CAUSE Weekly Wrap-Up: Keeping you informed, one week at a time.

Issue 150 (Digital) 10 July - 14 July 2023
The weekly wrap-up newsletter is a way to connect and update staff and project stakeholders about the progress of projects implemented by CAUSE in different communities. It includes information about the projects in Honiara, Guadalcanal (areas outside of town boundary), Auki, Gizo, Noro, and Munda. CAUSE is supported by the Australian Government and the World Bank.

A fruitful Grievance and Redress Mechanism (GRM) cross-learning opportunity took place last Wednesday between the CAUSE and colleagues from SIRAP. The photo shows PM Sam explaining the CAUSE GRM Framework as embodied in its MIS, with Kevin providing the introduction. SIRAP was attended by the Safeguards team of Sally and Edwin. The cross-learning exercise has proven to be effective and the sharing of experiences has provided clearer avenues and improved strategies in addressing safeguards challenges faced by PMUs on a daily basis.

The CAUSE team has been very proactive in participating in cross-learning activities with SIG, Donors, WB project PMUs, local media, and a wide range of partners and stakeholders.

We are excited to see the start of the batch 44 Infrastructure and Service Delivery training (ISDT) program this week in Gizo, Western Province. This 7-day training program aims to provide participants with life skills and information, including capacitating them to effectively construct and manage community infrastructure projects and guaranteeing its efficient community service delivery. There are 40 trainees under this batch and they will be deployed for work after the training for our upcoming WCC in August.

Gizo’s Provincial Seawall and Ramp project has been triumphantly completed! This remarkable milestone signifies a momentous leap towards enhancing coastal resilience. The successful completion of this project symbolizes a giant stride in safeguarding Gizo’s enchanting coastlines and the beloved town from the imminent threats caused by rising sea levels and unpredictable weather patterns. This has also resolved the dry docking access issues faced by both private and government boat owners wherein they can now easily carry out repairs and maintenance of their boats to make them seaworthy. And not only that, it now allows the general public a secure and inviting docking area free of charge.

Component 2, on the other hand, has achieved the impressive feat of unveiling a brand new 2×40 meter concrete road. The entire Jah Mountain community, including vehicle owners and the general public, burst with overwhelming delight at the sight of this remarkable accomplishment.

The old dry goods market in Munda, opposite the main market, is being refurbished as part of the WPG priority projects aimed at catering to the growing market demand in Munda. CAUSE’s counterpart is to install a footwalk in front of the building while the provincial government will work on the conversion of the open-space market into lock-up shops for dry goods and locally produced tourism souvenirs. Once this is completed, this will form part of Munda’s revenue-generating assets.

The foundation works on the White River Market project continue. The workgroup is composed of newly trained workers composed of 7 females and 13 males residing in the neighboring communities. The building project sits on a 600sq.m. land area owned by the Honiara City Council with an estimated covered floor area of 370 square meters.

Routine maintenance will continue until April 2024 in Fifi Road, Ngossi Ward, Honiara, after completing unsealed road restoration works.

INSPIRING STORIES

Beryl Sosota, a stay-at-home mother of four teenagers, struggled to support her children’s education. She used to sell cooked food at the market and her husband provided OBM services and repair in Gizo. However, their income was not enough to cover their family’s expenses.

In November 2021, Beryl attended a seven-day ISDT training at Gizo PIU. She learned how to write a CV, an application letter and how to present herself during an interview. She was grateful for this training, as she was able to apply for a job as an office cleaner at the Gizo NPF branch.

Beryl was hired for the job and worked there for six months. She is pleased that NPF also helps pay her children’s school fees. This is a blessing for her family.

Ghorekera Tolipio, a participant from batch 34, is a SINU graduate from the class of 2021, actively seeking job opportunities. One of his aspirations was to join the Labour Mobility Scheme for seasonal employment, but he faced obstacles.

However, after enrolling in the ISDT training on September 19, 2022, Ghorekera utilized the certificate he obtained along with the attached reference to apply for jobs. Through his determination, he successfully secured a position. Additionally, he used his earnings from project work to cover the expenses for his passport. Ghorekera expressed his gratitude to the CAUSE project for their assistance in making his dreams come true.

During our recent encounter with him two weeks ago, he briefly visited for a vacation before returning to Australia. Ghorekera shared that the valuable lessons he acquired during the ISDT training played a significant role in his promotion to the position of works supervisor at the farm where he is currently employed. He is now in Australia, supporting his family financially and working towards establishing his own depot business, specializing in selling and expanding his inventory of drums.

Gizo Town’s Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project (Gizo PIU) has truly exceeded all expectations, kindling a magnificent metamorphosis that has uplifted the lives of every resident. The remarkable accomplishments in fortifying infrastructure, enriching urban services, enhancing community facilities, nurturing economic growth, and fostering environmental sustainability have laid a rock-solid groundwork for an inclusive and flourishing urban center. The unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit of all stakeholders have been irreplaceable in propelling this project toward resounding triumph. As we move forward, it is absolutely vital to maintain this extraordinary momentum and build upon these stellar achievements, ensuring everlasting prosperity and well-being for the beloved community of Gizo Town. -Penny-

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