhancing visitor experience to the islands, after the discovery of the world’s largest stand-alone coral near Malaulalo Island in 2024.
The discovery has positioned the island as an emerging ecotourism destination within Makira Ulawa province and the Solomon Islands.
Representing MCTA, Mr. Vincent Marita acknowledged the Ministry of Culture and Tourism through its Tourism Department, for its continued support, describing the handover as a major milestone for the island’s tourism development project.
“The handing over of the 75HP OBM engine will greatly serve the transportation needs of MCTA and its tourism initiative,” Mr. Marita said.
The overall project is now approximately 90 per cent complete and the remaining component involves finalising the architectural designs and construction plans, and expected to complete by 30 June 2026.
These components will provide foundation for the next phase of Malaulalo Tourism Development project, guiding future infrastructure development while supporting the island’s long-term vision as both a conservation haven and a sustainable tourism destination.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with MCTA, the Makira Ulawa provincial government and development partners to ensure that tourism development on the island remains sustainable, benefits local communities and protects Malaulalo’s unique environmental and cultural values for future generations.
MCT press Statement