The Ministry of Rural Development handed over a $1.5 million maritime transport project to East Makira Constituency at Namuga Station on 26 October 2026.
The project is made up of 11 boats and 25 outboard motor engines, funded by the People's Republic of China through the Rural Sustainable Development Programme (RSDP), which the ministry implements.
The boats and engines were given to communities and families across the constituency. The ministry said they will improve transport access and support emergency medical runs, as well as general travel for people seeking services in rural areas.
Member of Parliament for East Makira Franklyn Derek Wasi thanked the Government of the PRC for the funding. He said maritime transport is vital in East Makira because there is no road access, and that sea travel connects communities and carries the constituency's economic activity.
"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," Wasi said.
He said the boats will help move people from one point to another, especially the sick, and women and children who need medical attention or other emergency transport. Wasi said Solomon Islands had been friends with China since 2019 and that China had supported many major developments in that time.
Wasi also told recipients to take good care of the assets and use them responsibly for their communities.
MRD Deputy Secretary Technical Noel Matea, representing the Solomon Islands Government, congratulated the recipients and said the handover showed what could be achieved through partnership and local leadership. He thanked the government and people of China for the support.
Matea commended Wasi and the constituency officers for their work on community development, and said the ministry continues to work with all 50 constituencies to improve rural livelihoods. He urged recipients to look after the assets, which he said represent a significant investment.
Fred Mahaisi, speaking for the recipients, said the project will ease sea transport problems in East Makira and help communities during health emergencies. He said the boats will also earn income through passenger runs and hire, supporting family livelihoods.
Community representative Alfred Marruy thanked the PRC, the ministry and the constituency office for delivering the project and for travelling to the rural area for the handover.
The RSDP is a partnership programme between the PRC and the Solomon Islands Government, run jointly by MRD and the Chinese Embassy, with projects selected on the basis of proposals. The ministry said China has supported the programme since 2023 and that it targets rural and semi-urban communities, with aims that include social and economic infrastructure, income-generating activities, food security and climate resilience.