Minister for the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) Hon. Rexson Ramofafia said the Government has solidified its dedication to good governance and improving essential services through its 2025 budget.
With the theme “Accelerating Accountable and Transformative Investments,” the budget aims to directly benefit the lives of citizens and strengthen institutional accountability.
“This budget reflects our accountability to the people and officials must execute the budget diligently. It is about ensuring every dollar is a step toward a unified, transformed Solomon Islands,” said Hon. Ramofafia.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament last week, Hon. Ramofafia stressed that the 2025 budget demonstrates this commitment through significant reforms and enhancements.
The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) launched a new Anti-Corruption Strategy and allocated $1.13 million to strengthen the Office of the Auditor General.
Hon. Ramofafia emphasized, “We remain resolute in rooting out corruption from within government systems.”
In the health and education sectors, transformative strides have been made. Health sector funding has surged by $155 million over 2024 levels, including a historic $49 million allocation for essential drugs. The education sector continues to receive robust support, with 30% of the total government expenditure earmarked, the highest in the Pacific region.
Additionally, the implementation of the new teachers’ pay structure under the Education Act reflects GNUT’s focus on equity and excellence in this sector.
Significant progress has also been made in regional development through infrastructure upgrades such as the Lata airport in Temotu and Kilu’ufi hospital redevelopment in Malaita Province, the minister highlighted.
“These initiatives reflect the government’s dedication to decentralizing development and ensuring equitable progress across all provinces,” Ramofafia noted.
He said the 2025 budget also introduces public service reforms, including a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and performance-based contracts for senior positions.
Hon. Ramofafia reiterated, “This government is committed to decentralizing development to ensure that every province benefits as reflected in the place-based approach to Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Priority Pipeline”. From roads in Malaita to rehabilitation of airstrips in Makira and Isabel, this budget serves all Solomon Islanders.
– MNPDC Press
