THE much talked about US-funded projects for Malaita Province is on track as the new Deputy Chief of Party for Winrock International (Solomon Islands), Dr. Morgan Wairiu arrives in Auki with more good news.
Dr. Morgan who arrived on Friday morning announced in public that he is in Auki for two purposes; to set up a new office and to do further recruitment to implement the USAID-funded projects in the Province.
Upon learning about the arrival of Dr. Wairiu, the M4D President Knoxly Atu asked if he could do a public announcement about the USAID-funded projects to the public which he responded positively to the request.
He assured the Malaita public that the US-funded projects that they have been hearing and reading about are now coming to Malaita.
He said the office and workers should be in place before the launch in March.
“The project will be launched towards the end of March 2021 and a representative from the US will be coming over to officiate the launching.”
Dr. Morgan also thanked the M4D and Malaita public for welcoming him and organizing a time for him to speak to the public regarding the US-funded project.
It was announced last year that Malaita Province will benefit from the U.S engagement in the Pacific Islands according to a fact sheet published in October 2020.
“Malaita Province will be benefiting from a USAID of USD$25 million, which is equivalent to SBD$200million.
“The money will go towards Strengthening Competitiveness, Agriculture, Livelihoods, and Environment (SCALE) Program which mainly focuses on Malaita Province,” the U.S. Engagement in the Pacific Islands: 2020 Pacific Pledge document has revealed.
According to published information, “The SCALE Program will strengthen the enabling environment to unlock economic opportunity and increase trade; improve natural resource management, including forest governance; promote agribusiness and small enterprise development; and expand critical small-scale infrastructure and essential services.”
Other Pacific island countries will also benefit from the partnership.
By WILSON SAENI
Auki News Bureau
