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

Issue 168 (Digital) 20 November – 24 November 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.

SPG 2023 Waste Cleaning and Collection Update

The South Pacific Games 2023 have reached the halfway mark, and the past week posed significant challenges for the CAUSE Project. Despite these hurdles, the project is pleased to report that it has successfully overcome the daunting task of aiding Greater Honiara in maintaining cleanliness during this festive period.

The accompanying photo depicts group members assigned to clean the Games venue’s outside perimeter receiving early morning instructions from their zone supervisor. Two groups of cleaners have been tasked with cleaning this area, committing to a 28-day work period that extends an additional week beyond the competition.

The dedication of these groups to work for an extended period, even beyond the competitions, reflects a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility towards keeping the venue free from unsightly rubbish. This commitment significantly contributes to fostering a positive and well-maintained environment throughout the duration of the Games and beyond.

The cleanliness of the bustling Honiara City urban hub greets early-morning motorists and pedestrians alike. Comprising a dedicated team of workers hailing from vulnerable settlements, the CAUSE project has undertaken the crucial task of maintaining and elevating the hygiene standards in the heart of Honiara.

These workers have tirelessly engaged in cleaning activities within four zones spanning 11 kilometers Their efforts go beyond mere cleanliness; they symbolize resilience and empowerment for individuals from marginalized backgrounds. As they meticulously sweep the streets, collect waste, and ensure the overall tidiness of the area, they are not only contributing to a visually appealing environment but also challenging societal norms by showcasing the potential within every community member.

The CAUSE project’s impact extends beyond the visible cleanliness of the host city; it represents a collaborative effort to create sustainable change. By involving workers from vulnerable settlements, the project not only addresses the immediate need for cleanliness but also provides employment opportunities and a sense of purpose to those who might face socio-economic challenges.

Most importantly, this would not have been possible without the help of other stakeholders. Much appreciation extends to the government and the private sector, ward residents, religious organizations, NGOs, and the general public, who have unmistakably manifested a clear sense of commitment and heightened awareness to ensure the cleanliness of this beautiful city.

Photos below were taken along some busy sections of the city.

Section of the main road fronting the Honiara City Council headquarters

Cleaners clearing the strewn rubbish in front of the Central Market

Garbage bins being deployed around the stadium perimeter

Under the CAUSE project, a dedicated team of road contractors is actively engaged in fulfilling their contractual obligations pertaining to waste management. This involves the systematic collection and disposal of garbage accumulated along secondary road collection points. Presently, the main dumping site located in Ranadi is experiencing a significant influx of trucks, lined up for the disposal process.

In a strategic move to enhance the efficiency of this operation, the CAUSE project has allocated a fleet of 8 trucks. These vehicles are specifically tasked with collecting and disposing of rubbish from November 1st to December 15th. Impressively, the average collection volume stands at approximately 285 cubic meters of refuse. This translates to at least 5 return trips each day by each truck, showcasing a commendable level of dedication and efficiency.

This initiative is a crucial part of the broader ‘Clean and Green’ program spearheaded by the Solomon Islands Government, particularly in preparation for the Pacific Games 2023. It underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship and urban cleanliness, ensuring that the islands present a pristine and welcoming environment for both residents and international visitors during this prestigious event.

Scope of Waste Cleaning, Collection and Disposal work contributed by the CAUSE Project during the South Pacific Games 2023

The CAUSE Project has diligently prepared to support Honiara City and Guadalcanal Province, the host city and province for the South Pacific Games 2023. Two hundred workers are deployed for continuous 12-hour cleaning, split into two 6-hour shifts from 6-12 am and 12-6 pm. In addition to the HCC waste disposal group, eight waste disposal teams from Component 2 are assisting. Over the 45-day period from November 1 to December 15, an estimated 12,800 cubic meters of garbage will be collected, averaging a daily disposal rate of 285 cubic meters. The 11-kilometer section is divided into four zones, as shown in the maps below. Two additional zones were created to extend waste disposal to the wards traversed by secondary roads.

Ms. Kate Chapman, 2nd Secretary – Infrastructure for the Australian High Commission Solomon Islands, graciously poses for a souvenir photo alongside the dedicated CAUSE cleaning team stationed in CBD2 and 3 under Zone 3. The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE) project, co-funded by the World Bank and Australia, stands committed to enhancing the urban environment. As part of this initiative, CAUSE is set to deploy additional waste bins strategically placed in densely populated public spaces, particularly around the Games venue and the bustling Central Market, where foot traffic is notably high.

Elevating Community Access and Urban Services: A Strategic Overview of Achievements

This quarter’s newsletter underscores the substantial progress of the CAUSE Project, showcasing the successful overachievement of our Q3 targets. In partnership with the World Bank and Australian Government, our concerted efforts in infrastructure development and service enhancement have not only reached but also surpassed our aspirations, delivering significant advancements in the Solomon Islands’ urban landscapes.

Infrastructure and Development Milestones:

Completion of 199 multimodal infrastructure investments: This achievement marks a pivotal step in improving transportation networks and economic access.
Elevation in household engagement: Approximately 18,100 households have benefited from the enhanced access to infrastructure, services, or markets.
Employment and skills development: The project has created 8,472 beneficiaries of job-focused interventions, fortifying community capacity building and economic resilience.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives:

Targeted community support: 57% of the beneficiaries are from areas designated as ‘highest priority’ by the CAUSE vulnerability index, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive support.
Employment creation: With 332,000 labor days generated, we have facilitated meaningful employment opportunities, crucial for local development.
Sector-specific Progress:

Road Restoration & Maintenance: We’ve surpassed our 83.5 km target, achieving 99.6 km with an ongoing 12.8 km, demonstrating our efficiency and commitment to infrastructure improvement.
Climate Resilient Spot Improvements: Completion of 17.9 km against a target of 14.11 km showcases our proactive stance on c

Improvement to Climate Resilience Critical Section of Euka Road

Community Impact and Feedback:

Increased access: An encouraging 82.8% of individuals in project areas report enhanced access to infrastructure, underpinning the positive societal impacts of our endeavors.

Broader benefits: Initiatives have extended to heighten community safety, cohesion, and environmental sanitation.

Acknowledgment of Donors:

The unwavering support and financial assistance from the World Bank and Australian Government have been quintessential in reaching these milestones. We express our sincere appreciation for their commitment to driving sustainable development initiatives within the region.

Forward Outlook:

The CAUSE project team remains resolute in its mission to forge ahead with strategic initiatives designed to further enhance community infrastructure, economic opportunities, and climate resilience.

Engagement and Contact:

We invite all stakeholders and partners to engage with our ongoing activities and to be a part of our journey towards a more connected and sustainable future. For further information or to provide feedback, please contact us at contact-us@causesi.net.

Transforming connectivity, empowering communities.

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.

Testimonials