SIART backs new agriculture office in Auki to boost services, farmer support, and sector growth in Malaita Province
Monday 6 April, Honiara – The Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project acknowledges the Solomon Islands Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) for their commitment towards the successful completion of a new agriculture office building in Auki, Malaita Province.
SIART Project Manager, Mr William Okekini acknowledge the support of key development partners, the Solomon Islands Government through MAL and the World Bank for their continued financial support and technical support in driving the transformation in our agricultural sector.
A ground-breaking ceremony was hosted in Auki on Wednesday 1 April 2026 paving the way for the construction of the new modern office building in Auki, which marks significant milestone, not only for the MAL, but also for the farmers, agribusiness groups, and communities across Malaita Province.
The ceremony was attended by a high-level Government Delegation led by Prime Minister Hon Jeremiah Manele, Malaita Province Premier Hon Elijah Asilaua and members of his Provincial Government, World Bank representatives, farmers and communities in and around Auki.
In delivering his keynote address, Prime Minister Manele assured that his Government, through MAL, remains fully committed to ensuring the timely completion of this project, maintaining high-quality standards, and delivering a facility that will effectively serve its purpose.
“I am confident that this new office will enhance collaboration, improve service delivery, and contribute significantly to the growth and resilience of agriculture in Malaita Province and across the Solomon Islands,” Prime Minister Manele said.
Minister of Agriculture, Hon Nestor Ghiro said his Ministry is proud to work with the World Bank through the SIART Project Team to support initiatives such as this, which aims to improve infrastructure, enhance service delivery, and empower our Agriculture Business Producer Organizations (ABPOs).
“Through this collaboration, we are working together to ensure that farmers are better supported, markets are strengthened, and livelihoods are improved,” he said.
Another new agriculture office building is also currently under construction in Kirakira, Makira/Ulawa Province.
SIART Project Manager, Mr Okekini said these new office facilities reflects our shared commitment to improving the working environment for our staff and to ensuring that agricultural services are more accessible and responsive to the needs of our rural farmers and communities.
Mr Okekini added: “Let us look forward to the timely completion of these two provincial offices that will greatly benefit our people in Malaita and Makira/Ulawa province.”
The SIART Project’s objective is to increase agricultural production and improve market access in selected value chains in Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira/Ulawa. Additionally, the project ensures a prompt and effective response in the event of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency.
SIART is implemented by MAL and supported by the World Bank.
SOURCE: SIART Media Release
