Savo-Russell Communities Benefit from CDF Marine Transportation Project

Two of the five remaining boats from the total eleven funded boats have yet to be handed over to their respective recipient communities.

Some of the boat engines that were handed over along with the boats last week.

First six of the eleven boats that were handed over last week are fitted with 40hp engines each.

More communities in the Savo-Russell Constituency received fiberglass boats and Outboard Motor Engines (OBMs) last week to help ease transportation challenges and support livelihoods across the constituency.

The transportation project was funded under the constituency’s 2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation and included 11 fiberglass boats and 11 units of 40 and 15 horsepower Yamaha outboard motors, costing more than SBD800,000.

Of the 11 boats and engines, six were handed over to the first group of recipient communities last weekend. The remaining five boats and units of 15 horsepower OBMs will be delivered to the other five communities once they are available from supplier Y. Sato Marine.

The first six communities to receive the equipment were Mane, Marulaon, Kiolene and Yandina in the Russell Islands, and Reko and Balola on Savo Island.

Constituency Development Officer George Hassar said the support forms part of the office’s ongoing efforts under the leadership of Member of Parliament Oliver Salopuka to improve socio-economic livelihoods in the constituency.

He said the project was designed to ease transportation difficulties for residents travelling between island communities and to and from Honiara. With no road access on the islands, sea transport using OBMs remains the primary means of travel. The new boats and engines are expected to improve access to markets, education, employment and health services.

Hassar added that other key projects being implemented include housing initiatives currently underway on both Savo and the Russell Islands. In 2025, the constituency office also supported household projects, including assistance to small store operators in various communities.

Under the social sector, musical equipment and building materials, including water tanks, were delivered to churches and individuals. Financial assistance was also provided to copra buyers and fishers under the productive sector. Hassar said these initiatives are ongoing as part of the constituency office’s commitment to facilitating government-supported services for local communities.

In the education sector, the constituency office continues to assist students at both secondary and tertiary levels through 50 percent tuition fee payments under the CDF programme. The office also secured six scholarships and is continuing to pursue additional constituency-based scholarship grants through the Ministry of Education.

The Constituency Development Fund is a national programme of the Solomon Islands Government, administered by the Ministry of Rural Development and implemented across all 50 constituencies. The programme aims to improve social and economic livelihoods nationwide in line with the ministry’s vision of promoting self-sufficiency, improved livelihoods and sustainable development.

SOURCE: MRD Media