MRD HANDS OVER RSDP-FUNDED MARITIME TRANSPORT PROJECT TO EAST MAKIRA, COMMENDS CHINA FOR $1.5 MILLION SUPPORT

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) handed over a $1.5 million maritime transport project to East Makira Constituency (EMC) at Namuga Station on 26 October 2026.

The project comprises 11 boats and 25 outboard motor (OBM) engines, funded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) through the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP), which MRD implements.

Distributed to communities and families across the constituency, the boats and engines will improve transport access, support emergency medical runs including general transportation of people to access vital services in the rural area.

The project reflects the firm partnership between the PRC and the Solomon Islands Government, and their ongoing commitment, through the RSDP, to sustainable development and to empowering communities through strategic assistance projects that improve livelihoods and self-sufficiency.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Member of Parliament for EMC, Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi, thanked the Government of the PRC for its generous support.

He said maritime transport is vital in East Makira, where there is no road access, because it connects communities and enables the constituency’s socio-economic activities.

“Thank you, PRC, for this $1.5 million funding assistance under the RSDP, which enabled us to purchase these assets. We will continue our partnership to ensure our communities are supported in improving their livelihoods,” he said.

“These boats will help transport our people from one point to another, especially the sick, and women and children who need to seek medical attention and other emergency runs.

“This project is very useful for our people because we have no road infrastructure like other constituencies, and the only way to move from one place to another is by sea,” Hon. Wasi stated.

“We have been friends with China since 2019, seven years now, and they have been very helpful to us. We have seen many major developments they have supported, and for that we thank the PRC. They are a very good friend, and we hope to maintain this relationship in the years to come,” Honourable Wasi remarked.

Hon. Wasi also called on recipients to take good care of the assets and use them responsibly for the benefit of their communities.

Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi officially handed over the boats and engines to the recipients witnessed by the MRD Deputy Secretary Technical Noel Matea on the far left.

Representing the Solomon Islands Government, MRD Deputy Secretary Technical (DST) Noel Matea congratulated the recipients and said he was pleased to witness this milestone in the constituency’s development.

“Today we gather to witness the official handover of projects funded under the RSDP to EMC. The projects are funded by our good friends from the PRC, and the MRD facilitates the program.

“This handover is a clear testament to what we can achieve together through strong partnership and dedicated leadership. Through our partnership with our friends from China, we have been able to procure these boats and engines. Through the visionary and dedicated leadership of your Member of Parliament, you, the recipients and the people of EMC, will benefit from the projects you receive.

“In this regard, I would like to say to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China: thank you so much. Your support will empower our people, particularly in EMC.”

DST Matea commended Hon. Wasi and his constituency officers for their tireless efforts in driving community-focused development.

He said the Ministry remains steadfast in its mandate and continues to work closely with all 50 constituencies to improve the livelihoods of rural Solomon Islanders.

He urged recipients to look after the assets, which represent a significant investment, and to use them in the interests of their communities.

“MRD will continue to work alongside our international development partners, constituencies and communities to advance rural transformation across our nation.

“May these projects give you a fresh start, empower you to remain resilient in the face of challenges, support your pursuit of socio-economic development, and bring long-term prosperity, peace and joy to your communities,” he said.

Fred Mahaisi, speaking on behalf of the recipients, acknowledged the partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and the PRC, noting that the project will significantly ease sea transport challenges in East Makira.

He thanked China for its funding, and MRD and the constituency office for ensuring the assets reached the intended beneficiaries.

Mr Mahaisi said the assets will benefit not only the direct recipients but also communities during health emergencies including general transportation of people to access vital services in EMC. They will also provide an income through passenger runs and boat hire, supporting family livelihoods.

Community representative Alfred Marruy thanked the PRC, MRD and the constituency office, under Hon. Wasi’s leadership, for delivering the projects and travelling to the rural area for the handover.

He urged recipients to take good care of the assets so they continue to serve the people of East Makira.

The event was attended by Hon. Wasi, DST Matea, government and EMC office representatives, chiefs, elders and community leaders, and women, youth and children of East Makira.

The RSDP is a partnership program between the PRC and the Solomon Islands Government, implemented jointly by MRD and the Chinese Embassy. China has actively supported the program since 2023, and projects are proposal-based. The RSDP aligns with China’s Global Development Initiative, including the Belt and Road Initiative, and supports Solomon Islands’ National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016-2035.

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

Some of the boats during a flotilla through the Namuga Ports passage.

Honourable Franklyn Derek Wasi delivers his remarks.

Some of the community members who were part of the handover program.

Boats funded by RSDP during the handover program.

Boats and OBM engines funded by RSDP upon arrival for the handover program.

MRD Deputy Secretary Technical Noel Matea delivers his remarks.

One of the 25 OBM engines funded by RSDP.

Some of the recipients with their boats.

Boats and OBM engines funded by RSDP.

– MRD Press