Prime Minister Rick Hou on Monday formally opened the 9th Premier’s Conference in Auki Malaita Province.
This was his first formal appearance outside of Honiara since taking office as the Solomon Islands Prime Minister on November 15, 2017.
Speaking during the official opening of the week long premier’s conference PM Hou assured the provincial premiers and their respective delegations that his government will continue to support infrastructure development in their respective provinces through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF).
“I assure you of my government support in continuation of the PCDF and further continued support to each provincial government.
“There are several delivery mechanisms where by development and development assistance in general were delivered to our provinces and our rural sector.
“These include support through service grant allocated to each province, through projects such as the rural development projects, rapid employment project, and the PCDF,” he added.
Moreover, he said Infrastructure is vital to the country’s development and prosperity and indeed, it is crucial to economic growth where he said his government will continue to support.
The Prime Minister made known to the provincial leaders that infrastructure development is not an easy task as it requires participation of resource owners, government, and development partners.
“Without one of these important partners, infrastructure is merely a wish.”
PM Hou said his government is ready and willing as an able partner in working together with the provincial government in resourcing their provincial infrastructure.
However, he said infrastructure development and resourcing the provincial infrastructure could not be a one-sided affair, as it needs from its resource owners and development partners.
PM Hou appreciate being the guest of honor during the 9th Premier’s Conference under the theme ‘Resourcing Provincial Infrastructure for Vibrant Economic Development.’
He said, the theme will enable participants to discuss strategies to propel Solomon Islands into the future.
By BIRA’AU WILSON SAENI
In Auki
