BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
MATTHEW Riibako, a native of East Kwara’ae in Malaita province, warned Members of Parliament (MPs) to develop tangible projects that benefit everyone in the country in order to lessen constituents’ reliance on MPs.
“I urged MPs to prioritize projects that will directly benefit the people and make a substantial impact on their lives. It is important to focus on initiatives that will address pressing issues such as unemployment, healthcare access, and education,” Matthew, 60, told SUNDAY ISLES.
The call to prioritize people-centered projects comes as the Solomon Islands heads into the 2024 joint election on April 17.
The self-employed father said the country’s population continues to face economic challenges and social inequalities, and it is time to change the political approach.
“By focusing on initiatives that will bring tangible benefits to the population, MPs can help improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable members of society,” he said.
Matthew, who attended King George VI secondary school in the early 80s, now reflects on past governments’ use of government funds for short-term support, highlighting the potential for corruption.
He pointed out that projects that have the potential to make a significant impact on the community should be given priority over those that may only benefit a select few. This ensures that resources are allocated in a way that maximizes the overall benefit for society as a whole.
“Overall, my message to MPs is clear: prioritize projects that will directly benefit the people and make a positive impact on their lives. By doing so, MPs can help to build a more inclusive and equitable society for all,” Matthew expressed.
