BY NED GAGAHE
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says strengthening provincial governance systems and improving rural infrastructure remains a key priority in its development support to Solomon Islands.
UNDP Pacific Office Resident Representative Ms. Munkhtuya Altangerel said provincial-level capacity building is essential to ensure effective service delivery and sustainable development across the country.
Speaking to local media in Honiara recently, Ms. Altangerel said UNDP is working closely with the Ministry responsible for provincial governance to help strengthen administrative and financial systems.
“For example, we work with the provincial governance ministry, and we help support provincial governments to determine their own priority,” she said.
She said support is also focused on building capacity in financial management, procurement processes and asset management systems within provincial administrations.
“…but also, to have that capability to have their own financial management systems, including also capacities to conduct procurement, to have asset management,” she said.
Ms. Altangerel said strengthening these systems is crucial for to improve transparency and efficiency in the delivery of services at the provincial level.
She added that UNDP is also supporting investments in rural infrastructure, particularly projects that are designed to be climate-resilient and responsive to local community needs.
“…but also, to invest in rural infrastructure, which is climate resistant,” she said.
The UNDP representative said community development and benefit-sharing arrangements are also important considerations, particularly in areas affected by resource extraction and development activities.
She said that empowering provincial governments to make informed decisions on local priorities will contribute to more inclusive and balanced national development.
Ms. Altangerel made the remarks following a week of high-level meetings with government ministries, Parliament, development partners and civil society organisations in Honiara.
During her visit, she engaged with a broad range of stakeholders as part of UNDP’s ongoing support for governance, resilience and institutional strengthening in Solomon Islands.
UNDP continues to work with national and provincial authorities to strengthen systems that support long-term development outcomes across the country.
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