ECGC receives SBD1.5 million road machinery under RSDP to improve access to markets, health services, and communities.
The East Central Guadalcanal Constituency (ECGC) on Wednesday 17 December received road machinery valued at SBD1.5 million under the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP).
The handover ceremony, attended by the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Lazarus Rina, and residents from communities in and around the Moga River area, marked the delivery of the machinery from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The handover represents a step toward addressing deteriorated road infrastructure in the constituency, which has been in decline for more than a decade. The equipment is expected to improve road connectivity to markets, health facilities, and government services for communities in the region.
keys of the road machines to Honourable Lazarus Rina, Member of Parliament for
ECGC, flanked by MRD Permanent Secretary John Misite’e, representatives from the
Guadalcanal Provincial Government, constituency officers, chiefs, community
members, and MRD officers.
For more than 12 years, residents of ECGC, from Ruavatu to Aola, have experienced poor road conditions that have restricted transportation, affected economic activity, and limited access to essential services. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Lazarus Rina expressed appreciation to the PRC government and its people for their support through the RSDP.
He said the machinery would contribute to improving road conditions within the constituency.
“Our people have long cried for improved roads, and today, we celebrate this milestone,” he said.
Rina highlighted the importance of partnership, noting that combined efforts from communities, the PRC, and the Solomon Islands Government are key to achieving development outcomes. He urged communities to take good care of the machinery, which includes a tipper truck and an excavator, and to support road workers involved in infrastructure improvements.
He also acknowledged landowning groups for allowing gravel to be used for emergency repairs and called for unity among local leaders and stakeholders to sustain development initiatives in the constituency.
Counsellor Li Qinghua of the Chinese Embassy said China remains committed to supporting Solomon Islands’ socio-economic development through initiatives such as the RSDP. She noted that road infrastructure is a fundamental factor in economic and social development, as reflected in the Chinese proverb: “If you want to be rich, build roads first”.
She said the RSDP is intended not only as a development project but as a partnership focused on empowerment and enabling communities to become more self-reliant. China’s support also includes capacity-building and training programmes aimed at transferring skills and knowledge to Solomon Islands citizens to promote sustainable development.
Counsellor Li reaffirmed the PRC’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure and socio-economic resilience through its development support in Solomon Islands.
Members of the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly, including representatives from wards within ECGC, expressed support for the project. Clement Kilua, Member of the Provincial Assembly for Aola Ward, described the initiative as a “great milestone,” noting it would help ease long-standing challenges by improving access to essential services.
Aola Ward, delivers his remarks.
On behalf of other MPAs, Kilua pledged 15 drums of fuel to support emergency road repairs, reflecting provincial government support for the rehabilitation work. Other MPAs present included Peter Asa of Kolokarako Ward and Alfred Lini of Valasi Ward, who also expressed support for the project.
Margaret Leua, representing women from Moga village, said poor road conditions had made it difficult for women to access markets and healthcare, affecting livelihoods and well-being. She expressed appreciation to the PRC, the national government, and the constituency office, noting that the new machinery would help reduce transportation challenges.
She said communities are anticipating improved road conditions and better access to services in the coming weeks.
Chiefs, community leaders, men, women, and youth attended the ceremony, indicating broad community support for the initiative.
during the handing-over ceremony.
The RSDP is a partnership programme between the PRC and the Solomon Islands Government. Since 2023, China has supported the RSDP, which is proposal-based and implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development in partnership with the Chinese Embassy. The programme aligns with Solomon Islands’ National Development Strategy 2016–2035 and China’s Global Development Initiative, including the Belt and Road Initiative.
The RSDP focuses on rural and semi-urban communities, aiming to improve social and economic infrastructure, promote income-generating activities, and address challenges such as food security and climate resilience.
SOURCE : MRD Media
