Renbel steps in: For the first time, province joins EU-funded project to improve service delivery

In a historic milestone for Rennell and Bellona Province and its Provincial Government signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Provincial Governance and Service Delivery Project (PGSD), funded by the European Union. 

This marks the first time that Renbel Province joins the initiative, thanks to the European Union’s strategic decision to expand support to all nine provinces of Solomon Islands to improve service delivery at provincial level.

The Provincial Governance and Service Delivery project is UNDP’s flagship project on provincial governance in Solomon Islands as part of the UNDP Pacific Multi-Country Office. 

It focuses on promoting inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance systems for sub-national service delivery. 

It is supporting the Government in their decentralization process by enhancing provincial governments capacities.

While PGSD support has already benefited six provinces in 2024 —Central, Choiseul, Isabel, Guadalcanal, Temotu, and Western— this is the first time RenBel is included, alongside with Makira and Malaita, following the EU’s decision to ensure all nine provinces are part of a nationwide effort to strengthen service delivery and local governance.

The milestone was marked with the official signing of the agreement in Honiara by the Provincial Government represented  by Renbel Premier Hon. Derek Pongi.

“This is a proud moment for us.

“Renbel may be the smallest province, but we face some of the biggest challenges when it comes to basic infrastructure. For too long, our schools have lacked proper water and sanitation facilities. 

“With this support from the EU and UNDP, we are not just improving infrastructure—we are restoring dignity and protecting the rights of our children to a healthy and dignified learning environment,” Premier Derek Pongi said.

The newly signed agreement will see the Renbel Provincial Government roll out projects across six schools, directly benefiting 1,131 students and 74 teachers—including 586 girls, 470 boys, 29 women teachers, and 46 male teachers. 

This represents a major boost to education outcomes and health in one of the country’s most remote regions.

Each school will receive new or upgraded ablution facilities, and the provincial staff will also receive capacity-building support for 18 officials to ensure proper planning, oversight, and sustainability of the infrastructures.

“This is more than just infrastructure. It’s about supporting provincial governments to lead and deliver on their people’s needs.

“By working with all nine provinces, we are promoting equity, decentralization, and stronger service delivery across the country,” UNDP Project Manager Mozammel Haque said. 

The interventions—valued at almost a million SBD will be implemented in:

1. Henua Community High School – West Tegano, Rennell (Ward 2)
2. Vanua Community High School – Lughu, Rennell (Ward 3)
3. New Place Provincial Secondary School – Tetaungagoto, Rennell (Ward 5)
4. Kagua School – Mugihenua, Rennell (Ward 6)
5. Matangi Kindy – Bellona (Ward 7)
6. SIVA Primary School – Bellona (Ward 10)

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UNDP Solomon Islands