BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE completion of the Gizo Youth Center in Western Province may be delayed until August, despite official announcements targeting a July opening.

JOGOS Construction, the contractor working on the project since last year, told this paper that the delay is largely due to persistent bad weather and logistical challenges, as key construction materials are being sourced from Honiara.

According to the contractor, roofing work has already been completed, but several interior tasks remain before the facility can be fully operational.

“It will be like a hall, so there isn’t much to be done internally,” the contractor said.

Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) Cathy Nori announced in Parliament on Wednesday that the center will provide a dedicated space for youths to gather, engage in activities and access support and resources.

“For a very long time, our children and youth have not had a proper home for their activities,” she said. “Many times, due to the lack of facilities, they have been forced to organize their programs under the scorching sun or in the pouring rain and wind.”

She expressed optimism that the opening of the Gizo center will mark a turning point in youth development across the provinces.

“We believe this will become a thing of the past if these centers are built across the country. Our youth and children will finally have a place they can call their home.”

The Gizo Youth Center is the first of several planned facilities aimed at creating safe and inclusive spaces for young people in the provinces, as part of the ministry’s broader youth empowerment initiative.

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