Four communities in East Are’are Constituency (EAC) — Potaniu, Maniaha/Hauharii, Hatakau, and Raroasi — have welcomed new water supply project materials following a major handover supported by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The assistance, valued at SBD $1.5 million, was delivered under the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) through the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).
The handover, held on 29 May 2026, marks a milestone for the constituency, bringing clean running water closer to homes, schools, churches, and vulnerable groups including women, children, and persons with disabilities.
EAC Constituency Development Officer Daniel Manata expressed deep gratitude to the PRC, noting that reliable access to safe water is essential for improving community health and livelihoods. He reaffirmed the constituency’s commitment to working with development partners to advance rural development.
Community representative Catechist Willie Takaia also thanked the PRC, highlighting that water supply remains one of the constituency’s greatest needs. He said the projects will benefit everyone and strengthen long-term development partnerships.
Counsellor Li Qinghua from the Chinese Embassy congratulated the communities and emphasized China’s ongoing commitment to supporting Solomon Islands through “small yet smart” projects like RSDP. She highlighted achievements since diplomatic ties were established in 2019, including the National Referral Hospital Medical Centre, Auki Road project, and nationwide telecommunication tower rollout.
Li noted China’s success in lifting 800 million people out of poverty and expressed readiness to share knowledge and capacity-building opportunities with Solomon Islands.
The RSDP partnership continues to expand across constituencies, with East Are’are previously benefiting from classroom construction and water and sanitation projects under the program’s first phase in 2023.
