SI Receives More Rural Development Funds from Taiwan

SI Receives More Rural Development Funds from Taiwan

The Solomon Islands Government has received more than SB$13 million for rural development programs from the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan, on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo formally received payment documents from the ROC Ambassador Roy Wu during a handover ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office in Honiara.

A total funding support of SB$13.2 will be paid to 33 constituencies for rural development programs with an additional payment of SB$O.6million to 2 other constituencies.

The release of funds was made possible by the timely retirement of spending reports of previous funds by the 33 constituencies through the Ministry of Rural Development which were submitted to the ROC Embassy in Honiara.

Rural Development Funds for the remaining 17 constituencies will be released as soon as their spending reports are submitted to the Ministry of Rural Development.

Prime Minister Lilo said ROC funding to Solomon Islands is the only assistance that goes right down to the rural people - changing their lives in many ways.

He said the ROC Funding for rural development in Solomon Islands has attracted a lot of criticism in the past but it has now been accepted by major financial lending institutions like the World Bank; ADB and European Union.

The Prime Minister assured Ambassador Roy Wu of the Government’s appreciation of the ROC assistance saying Solomon Islands will has valued its relations with Taiwan and will continue lend its support towards Taiwan’s international aspirations.

“I wish to assure the Government and People of Taiwan of Solomon Islands unwavering support in its international aspirations,” Prime Minister Lilo said.

Prime Minister Lilo further assured Ambassador Wu that he will ensure the remaining 17 constituencies submit their spending reports to relevant authorities to make sure funds are properly accounted for.

Ambassador Wu said his Government is pleased with the way processes are put in place by the Solomon Islands Government to ensure transparency and accountability in the way funds have been spent.

Based on a mutual agreement between the two countries, the Solomon Islands Ministry of Rural Development is responsible for submitting acquittal reports to the ROC Embassy prior to each transfer of payments to the government of Solomon Islands.

Those reports will be audited by the Solomon Islands Auditor General’s Office at the end of each year.

Ambassador Wu believes the funding will contribute to the alleviation of poverty and improvements in quality of life for the rural people of Solomon Islands.

He also pledges his government’s support to the Solomon Islands Government policy to advance development of rural villages.

ENDS

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