China, working with the Ministry of Rural Development, delivered a $1.5 million maritime transport package to the West Makira Constituency on 4 September 2026, the ministry said in a statement published on the Solomon Islands Government portal on 10 September.

The project is funded through China’s Rural Sustainable Development Program, or RSDP, and implemented by the ministry, the statement said. It supplies 17 fibreglass boats along with 18 outboard motors, nine of 40hp and nine of 30hp, according to the statement.

Selwyn Aharo, the constituency’s development officer, accepted the assets on behalf of Minister Derrick Manu’ari, the Member of Parliament for West Makira, who was unable to attend because of national duties, the ministry said. They were handed over by Counsellor Li Qinghua, who represented the Chinese Embassy, according to the statement.

The ministry said the recipients include health clinics at Aringana, Ubuna, Waikaha, Apaoro and Maetawa, community high schools at Tawatana, Haura and Sogotiwa, and eight families in fishery and agriculture associations.

Aharo said the boats and engines would let medical staff make emergency referrals, move critical patients and carry out outreach, and would help schools with student transport and supplies, according to the statement. “This project is a physical reality that will immediately transform livelihoods, enhance rural health delivery, support educational mobility, and boost our local economic sectors,” he said.

He urged the recipient groups to look after the equipment as communal assets needing responsible maintenance, the ministry said. Li described RSDP as one of China’s “small yet smart” projects and said its implementation prioritised community safety, according to the statement.

John Misite’e, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, speaking for the government, acknowledged China’s continued support for the programme, the statement said. The ministry said it and the Chinese Embassy have run RSDP jointly since 2023 on a proposal basis, and that similar support has gone to other constituencies under RSDP Phase 2.

Source: Source: the statement “West Makira Constituency gets $1.5 million transport boost as China-funded RSDP targets key sectors”, published by the Ministry of Rural Development on the Solomon Islands Government portal (solomons.gov.sb) on 10 September 2026. https://solomons.gov.sb/west-makira-constituency-gets-1-5-million-transport-boost-as-china-funded-rsdp-targets-key-sectors/