Small Malaita receives SBD 1.5m road machinery under PRC–Solomon Islands RSDP to support rural road development
The Small Malaita Constituency received road machinery valued at SBD 1.5 million under a partnership program between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Solomon Islands Government, the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP). The handover took place in Honiara on Friday, 12 October 2025.
The support includes a grader and a road roller compactor and is intended to support ongoing road infrastructure development in Small Malaita. The initiative aims to improve access to markets and services and to support socio-economic development in the constituency.
having a conversation with MRD officials and Constituency officers.
“This support is not just a donation but a recognition of our constituency’s strategic direction and our determination to open up Small Malaita through strategic infrastructure development,” Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Terry Brown Honimae said when delivering remarks on behalf of the Member of Parliament for Small Malaita Constituency, Rick Hou.
“This is a practical support aligned with our development mandate—one that will directly impact the quality of life of our people,” CDO Honimae emphasized.
“…we reaffirm our commitment to responsible leadership, transparency, and accountability in using these machines for our road development. The people of Small Malaita can be assured that this support strengthens our political commitment to delivering tangible development on the ground.
“We look forward to continued cooperation with PRC and other partners who share our vision of a stronger, more connected, and resilient community. Today’s handover clearly indicates that Small Malaita is moving forward—and we will continue to lead with purpose, unity, and determination,” Mr. Honimae stressed.
Counsellor Li Qinghua from the Chinese Embassy in Solomon Islands said the handover marked a new chapter of practical cooperation between the PRC and Solomon Islands under the new phase of the RSDP.
Ms Li stated that, as a partnership between the PRC and the people of Solomon Islands, the main purpose of the RSDP is to improve social and economic development in the country.
She further highlighted China’s ongoing support for rural development initiatives in Solomon Islands and emphasized its commitment to providing capacity-building and training opportunities for constituencies.
The focus of these efforts, she said, is knowledge transfer aimed at supporting Solomon Islands’ long-term development and prosperity.
Speaking on behalf of the government, John Misite’e, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), expressed appreciation to the PRC for its continued commitment and support to the RSDP and to improving livelihoods in Solomon Islands.
PS Misite’e also acknowledged the trust placed in the MRD to coordinate and implement the partnership program.
PS Misite’e said road machinery represents only one part of the inputs required to achieve tangible outcomes at the rural level in Small Malaita.
“The work begins when the machines are on the ground doing the work.”
“In any country, road infrastructure and access are very vital in its economic and social development.
“I hope these machines will boost the constituency’s efforts in its development aspirations and road project implementation for the benefit of all communities of Small Malaita.”
A community representative and Constituency Development Committee (CDC) member for Small Malaita Constituency, Fr. Stanley Hoiasi, also acknowledged the Chinese government for its continued support.
He noted that support for road development in the constituency would benefit communities across the islands.
With the additional machinery, the Small Malaita Constituency has increased its operational capacity, enabling current road projects to be implemented more effectively across different sections.
The PRC began supporting the RSDP in 2023. The program is proposal-based, with the Ministry of Rural Development coordinating implementation in partnership with the Chinese Embassy in Honiara to ensure alignment with the Global Development Initiative, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the Solomon Islands Government National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016–2035.
The RSDP focuses on rural populations in remote areas across the country’s 50 constituencies, including underdeveloped urban and semi-urban areas.
Priority thematic areas under the RSDP include social and economic infrastructure, income-generating projects, and initiatives addressing livelihoods, food security, and climate change.
SOURCE : Ministry of Rural Development
