Solomon Islands : COVID-19 Rapid Response Program

Sovereign Project | 54178-001

The program will help finance the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the government's countercyclical policies which focus on preventing entry of the virus, supporting vulnerable groups, and economic stimulus. This budget support operation is using the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Option modality.

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Hodge, Matthew W.
    Pacific Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Solomon Islands
  • Sector
    • Public sector management
Project Name COVID-19 Rapid Response Program
Project Number 54178-001
Country / Economy Solomon Islands
Project Status Closed
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Grant
Loan
Source of Funding / Amount
Grant 0708-SOL: COVID-19 Rapid Response Program
Asian Development Fund US$ 10.00 million
Loan 3938-SOL: COVID-19 Rapid Response Program
Concessional ordinary capital resources lending US$ 10.00 million
Loan: COVID-19 Rapid Response Program
Japan International Cooperation Agency US$ 23.88 million
Operational Priorities OP1: Addressing remaining poverty and reducing inequalities
OP2: Accelerating progress in gender equality
OP6: Strengthening governance and institutional capacity
OP7: Fostering regional cooperation and integration
Sector / Subsector

Health / Disease control of communicable disease - Health system development

Public sector management / Public expenditure and fiscal management - Reforms of state owned enterprises - Social protection initiatives
Gender Effective gender mainstreaming
Description The program will help finance the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the government's countercyclical policies which focus on preventing entry of the virus, supporting vulnerable groups, and economic stimulus. This budget support operation is using the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Option modality.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy Solomon Islands, a small island developing state, is among those classified as experiencing fragile and conflict-affected situations. The government, the private sector, and the community are not well equipped to deal with the wide-ranging implications of COVID-19. The government's public health response to COVID-19, including closing the borders, has prevented entry of the disease into the country. However, it has come at a high economic cost. Income-generating opportunities are scarce and mostly based on natural resources. Exports have been hit hard because of COVID-19. As a small, open economy, the country is highly dependent on exports, which represent 42% of gross domestic product (GDP). The formal social protection system is limited in both programs and coverage, and therefore the government's ability to directly support the poorest and most vulnerable through existing programs is constrained. Solomon Islands is prone to disasters caused by natural hazards. When tropical cyclone Harold struck in early April 2020, the country's thin capacity was stretched even further by having to respond to two shocks simultaneously. The country is ranked 145th of 160 countries in the United Nations economic vulnerability index. These fragilities highlight the country's nonlinear development path and need for significant support from development partners.
Impact

Resilient and environmentally sustainable development with effective disaster risk management, response, and recovery

All Solomon Islanders have access to quality health care
Project Outcome
Description of Outcome

Adverse effects of COVID-19 on businesses and the population reduced
Progress Toward Outcome
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs

Measures to combat the entry and spread of COVID-19 in Solomon Islands delivered

Measures to provide social assistance to vulnerable groups enhanced

Economic stimulus delivered
Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues)
Geographical Location Nation-wide
Safeguard Categories
Environment C
Involuntary Resettlement C
Indigenous Peoples C
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects
Involuntary Resettlement
Indigenous Peoples
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design
During Project Implementation
Responsible ADB Officer Hodge, Matthew W.
Responsible ADB Department Pacific Department
Responsible ADB Division Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office in Sydney, Australia (PLCO)
Executing Agencies
Ministry of Finance and Treasury
Timetable
Concept Clearance 19 Feb 2022
Fact Finding 11 May 2020 to 18 May 2020
MRM 28 May 2020
Approval 24 Jun 2020
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 24 Jun 2020

Grant 0708-SOL

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
24 Jun 2020 26 Jun 2020 08 Jul 2020 30 Jun 2021 - 03 Jun 2021
Financing Plan Grant Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 10.00 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 10.00 18 Jan 2023 10.00 0.00 100%
Counterpart 0.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 18 Jan 2023 10.00 0.00 100%

Loan 3938-SOL

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
24 Jun 2020 26 Jun 2020 08 Jul 2020 30 Jun 2021 - 03 Jun 2021
Financing Plan Loan Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 10.00 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 10.00 18 Jan 2023 10.00 0.00 100%
Counterpart 0.00 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 18 Jan 2023 10.00 0.00 100%

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Tenders

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Contracts Awarded

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Procurement Plan

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