The SPIRES project will build on the ongoing and planned rural electrification and RE and EE initiatives in the Solomon Islands. In that regard, the clear understanding of these initiatives of the SIG and other segments of the country towards the achievement of the rural electrification target is essential to the design and development of this proposed GEF project. To make use of the potential synergies with the ongoing and planned initiatives of the SIG and other project partners, adequate coordination work will be carried out. The coordination work is also to achieve complementarities and building on best practices and lessons learned; and for potential sharing of project resources. The project strategy will make use of national systems (e.g., procurement, etc.,) to the extent possible since the project is to be implemented through a national implementation modality (NIM) arrangement[1]. This means that MMERE will be the key implementor of the Project. Hence, the partnership arrangement will involve not only close coordination between MMERE, as UNDP’s Implementing Partner, and other SIG entities that will assist MMERE as Responsible Parties, as maybe deemed necessary.
The MMERE as the Implementing Partner and Chairman of the SPIRES Project Board, shall coordinate to realize synergy and avoid duplication of efforts with implementers of various RE/EE and rural electrification projects funded by several organizations as listed in the Baseline Projects. This shall consider different objectives, timelines and focus of the related projects.
For those partners that have major involvement and shared resources and benefits, a co-financing arrangement for parallel activities will be formalized through a commitment letter. This will be backed up by an engagement plan and progress monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system consistent with the Annual Project Report/Project Implementation Review (APR/PIR) system of the UNDP and GEF to account for the utilization of GEF and co-financed resources mobilized by the project.
[1] Since the implementation modality is NIM, all procurement procedures shall be based on the SIG procedures and policies. This would be in line with the Solomon Islands Financial Instructions from the Solomon Islands PFM Act, which set outs the guidelines of procurement procedures for acquiring of goods/services. The applicable procurement procedures required in the purchase of services and goods that will be used in the project will apply to the extent that these do not contravene the principles of the financial rules and regulations of UNDP and GEF. Nevertheless, if the IP will request UNDP for assistance in the procurement process, this can be done using UNDP’s procurement rules and regulations and its own in-house resources and not charge the cost of such service to the project’s GEF budget.
It is expected that for the procurements of technology suppliers for Activities 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 will follow the SIG procurement procedures, rules and regulations. Apart from multi-lateral and bilateral donor-funded projects, the MMERE and MECDM have implemented SIG-funded energy projects wherein the selection of technology suppliers was part of the implementation process. Most likely they will come up with a technical working group to evaluate the potential suppliers and the bidding will be through a central tender board under the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
Global Environment Facility
SPIRES is funded by Global Environmental Facility (GEF). GEF is a multilateral trust fund enabling developing countries to invest in nature and supports the implementation of major international environmental conventions including on biodiversity, climate change, chemicals and desertification. It brings together 184 member governments in addition to civil society, international organizations and private sector partners.
NATIONAL
UNDP
GEF has administered funds through UNDP to facilitate the project. This has made UNDP as an administrator of the project. UNDP always endeavors to seek adaptive management approach in the implementation of projects. Based on the partnerships defined and firmed up during the project development, the management arrangements have always been anchored on co-operation and mutual sharing of benefits where accountability and responsibility for implementing the project and achieving the project outputs.
Solomon Islands Government
SPIRES is implemented through the government under Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification. The Implementing Partner (MMERE) will designate Responsible Parties who will provide implementation support to carry out project activities and produce outputs. Responsible Parties will act on behalf of the MMERE based on a written agreement or contract defining specific roles and responsibilities, including procuring goods and services using the project budget. Responsible Parties will be directly accountable to MMERE in accordance with the terms of their agreement or contract with MMERE.
Local
Local Partner (Communities)
The chosen sites and the surrounding communities have become partners of the project. There are overall 14 sites in total namely:
- Rokera Provincial Secondary School, South Malaita, Malaita Province
- Hunanawa, East Are Are, South Malaita, Malaita Province
- Garanga, Isabel Province
- Nangu, Temotu Province
- Nida, Ginger Beach and Doma Cove, Guadalcanal Province
- Hakama, Central Province
- Lambi, Guadalcanal Province
- Nila, Shortland Islands
- Ata’a, MalaitaProvince
- Malu’u, Malaita Province
- Seghe, Marovo, Western Province
- Baita, Marovo Lagoon, Western Province
- Kirakira, Makira Province
- MOI, Malaita Province