The people of East Choiseul Constituency (ECC) are poised to benefit significantly from the nearly complete Korasa Fisheries Project, a major initiative by the ECC envisioned to boost local livelihoods, improve fishery management, and open new economic opportunities for rural coastal communities.
This project is an initiative of the constituency office, spearheaded by the Honourable Member of Parliament, Manasseh Sogavare.
Funding for the project is a collaborative effort, with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) contributing SBD$1.6 million through the 2023 Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP), and the National Government (SIG) providing over $350,000 via the Ministry of Rural Development ECC 2024 CDF allocation to cover other project operation costs including labor and logistics.
The project is expected to generate income for approximately 4,000 residents and their families within the constituency. The official launch is scheduled for early 2026.
The initiative includes the construction of a permanent three-bedroom staff house and an administration office within the Fisheries Complex.
“This project is particularly important to us because it will mark one of the significant opportunities from within our constituency to potentially implement and which can also have a contribution to the national economic development. It will provide much-needed income to our people once operational,” Constituency Development Officer Collin Qalokisa Bemama emphasized.
“On behalf of the Honourable Member of Parliament Manasseh Sogavare, the constituency office, and the people of East Choiseul, we express our deep gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for the $SBD1.6 million in funding received under the 2023 RSDP program. This support has enabled us to develop the project, which will certainly enhance livelihoods in our rural communities as residents engage in fisheries activities.”
Mr. Bemana also acknowledged the national government through the MRD for its ongoing support of the CDF program, which ensures that constituency offices are equipped to deliver government services to rural communities, thereby enhancing social and economic livelihoods.
The project is currently in its completion phase, with only the installation of the fish storage cooling system remaining.
“Once completed, an official handover ceremony is planned for early next year. Following this, an investor will partner with the constituency office to begin operations, including marketing efforts in Honiara and exploring potential overseas markets,” CDO Bemama said.
Source: MRD Press Release
