BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Premier Derek Pongi’s Alliance for Reform and Progress Government of Rennell and Bellona province is serious in transforming the province.
Since the Pongi-led government took office last year, they have been striving to put an end to the business as usual, and they are proving it with achievements within a short time span.
Speaking at the province’s 32nd 2nd Appointed Day celebration held at the provincial capital Tingoa on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Premier Pongi outlined the aim of his government, which is to improve the livelihoods and well-being of every resident of Rennell Bellona province through a holistic, inclusive, sustainable, and empowering development approach.
He said as the province celebrates its 32nd 2nd Appointed Day; they are also celebrating the progress the provincial government has made just during its first year in office.
Pongi stated that in the past year, the province has seen significant milestone achievements that included;
- Rennell and Bellona Province successfully passed the PCDF assessment for FY 2022/23, enabling access to vital development funds.
- For the first time, ward grants have been deposited into WDC accounts, supporting our communities.
- Our Administration office now have access to reliable power and internet connectivity
- Funds from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism have been secured to improve tourism infrastructure within the East Rennell World Heritage Site, with increased funding expected next year.
- Funds from the European Union and UNDP have been allocated to support our education and health sectors this year, with similar support anticipated next year.
- Additionally, we secured funding from the Solomon Islands Government-Australian Community Partnership Program for security lighting at our Provincial Headquarters.
- Rennell Bellona Province signed a Letter of Intent with Hainan Province, forging a sister relationship between the government and people of Rennell and Bellona and the Government and people of Hainan Province in China.
The premier stressed that while the province celebrates these achievements, they also need to recognize that its capacity is limited to what is within its authority as an agent of the national government.
“Therefore, we fully support the ongoing review of the Provincial Government Act, especially regarding revenue sharing and decentralization of powers and resources,” he said.
Moreover, Pongi echoed that as a new government, its focus is on the future. They prefer to look forward rather than to dwell on past promises.
“Our aim is to work with GNUT and our development partners to align and implement pipeline projects, and to develop new plans that will improve livelihoods and wellbeing of our people through access to quality infrastructure and reliable services,” he said.
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