The new Solomon Islands government has announced plans for major economic developments will be included in its first budget.
The Solomon Islands parliament. Photo: RNZI Koroi Hawkins
The Democratic Coalition for Change government was responding to criticism it was prioritising the rebuilding of the prime minister's official residence, the Red House.
Under its comprehensive development policy, the Manasseh Sogavare government intends stimulating the economy by implementing existing major development projects and embarking on new initiatives.
The existing projects include oil palm developments, power plants and township developments.
Among the new projects are rural growth centres in economically viable clusters around the country, an international seaport in Temotu, securing the troubled Russell Islands Plantations Limited and facilitating the establishment of agroforestry and tourism projects in the Russell Islands.
In addition the government plans improvements to all domestic airports, a referral hospital in Auki and the provision of safe water resources for the residents of Gizo, Munda and Noro.
