By Loretta B Manele
Four villages in Isabel are recipients of a water project from Japan’s Grassroots and Human Security Scheme.
A signing ceremony between Solomon Islands Climate Action (SICAN) representing these four villages and Keiichi Higuchi, Japanese ambassador to Solomon Islands sealed the US $84,822 grant for the water project on Friday last week.
Higuchi said he is pleased to announce that the project will assist in the installation of a water supply system at the 4 villages namely; Kaolo, Kaevanga, Doga and Kabahegha in Hograno-Kia- Havulei constituency.
He expressed that one of the priority areas under the Grassroots and Human Security Scheme is to meet basic human needs like water.
Higuchi said it goes without question that everyone should have access to clean water no matter where they live.
“Access to water is fundamental for health, dignity and prosperity in every person’s life.”
Higuchi stated that they have learned that the water supply system in these four villages is not sufficiently developed.
He added that during dry season, people sometimes use water from rivers which has adverse effects on their health.
Higuchi hopes that this project will improve the living environment of the people in these four villages and believe that it will have positive impacts on the socio-economic development of Solomon Islands.
On another note, he emphasized that one important point of this project is the participation and contribution of the communities.
Higuchi said while this project is funded by the government of Japan, it is the receiving communities that must drive the project forward to improve their living conditions.
“The communities should be the moving force of the project. With the commitment of each community, we are confident that the project will be successfully and smoothly carried out and reach the anticipated goal.”
Higuchi said they hope that this project will be remembered as a symbol of the friendship between the people of Japan and Solomon Islands.
He furthered that it is a great honour to contribute to the development for the people of Solomon Islands.
“This project is a symbol of the cordial relationship between our two countries. On behalf of the government and people of Japan, I would like to reaffirm our continuous commitment to the people and the prosperity of our two countries.”
Rodrick Holness Rollands SICAN chair also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the Japanese government for their support to these four villages.
He said the signing marks an important milestone for all of them and he acknowledges the government of Japan and its people who from time and time again over the years have continuously supported and assisted grass roots communities and people in Solomon Islands.
Rollands mentioned that these four villages for over a decade have not had any water supply so they would have to paddles across the ocean to San Jorge Island to collect water for drinking and cooking and for other important necessities.
He said Kaevanga on the other hand is the central economic hub and main port to all the communities within the Hograno District.
Rollands said this signing ceremony is a step closer to achieving the much-needed hopes and dreams of the people in those 4 villages and surrounding villages.
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