20 October 2022
An event in Central Kwara’ae Province In Solomon Island’s Malalta Province in the last few days saw the launch of a water supply to the local community funded by the Japanese Government.
The report would hardly cause a ripple of interest in the West but the news report in the Solomon Star newspaper serves , in my view, to demonstrate the ongoing needs of the people living in the rural areas of the country and the requirements for basic services, such as water supplies and infrastructure development on a wider scale.
The Government of Japan is understanding of the infrastructure needs to be met by the SIG and is thanked for its continues support to community projects that the Solomon Islands government is not able to meet due to financial constraints.
The original story, as it was featured in the Solomon Star newspaper, I share with readers.
Quote.
FAUALA Community in Ward 29 in Central Kwara’ae Constituency in Malaita Province has celebrated the launching of its water supply system funded by the Japanese government.
The water supply system was fully funded by Japanese government under its Grassroots Programme and Human Security Projects. It was successfully implemented with the support of the Malaita Province Government, Rural Water and Supply and Sanitation Project, Ward 29 Development Committee and the people of the community.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony last weekend, Fauala community project coordinator, Robert Rade Buai, thanked the government and people of Japan for funding the project.
He described the new water supply system as a blessing from Japan for the people of Fauala.
“This water supply project will benefit us, our children and future generations.”
“In the past years, we found it difficult to get water during dry session. We had to walk long distances to collect water from streams but now with this new water supply system in place, we can just get water Infront of our homes.” Mr Buai said.
“The Fauala community will continue to work with your government in any future development when more opportunity come.” Mr Buai told the Japanese Ambassador who launched the new water supply system.
Malaita Provincial Assembly Member for Ward 29, Felix Bosokuru said Water Supply is one of the priority needs of the people of Fauala community.
He joined community leaders of Fauala to thank the Japanese Government through the Japanese Embassy for approving the Fauala water supply project application.
Mr Bosokuru assured that the Ward 29 leaders and people will continue to maintain a cordial relationship with the Japan Embassy.
The Fauala water supply project was signed in November 2021 between the Embassy of Japan and Malaita Provincial Government.
The Japanese Government gave about $550,000 in total to install a dam, water pipelines, 5000L water storage tanks and 26 standpipes for the community.
The Japanese Ambassador, Miwa Yoshiaki, thanked stakeholders who worked together in ensuring the successful completion of the project within just a year.
“I would lie to express gratitude and appreciation for your positive commitment. I also applaud the community people for their big support and strong commitment,” Ambassador Miwa said.
“Over 500 people in Fauala community can now cook, wash and drink clean water from a reliable source.
“The long-lasting impact of what we have built and what Fauala community will carry on is immeasurable.
“Investment in water, sanitation and hygiene have a sustainable impact on health and resilience when a community participates in maintaining and using this facility.
“I am hopeful that the community will maintain and benefit from the water supply we toured this afternoon” Mr Yoshiako said.
He stated that Japan will continue to offer assistance in ensuring basic human needs are met and strengthens the cordial relationship between Japan and Solomon Islands.
End of quote.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
