The People’s Republic of China, PRC is funding the development of a mini-hospital and WASH facilities in East Malaita. Construction work on the mini-hospital project commenced on 20 August 2022. Like most constituencies in Solomon Islands, East Malaita constituents are confronted with the challenge of accessing basic health services and adequate water supply. The support from PRC was seen as a relief since the project was left hanging when the Solomon Islands government switched diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China. The initial support for the project was to come from Taiwan.
Speaking to the East Malaita people, Member of Parliament, Mr. Manasseh Maelanga says getting the project together was no easy task.
“Together we can achieve our vision and greater things that will help our livelihood”.
Since 2019, the Malaita Provincial Government, led by Premier Daniel Suidani has not supported the national government’s decision to switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China. A communique initiated by the provincial government disproved Chinese investment in Malaita. A World Bank infrastructure project to rebuild a bridge on the island was also refused by the Provincial Government, because the winning contractor was China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
“I further call on the other constituencies in Solomon Islands to embrace this development partnership with PRC and other donor partners as we strive to improve the lives of our people”, Maelanga said.
Other projects and materials delivered for the East Malaita Constituency includes; 69 water tanks from PRC WASH Project, boats under the Fishery Project, machineries for construction of new feeder roads and maintenance work in East Malaita, gravel, bricks, steel rods, fuel drums and other materials for the mini-hospital.
Landowners in East Malaita have taken the liberty to formally register their land under the government’s Customary Land Recording initiative. This undertaking in East Malaita is being looked after by the Ungaiabu Trust Board.
SOURCE: Ministry of Rural Development
