Donor Delegation visits completed projects in Guadalcanal Province

A delegation comprised of representatives from the European Union, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the New Zealand Government, and Solomon Islands government entities, undertook a field visit on May 22nd, 2024, to inspect completed Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) projects in Guadalcanal Province.

The visit included stops at Tenaru School (boy’s dormitory), Rate School Hall, Chichinge Rural Health Centre, and the Guadalcanal Women’s Resources Center in Henderson, all located within the Malango Ward of Central Guadalcanal. This visit provided an opportunity for donor representatives to witness the tangible impact of their contributions firsthand.

The PGSP and PCDF: A Testament to Collaboration

The Provincial Governance Strengthening Program (PGSP) and its funding vehicle, the PCDF, serve as a prime example of the unwavering support from the Solomon Islands government and its development partners. The PGSP has demonstrably invested in these critical projects:

• Tenaru School Boy’s Dormitory: SBD 1,670,149.32
• Rate School Hall: SBD 605,466.75
• Chichinge Rural Health Centre: SBD 1,487,758
• Guadalcanal Women’s Resources Center: SBD 759,231

Project Continuity and Enhanced Support

Phase I of the PGSP (2008-2014) received funding from RAMSI, the EU, UNCDF, UNDP, and the Solomon Islands government, totaling USD 18.1 million. The Solomon Islands government sustained the PCDF from 2015-2021.

Phase II of the PGSP, launched in 2022, incorporates the World Bank-funded Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience (IEDCR) initiative. Additional funding for the IEDCR is provided by UNDP and UNICEF through the EU, UNCDF’s Local Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL) program with New Zealand government and EU support, and UNDP Fiji’s Governance for Resilience program.

UNCDF’s LoCAL Program: Building on Success

The LoCAL program, a new UNCDF initiative that builds upon the PCDF’s foundation, was a particular focus for the delegation. Their visit to Tenaru School provided an opportunity to gain insights into project implementation strategies for the forthcoming LoCAL projects. School caretaker principal, Mr. Sixtus Winduo, highlighted the challenges posed by climate change, specifically intense flooding that disrupts normal school operations. LoCAL funding will prioritize climate resilience considerations, including adaptation infrastructure and climate change adaptation projects.

Funding and Capacity Building

LoCAL funding through UNCDF will be available to provinces for the first time in the 2024/25 fiscal year. This initiative aims to support the Solomon Islands government and Provincial Governments (PGs) in strengthening their capacity to integrate climate change adaptation into all project phases. These grants will target activities that directly contribute to building climate resilience and developing climate change adaptation capacity at both the community and PG levels.

The delegation’s visit commenced with a courtesy call on May 21st to the office of Guadalcanal Province Premier, Hon. Willie Atu. This meeting underscored the program’s commitment to collaboration and open communication with all stakeholders.