RECIPIENTS of the North Malaita Constituency Agriculture and Fisheries Projects have expressed their gratitude to the Constituency Office for its support in delivering vital livelihood assistance to communities in North Malaita.
The recipients shared their appreciation after receiving project materials this week. A shipment of supplies arrived this week for distribution across the constituency.
One recipient, Joseph Ramo thanked the Constituency Office for its commitment to supporting the agriculture and fisheries sectors in North Malaita.
He emphasiaed that these two sectors are critical to the livelihoods of constituents.
Mr Ramo also acknowledged North Malaita Member of Parliament, Daniel Waneoroa and the Constituency Office representatives for their contributions to supporting churches throughout the constituency.
It is understood that the projects have been delivered to the three wards of North Malaita – Wards 7, 8 and 9.
The support includes agricultural supplies, materials such as boats and engines for the fisheries sector, hammer mill machines for small-scale meat processing and building and hardware materials for churches.
In a statement, MP Waneoroa explained that the delivery of support was based on the priorities and development needs identified in the three wards and across the constituency.
“When I took office in 2024, we conducted a Constituency Profiling and Survey.
The results highlighted income-generating activities, including agriculture and fisheries, as key priorities for support,” MP Waneoroa said.
“The rural economy of North Malaita depends on agriculture—particularly cocoa, coconut, small-scale livestock, and root crops—as well as fisheries, with a focus on coastal and small-scale oceanic fishery.”
“It is crucial that we continue supporting these sectors to restore, scale up, and enhance our rural economy, ultimately benefiting both the people and the province,” he added.
MP Waneoroa highlighted that the constituency’s support would be directed at both individual farmers and organised farming groups, including community companies, agri-producer groups and associations.
“We will support the rehabilitation of old farms, assist in establishing new ones, and provide tools such as pruning equipment, nursery nets and processing machinery.
“In particular, farmers will receive 30,000 polybags to help rehabilitate and establish up to 100 hectares of cocoa farms, along with fertilisers, wheelbarrows, gumboots, nets, chainsaws and other agricultural tools.” he explained.
Additionally, MP Waneoroa said six hammer mill machines will be provided to farmers to facilitate small-scale meat production.
“We are confident that these supports will have a positive impact on the rural economy and the lives of the people,” he said.
On the fisheries sector, MP Waneoroa revealed that the Constituency is delivering boats to restore fisheries satellite centers that had been a vital resource for rural communities in North Malaita before being shut down during the ethnic tension period.
“We will begin by providing five boats and closely monitor the progress. If the operation proves viable and sustainable, we will expand the initiative to benefit more rural fishermen and women,” he added.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
