Makira Partners with UNDP to Enhance Local Services

Makira signs agreement with UNDP to improve school WASH facilities under EU-funded PGSD project in Solomon Islands.

The Makira-Ulawa Provincial Government has signed a Letter of Agreement with UNDP to improve service delivery in the province under the European Union funded project Provincial Governance and Service Delivery Project (PGSD). The signing marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts from the European Union, the UNDP Solomon Islands Office as part of the UNDP Pacific Multi-Country Office and the national and provincial governments in Solomon Islands to strengthen equitable service delivery across the provinces, specifically in health and education.

Makira’s participation, formalized through the signing of a Letter of Agreement (LoA) by the Premier, Stanley Siapu, signals the first time the province benefits from the PGSD Project alongside Malaita and Rennell and Bellona (RenBel) Provinces. For the other six provinces—Central, Choiseul, Isabel, Guadalcanal, Temotu and Western—this marks a second phase of engagement under the project.

Under the agreement between the Province and UNDP, Makira-Ulawa Province will carry out two interventions aimed at improving WASH facilities in two primary schools: Haura and Toroiwango. Out of 70 primary schools in the province, these two were prioritized based on need and readiness. A total of 1,363 people are expected to benefit directly from these projects, including 425 students (Boys: 205/ Girls: 220) and 40 teachers, and 898 community members, with a strong focus on gender equity as 488 of the beneficiaries are women.

“Today marks a significant moment for our province—the signing of a Letter of Agreement between the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government and UNDP for the improvement of service delivery in the province,” said Stanley Siapu, Premier of Makira in Kirakira during the signing ceremony. “This agreement represents more than the construction of better facilities at schools—it symbolizes our shared commitment to uphold the dignity, health, and learning rights of our children.”

“Improving access to safe water and sanitation is critical for achieving broader development goals such as education and public health,” said Mozammel Haque, UNDP Project Manager. “Makira’s participation in this project not only reflects growing momentum toward decentralization, but also demonstrates the province’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens, especially its children.”

The PGSD project is part of the broader EU and UNDP Multi-Country Office in the Pacific strategy to support decentralization, inclusive governance, and improved service delivery at the sub-national level. With Makira now onboard, the initiative is present in all nine provinces of Solomon Islands.

SOURCE: UNDP PRESS