World Bank Issues US$3.2 Million Grant To Solomons

The International Development Association (IDA), a branch of the World Bank Group, has approved a US$3.2 million grant to strengthen the rural economy of the Solomon Islands by increasing access for rural communities to infrastructure and services.

“Eighty-four per cent of Solomon Islanders live in rural areas with little access to public services or basic infrastructure,” said Nigel Roberts, World Bank Country Director for the Pacific Islands. “The Rural Development Project will provide rural households with agricultural advice, a broad range of community infrastructure and support for small businesses. Close consultation and the empowerment of local communities in decision-making are important features of the project, as is the creation of strong partnerships between the central Government, provincial governments, local communities and NGOs.”

IDA’s grant will finance the Rural Development Project (RDP), the first phase of the implementation of the Solomon Islands Agricultural and Rural Development Strategy which was launched in April of this year. The project aims to promote growth, create jobs and to increase incomes in rural communities using a community-driven approach. It includes four components: a) local infrastructure and service delivery; b) improved agricultural services; c) rural business development and d) program management.

Initially, the RDP will be carried out in the provinces of Choiseul, Western, Malaita and Temotu and will later be scaled up to cover all provinces of the Solomon Islands. The first phase of the Project will cover five years (2008-2011) and there are plans for a second phase to cover a further five years. In addition to the World Bank IDA grant, the program will be financed with grants from the European Commission, AusAID and the Government of the Solomon Islands, totaling US$22 million.

ENDS

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