BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Solomon Island government and People’s Republic of China Embassy office in Honiara have launched the SBD $80 million for the second phase of the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) in Honiara yesterday.
This milestone launching marks the continuation of the RSDP, which will be implemented through the Ministry of Rural Development in the 50 constituencies – with an allocation of SBD $1.5 million per constituency.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele expressed gratitude to the PRC for support and partnership on the program.
He said since the program started in late 2023, it has contributed and invested more than SBD $80 million in grants for communities across the country.
“This program has been instrumental in improving the lives of many people, both in rural and urban communities in our country.
“It provides access to important rural community infrastructures, increasing opportunities for local level socio-economic development and improving community livelihoods in all sectors,” Manele said.
The Prime Minister was delighted to see positive impact the RSDP program has on the people in this country, and look forward for similar impact in the second phase.
“I am highly positive that this second phase will have more positive impacts in our communities and constituencies.
“So, I am looking forward to celebrating together with the PRC the successes that will come out of this not-so-distant future,” he said.
The second phase of the RSDP also represents continue commitment by PRC towards sustainable development and empowerment of rural communities, to build a better future for the people of Solomon Islands.
Charge d Affairs of PRC Embassy office in Honiara, Yang Jie also said at the ceremony that since they started supporting the program in 2023, it brought immense benefit on communities in the country.
“Under the program, fish centers, community clinics, school classrooms, roads and other infrastructure have been built.
“Many equipment, facilities and materials such as fishing boats, OBMs, building materials, water tanks have been delivered to local people,” he said.
Jie added the RSDP has lifted the living standards of many communities. It promoted economic and social development in rural Solomon.
He further said with the launch of new phase of RSDP, it will enhance the infrastructure level and improve the quality of life for the local people from all 50 constituencies.
“We believe that under the leadership of the Prime Minister and with the efforts of all MPs, MRD officials and stakeholders, the implementation of RSDP will bring more tangible and accessible outcomes for the social and economic development of Solomon Islands,” Jie said.
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