EARLIER this month marked a historic event as Solomon Ports donated a brand new 22-foot boat and a 40-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine to the Koalimaurina Women in Business Association. The handover took place on Monday at Lalana Village, in the Langalanga Lagoon, Malaita Province.
This is part of Solomon Ports Mangrove restoration project for the Langalanga Communities, in partnership with the Koalimaurina Women in business, and supported by the Gizo women in business, which is aimed at promoting the protection of Mangroves and other coastal and marine ecosystems.
Since last year, Solomon Ports has collaborated with the Women’s Association to support the socio-economic livelihoods of the women in Langalanga Lagoon, and promote the replanting of mangroves. The Koalimaurina Women in Business, supported by the Gizo Women in Business, engage in activities such as savings clubs, farming, seaweed farming, bee farming, entrepreneurship, and mangrove restoration.
Solomon Ports’ intervention aims to provide essential resources to assist the Women’s Association in their activities. The new boat and engine will facilitate the transport of surplus vegetables to the nearby Auki Market and deliver necessary materials for their initiatives.
Solomon Ports Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eranda Kotelawala, personally handed over the new boat and engine to the women at Lalana Village. The community and surrounding islands welcomed the Ports CEO and his team with a traditional Langalanga reception. Community chiefs also presented Mr. Kotelawala with Tafuliae Shell Money as a token of their gratitude.
The Solomon Ports Team were also joined by the presence of the Malaita Province Deputy Premier , Hon. Randall Sifoni, who’s presence was also a key highlight of the handover ceremony , which added more prominence as well.
During the handover ceremony, Ms. Angela Sugeli, President of the Koalimaurina Women in Business Association, expressed her deep appreciation to Solomon Ports. She highlighted the significance of the new boat and engine, stating they mark a historic milestone for the association and the women of the lagoon, as this was the first time ever for the women of Langalanga to receive such support.
“The new boat and engine will bring remarkable change and benefits to our communities by solving our transportation issues,” she said. “We are speechless, as some of us never dreamt we would have such boats. We thank you for your confidence and trust in us. This is a positive step towards improving the lives of Langalanga women.”
Mr. Eranda Kotelawala affirmed Solomon Ports’ commitment to supporting the Women’s Association, emphasizing their responsibility to give back to the community. He praised the association’s work, especially their vegetable harvests, seaweed farming, and ongoing mangrove restoration efforts, which he personally observed.
“To protect the environment, it is imperative to address the needs of the people, ensuring the community is resilient and self-sufficient, which in turn will bring less human impacts on the environment,” he said. “This is just the beginning of our ongoing support for these communities. Solomon Ports’ support will continue.”
As part of this continued support, Solomon Ports will soon supply vegetable seeds and honey farm boxes to help boost income generation and promote self-reliance among the association’s members.
