China delivers $90m CDF to MPs’ at $1.8m per constituency

The funding assistance normally known as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) targeted at alleviating poverty and improving livelihoods of rural Solomon Islanders has been released to the 50 constituencies this week, Monday 8^th November, 2021.

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) through its Rural Development Division (RDD) administered the funding assistance of SBD$90 million, provided by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) under its funding agreement towards the Constituency Development Program in Solomon Islands.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development Allan Daonga said his ministry has administered disbursements of the funds early this week with constituencies receiving SBD$1.8 million each.

He said PRC support for this year (2021) focuses mainly on three components which include; community social infrastructures, Water Supply & Sanitation and income generating initiatives to improve rural livelihoods.

“I believe the funds will go down to the core of the rural areas and will improve the life of Solomon Islanders living in the rural communities.” 

Meanwhile, Mr. Daonga expressed appreciation on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government and its people to the Government of People’s Republic of China and its tax payers for their ongoing support towards this program.

He also expressed gratitude to the Government of PRC for its commitment to the development aspirations of Solomon Islands despite the impact of the global pandemic on the global economy.

PS Daonga said as a responsible ministry, the task now is for the Constituencies to implement their approved programs and submit implementation reports to the Ministry in a timely manner. As per agreement, MRD will compile a consolidated report for submission to PRC Embassy in Honiara in due time.

PRC funding Support for Constituency Development under the CDF Program came into effect in the 4^th quarter of 2019, following the approval of Solomon Islands Government to normalise diplomatic ties with the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) on 16^th September, 2019.

MRD vision is to ensure all rural Solomon Islanders become meaningfully participated in development activities to improve their social and economic livelihood.