Qolezavanga community located in North Kolobangara, Western Province has been acknowledged for achieving a ‘No Open Defecation’ (NOD) status.
Thus, Government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has congratulated the community during the NOD celebration held at the community on Thursday 12 September 2024,
Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (RWASH) Programme Manager at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Jack Filomea while expressing his congratulations to the community described the achievement as a significant milestone.
He was joined by other key officials, including ADRA Solomon Islands Country Director Leyn E. Gantare, Western Provincial Government (WPG) Chief Health Inspector Rendy Solomon, UNICEF Project Officer Erick Hale, Director of Nursing for the Western Provincial Government Eddie Kiloe, Senior Culture Officer from the Tourism Division Kenneth Roga, WPG Planning Officer Cornell Dalipanda, and other official who attended the declaration of the community’s NOD status.
In his speech, Mr. Filomea noted the immense significance of the achievement, describing sanitation as a major challenge in the Solomon Islands.
“Sanitation is not an easy task in the Solomon Islands, where cultural and customary practices often make the process more challenging.
“But I am very happy to see that your community has now been certified and declared as having NOD status,” he said.
He praised the women leaders in the Qolezavanga community for playing a pivotal role in reaching such achievement.
“Not all women in the Solomon Islands take active leadership roles, but the women of Qolezavanga have led the charge in advocating for improved sanitation, which has resulted in this NOD celebration today,” Mr. Filomea stated.
He also acknowledged the contributions of various partners, including DFAT as donor, UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, and ADRA, who supported the success of the program.
“I would like to congratulate ADRA and the Qolezavanga community for this successful celebration of NOD,” he added.
Mr. Filomea concluded by commending the entire community for their dedication and effort in making the NOD achievement possible.
“I want to especially congratulate the women of Qolezavanga for their leadership in making this celebration a success.
“But it was not just women’s leadership; it was the collective effort of the entire community that made this achievement possible.
“Congratulations, Qolezavanga, and thank you for allowing your community to become NOD certified,” the RWASH Programme Manager said.
In addition to the health benefits, the Senior Culture Officer for the Western Provincial Government, Kenneth Roga, announced that Qolezavanga would now be promoted to visitors as one of the tourist destinations in the province.
“Today marks a breakthrough in overcoming cultural barriers that have hindered sanitation development in Qolezavanga.
“In the tourism sector, we encourage communities to practice proper sanitation and now Qolezavanga will be one of the communities we promote to visitors as a NOD community. Visitors are keen to see a healthy environment,” said Mr. Roga.
Qolezavanga is a small community with over 10 plus household is one of three communities in Rannogah, including Nusa Mahiri being declared and certified NOD, following the completion of toilet constructions in their community.
