by Georgina Maka’a

The Australian Government is investing over SBD$11 million in 50 village infrastructure projects across Solomon Islands—directly supporting local businesses with building materials and transportation.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, announced this during the celebration of the first 2025 cohort of the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnership Programme in Honiara.

Speaking at the ceremony attended by the Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, senior government officials and partners, Hilton said the new 50 infrastructure projects are strategic investments in the economic development and resilience of  Solomon Islands.

“The projects will improve access to critical services  in the communities, improve  the country’s economy and contribute to long term development  of communities across the country,” Hilton said.

“Australia believes in locally-led developments. This project will build small scale community infrastructure projects across Solomon Islands,” he added.

Hilton  said  Australia chose Solomon Islands local businesses to supply the projects because it creates local jobs, which means more benefits for Solomon Islands families and communities.

_{Some of the recipients posing with their Members of Parliament, coordinators and the Australia High Commissioner Rod Hilton}

The High Commissioner also acknowledged the 33 Members of Parliament who are working with them to deliver the projects.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Manele congratulated the newly-selected project coordinators and beneficiaries, and welcomed Australia’s ongoing collaboration with Solomon Islands.

“Australia remains one of Solomon Islands’ major and most committed development

partners,” Manele said.

“The Solomon Islands–Australia Development Partnership Plan 2024–2029 reflects our shared priorities and is aligned with our National Development Strategy and the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) policy priorities,” he added.

The projects include multipurpose community halls, improved water supply systems, sanitation facilities, rural health posts, solar lighting installations, and community footpaths.

These build upon the 100 community projects already funded in early 2024, valued at over SBD$23 million.

“These small-scale infrastructure investments are meaningful and life-changing for many of our people, especially those in rural and remote areas,” the Prime Minister said.

He further highlighted the need for strong community involvement and sustainability in

project implementation.

A second round of project applications is expected to open in July.

Prime Minister Manele encouraged national and provincial leaders to assist communities in preparing their proposals and to consider co-financing opportunities to maximise the reach and impact of the program.

 The Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnership is a small grants program, designed to help community groups improve their living standards. 

Thirty-three MPs will work with their communities throughout the country to implement the projects.