Despite billions in funding, PM Manele questions if enough has been invested in our people
BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele calls for deeper reflection on how national development funds are being used, questioning whether the country has invested enough in its people despite billions poured into infrastructure and growth projects.
Speaking during the launch of the National Development Strategy (NDS) Medium-Term Review Report last week, Prime Minister Manele revealed that between 2016 and 2021, a total of SBD 13.6 billion was committed to advancing the nation’s development priorities.
Of this, 65 percent (SBD 8.8 billion) came from development partners, while the Solomon Islands Government contributed 35 percent (SBD 4.8 billion).
Breaking down the figures, the Prime Minister said 54 percent (SBD 7.4 billion) went towards economic growth initiatives, 22 percent (SBD 2.95 billion) to poverty alleviation and rural development, 13 percent (SBD 1.8 billion) to governance and public order, 9 percent (SBD 1.2 billion) to health and education, and only 2 percent (SBD 237 million) to environmental sustainability.
“These numbers tell a story. They show we have prioritised economic infrastructure, roads, ports, and buildings, but its translation to real economic growth has been very thin,” the Prime Minister said.
He added a sobering question: “Have we invested enough in our people? In their health, their education, and their environment?”
Mr Manele said the findings of the review provide important lessons for the government to act upon.
“So, what do we do now? Do we throw up our hands in despair? Do we blame COVID-19, blame climate change, or global forces beyond our control? No, we take responsibility,” he declared.
He said the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is already taking decisive steps, guided by four key pillars, Economic Transformation, Infrastructure Development, Unity and Stability, and Human Capital Development.
The Prime Minister added that the NDS Review outlines five strategic priorities to guide the nation’s path forward, with recommendations under each of the five NDS objectives to ensure that future investments better reflect the needs of Solomon Islanders and deliver tangible improvements in their daily lives.
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