Communities across East Kwaio in Malaita Province are benefiting from four life-changing projects funded through the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships program, improving access to clean water, reliable electricity, and quality education infrastructure.
In Nunubilau, the construction of a new gravity-fed water supply system, including nine standpipes, is providing more than 200 people with access to reliable, clean, and safe drinking water. The project will improve health outcomes and eliminate the long journeys community members previously undertook to collect water.
Students and teachers at Imbo Community High School are benefiting from a newly renovated classroom building. Previously limited to three classrooms, the school now has five classrooms, a small office, and a library. The upgraded facility provides a safer and more conducive learning environment, helping to improve educational outcomes for students and teachers alike.
At Na’au Community High School, a new solar power system is providing clean and reliable electricity to the school’s main administration building, which houses classrooms and staff offices. More than 300 students and staff are benefiting from this important project.
The Atoifi College of Nursing has also received a new solar power system, delivering reliable electricity to its main administration building, which includes two classrooms, a library, computer laboratory, and clinical laboratory. The system also powers the student kitchen, improving food storage and meal preparation services.
In addition, reliable electricity and internet access are enabling nursing students to study and complete assignments after the main generator is switched off each evening at 9pm.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said the projects reflected Australia’s focus on ensuring its support reached provincial and remote communities all over Solomon Islands.
“Communities in East Kwaio are just as deserving of clean water and quality education as those in Honiara or anywhere else in the world,” said High Commissioner Roach.
“Australia’s role is to respond to and support the priorities identified by community and national leaders, so those communities keep ownership and responsibility.
“If your community needs small-scale infrastructure that will make a difference to everyday lives, I encourage you to apply in the current funding round – we consider all applications carefully.”
Since 2019, Australia has funded a total of 342 projects in every constituency in Solomon Islands, making a tangible difference to the lives of thousands of Solomon Islanders.
