BY NED GAGAHE
UNICEF, in partnership with the Renbel Provincial Government have successfully concluded a three-day capacity-building workshop that aims to strengthen local governance and improve delivery of essential social services across Renbel Province.
The workshop was held in Renbel Province’s Provincial Capital, Tigoa from August 6 to 9, 2025 with funding support from the European Union (EU).
Attendees were provincial officials, Ward Development Committees (WDC) and Provincial Government officers under the Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (RWASH), health, and education sectors.
Deputy Provincial Secretary Aubrey Saueha highlighted the significance of the training, thanking UNICEF for its support.
“This workshop has been very important for our ward leaders and provincial officers.
“I hope what has been discussed here will be taken back and applied to improve service delivery at the community level,” he said.
The training reflects ongoing efforts to ensure that every child has access to essential services such as health, education, and safe water, which are crucial for their wellbeing.
It builds on previous workshops held in Malaita, Isabel, Central, Makira and Choiseul Provinces, and will continue to roll out across all nine provinces.
Participants had the chance to reflect on challenges facing their communities and to explore practical solutions through sector planning activities.
A key issue raised was creating multiple committees for different projects within communities, which often led to confusion and tension.
A major takeaway from the workshop was how important it is to strengthen the role of Ward Development Committees as the central body for all community projects.
This was agreed by the participants as it will help reduce duplication and improve coordination in service delivery.
This initiative forms part of the Provincial Governance and Service Delivery Project jointly implemented by UNICEF through the EU-funded programme.
It supports the Solomon Islands Government’s long-term vision outlined in the National Development Strategy 2016–2035, which promotes good governance, inclusive development, and access to quality basic services for all.
Photo: UNICEF
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