The East Central Guadalcanal Constituency (ECGC) on Wednesday 17th December received a SBD1.5 million worth of road machineries under the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP).
This milestone event, witnessed by the Member of Parliament for the Constituency, Honourable Lazarus Rina, and people from in and around the Moga river area, received the machineries from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The handover of the machineries marks a pivotal step toward revitalizing the dilapidated road infrastructure that has been in decline for over a decade; promising an improved road connectivity to market and services for the communities in this region.
For more than twelve (12) years, residents of ECGC starting from Ruavatu to Aola have endured poor road conditions, which have severely restricted transportation, hampered economic activities, and limited access to health facilities, and government services.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Honourable Lazarus Rina expressed deep gratitude to the PRC government and its people for their generous support through the RSDP.
He emphasized that the machineries would play a crucial role in transforming road conditions within his constituency.
“Our people have long cried for improved roads, and today, we celebrate this milestone,” he said.
Hon. Rina highlighted the importance of the partnership, noting that community efforts combined with PRC and the Solomon Islands Government support are key to achieving tangible development outcomes.
He further urged the communities to take good care of the machineries which include a tipper truck and an excavator and to support the road workers who dedicate their efforts to improve infrastructure.
Hon. Rina also acknowledged landowning groups for allowing their gravel to be used in emergency repairs, demonstrating community cooperation.
He called for unity among local leaders and stakeholders to sustain development initiatives in the constituency.
Counsellor Li Qinghua of the Chinese Embassy, in her remarks, highlighted China’s commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ socio-economic development through projects like RSDP.
Ms Li furthermore emphasised that road infrastructure is one of the most fundamental factors in economic and social development; one which is highly recognised in the Chinese proverb: “If you want to be rich, build roads first”.
She adds that the RSDP is not just a development project but a partnership rooted in empowerment, aiming to enable local communities to become self-reliant.
China’s support extends beyond infrastructure; it includes capacity-building and training programs designed to transfer knowledge and skills to Solomon Islands’ citizens, thus fostering sustainable development.
Counsellor Li reaffirmed PRC’s dedication to strengthening the country’s infrastructure and socio-economic resilience through its various development support in Solomon Islands.
Members of the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly, particularly representatives from Wards within ECGC, expressed their full support behind the project.
Honourable Clement Kilua, MPA for Aola Ward speaking on behalf of other MPs, described the project as a “great milestone,” emphasizing that it would ease the years of hardship by connecting communities to essential services more efficiently.
Hon. Kilua on behalf of his other MPA colleagues pledged 15 drums of fuel to support emergency repairs, demonstrating the provincial government commitment in supporting this road rehabilitation work.
Other MPAs in attendance included Hon. Peter Asa for Kolokarako Ward and Alfred Lini of Valasi Ward, who also expressed similar enthusiasm about the upcoming road improvements.
Mrs. Margaret Leua, representing women from Moga village, shared her happiness over the support.
She described how poor road conditions had made it difficult for women to travel to markets and access healthcare—essential for their livelihoods and well-being.
She expressed similar sentiments as others and conveyed her gratitude to the PRC, the national government, and the constituency office led by Hon. Rina, emphasizing that the new machinery would significantly ease their transportation burdens.
Mrs Leua concluded with excitement, noting that the community anticipates smoother rides and better access to markets and services in the coming weeks.
Chiefs, community leaders, men, women, and youth attended the ceremony, reflecting broad community support for the project.
The RSDP is a partnership program between PRC and the SIG. Since 2023, China has been actively supporting the RSDP, which is proposal-based and implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development in partnership with the Chinese Embassy. The program aligns with China’s broader Global Development Initiative, including the Belt and Road Initiative, and supports Solomon Islands’ National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016-2035.
The RSDP primarily targets rural and semi-urban communities, aiming to improve social and economic infrastructure, promote income-generating activities, and address issues such as food security and climate resilience.
– MRD
