BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) has claimed the largest capital budget in the 2025/2026 financial year, securing SBD $253 million to drive development across the country’s 50 constituencies.
The funds, channelled through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), underscore the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) commitment to strengthening services and opportunities in rural communities, where the majority of Solomon Islanders live.
Speaking during the debate on the 2026 Appropriation Bill 2025 on Wednesday 3 December 2025, MRD Minister Daniel Waneoroa said the allocation demonstrates the government’s determination to address long-standing development disparities between urban and rural areas.
Waneoroa said MRD is working to “ensure development reaches every corner of the nation,” backed by clear mandates, legislative updates and structural reforms now underway.
He noted steady progress in the past seven months with constituencies actively supporting and delivering projects throughout the year. The Minister thanked all 50 constituency offices for their cooperation and commitment.
Waneoroa highlighted several major undertakings supported by the CDF in 2025:
East Malaita–East Kwaio feeder road:
An extended feeder road from Aufasu (East Malaita) to Namolailai, on the border of East Kwaio, was completed. The six-kilometre stretch is expected to ease burdens on rural villagers who previously walked long distances across rivers and mountains to access services.
The Minister said the road will expand agricultural activities, improve livelihoods and stimulate the rural economy.
Ngela constituency road rehabilitation:
The long-idle Boromole–Rara Road in Central Province has been restored, a move expected to revitalise agriculture and boost tourism potential in the region.
Initial CDF investment is estimated at $1.2 million.
Small Malaita road programme:
Waneoroa acknowledged the constituency’s ongoing road project, which began in 2015 and has so far accumulated an investment of $20 million.
He said once completed, the project will “significantly transform the economic and social landscape of Small Malaita.”
North Guadalcanal road improvements:
The Minister praised road upgrades that have improved market access for farmers, noting the direct benefits for rural households and local economies.
Waneoroa said these examples represent only part of the ministry’s wider rural infrastructure efforts, which continue to open up remote communities and connect “hundreds, if not thousands,” of people to essential services and economic opportunities.
He reaffirmed MRD’s commitment to driving development that is “people-centred, long-term and transformative.”
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