Franklyn Derek Wasi officially handed over the boats and
engines to the recipients witnessed by the MRD Deputy
Secretary Technical Noel Matea on the far left.
(Photo/Supplied)
The Ministry of
Rural Development (MRD) handed over a $1.5 million maritime
transport project to East Makira Constituency (EMC) at
Namuga Station on 26 October 2026.
The project
comprises 11 boats and 25 outboard motor (OBM) engines,
funded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) through the
Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP), which MRD
implements.
Distributed to communities and families
across the constituency, the boats and engines will improve
transport access, support emergency medical runs including
general transportation of people to access vital services in
the rural area.
The project reflects the firm
partnership between the PRC and the Solomon Islands
Government, and their ongoing commitment, through the RSDP,
to sustainable development and to empowering communities
through strategic assistance projects that improve
livelihoods and self-sufficiency.
Speaking at the
ceremony, the Member of Parliament for EMC, Honourable
Franklyn Derek Wasi, thanked the Government of the PRC for
its generous support.
He said maritime transport is
vital in East Makira, where there is no road access, because
it connects communities and enables the constituency’s
socio-economic activities.
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
“Thank you, PRC, for this
$1.5 million funding assistance under the RSDP, which
enabled us to purchase these assets. We will continue our
partnership to ensure our communities are supported in
improving their livelihoods,” he said.
“These
boats will help transport our people from one point to
another, especially the sick, and women and children who
need to seek medical attention and other emergency
runs.
“This project is very useful for our people
because we have no road infrastructure like other
constituencies, and the only way to move from one place to
another is by sea,” Hon. Wasi stated.
“We have
been friends with China since 2019, seven years now, and
they have been very helpful to us. We have seen many major
developments they have supported, and for that we thank the
PRC. They are a very good friend, and we hope to maintain
this relationship in the years to come,” Honourable Wasi
remarked.
Hon. Wasi also called on recipients to take
good care of the assets and use them responsibly for the
benefit of their communities.
Representing the Solomon
Islands Government, MRD Deputy Secretary Technical (DST)
Noel Matea congratulated the recipients and said he was
pleased to witness this milestone in the constituency’s
development.
“Today we gather to witness the
official handover of projects funded under the RSDP to EMC.
The projects are funded by our good friends from the PRC,
and the MRD facilitates the program.
“This handover
is a clear testament to what we can achieve together through
strong partnership and dedicated leadership. Through our
partnership with our friends from China, we have been able
to procure these boats and engines. Through the visionary
and dedicated leadership of your Member of Parliament, you,
the recipients and the people of EMC, will benefit from the
projects you receive.
“In this regard, I would like
to say to the Government and people of the People’s
Republic of China: thank you so much. Your support will
empower our people, particularly in EMC.”
DST Matea
commended Hon. Wasi and his constituency officers for their
tireless efforts in driving community-focused
development.
He said the Ministry remains steadfast in
its mandate and continues to work closely with all 50
constituencies to improve the livelihoods of rural Solomon
Islanders.
He urged recipients to look after the
assets, which represent a significant investment, and to use
them in the interests of their communities.
“MRD
will continue to work alongside our international
development partners, constituencies and communities to
advance rural transformation across our nation.
“May
these projects give you a fresh start, empower you to remain
resilient in the face of challenges, support your pursuit of
socio-economic development, and bring long-term prosperity,
peace and joy to your communities,” he said.
Fred
Mahaisi, speaking on behalf of the recipients, acknowledged
the partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and
the PRC, noting that the project will significantly ease sea
transport challenges in East Makira.
He thanked China
for its funding, and MRD and the constituency office for
ensuring the assets reached the intended
beneficiaries.
Mr Mahaisi said the assets will benefit
not only the direct recipients but also communities during
health emergencies including general transportation of
people to access vital services in EMC. They will also
provide an income through passenger runs and boat hire,
supporting family livelihoods.
Community
representative Alfred Marruy thanked the PRC, MRD and the
constituency office, under Hon. Wasi’s leadership, for
delivering the projects and travelling to the rural area for
the handover.
He urged recipients to take good care of
the assets so they continue to serve the people of East
Makira.
The event was attended by Hon. Wasi, DST
Matea, government and EMC office representatives, chiefs,
elders and community leaders, and women, youth and children
of East Makira.
The RSDP is a partnership program
between the PRC and the Solomon Islands Government,
implemented jointly by MRD and the Chinese Embassy. China
has actively supported the program since 2023, and projects
are proposal-based. The RSDP aligns with China’s Global
Development Initiative, including the Belt and Road
Initiative, and supports Solomon Islands’ National
Development Strategy (NDS) 2016-2035.
The program
primarily targets rural and semi-urban communities. It aims
to strengthen social and economic infrastructure, promote
income-generating activities, and address food security and
climate
resilience.
