Tangible project development in the Solomon Islands aided by the Japanese Government
It was announced in Washington in the United States on 28 March this year that the World Bank was to fund US$51 million for infrastructure projects this year in Honiara, Munda and Malaita Province.
The announcement mentioned upgrades to key roads and at two of the country�s airports.
When the announcement was made, the then Solomon Islands Caretaker Minister for the Finance and Treasury. The Hon. Manasseh Sogavare had said �This significant investment from the World Bank into the country�s infrastructure will be vital to Solomon Islands� economic development.�
The funding would allow for a number of Technical Assistance activities such as airport operational and regulatory training, an aviation sector strategy, and support for asset management systems in the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.
The funds would also ensure a project to ensure the establishment of a Ministry of Infrastructure Development office�in the Malaita Province capital, Auki.
In respect of the two airports, the projects would complement Japan�s International Cooperation Agency (JICA)�s ongoing investments to improve Honiara Airport, ensuring the airport meets all the regulatory compliance requirements.
Tangible, �seeing is believing� project development has been, and continues to be a corner-stone of Japan�s assistance to the Solomon Islands.
Japan�s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is continuing to provide much needed assistance to the Solomon Islands with a focus on infrastructure as a base for economic activities.
Given that agriculture and fisheries are primary industries in Solomon Islands, the Government of Japan assists rural industrial development mainly through agriculture and fishery sectors, which include the provision of trainings on human resources.
Furthermore the Government of Japan has given an importance to better health and sanitation facilities as well as rural medical services, including the development of human resources engaged in infection and NCD control and public health awareness.
The Japanese Government believes that primary education is essential and therefore the Government of Japan has placed much emphasis upon improving the quality and upgrading the facilities at local schools and especially in the rural areas of the country.
In terms of overcoming vulnerability the Japanese Government has given extensive support in building and maintaining basic economic infrastructure such as transport, electricity, energy, water supply, to enhance sustainable economic development.
One must also thank the Japanese Government for the Kukum Highway upgrade project, now successfully completed, and which was funded through Japanese Grant Aid and coordinated throughout by JICA.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
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