Australia increases help towards rural development efforts in Solomon Islands

Australia has increased its bilateral development assistance to Solomon Islands to $260 million to help bring development to rural people.

The increase is part of the Australian Government's 2008-09 Budget announced on 13 May.

Australia's High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Peter Hooton, says the increase in Australia's development assistance to Solomon Islands includes additional funding of 65 million dollars announced by Australia's Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, during his visit to Honiara in March this year.

Mr Hooton says the additional funding will help the Solomon Islands Government achieve its rural development priorities including better roads, clean water and electricity, and contribute to the growth and development of community forestry.

He says Australia will also continue to focus on improving health service delivery.

Australia's development assistance to Solomon Islands comes through its bilateral program and through its contributions to RAMSI.

Source: SIBC