LAST week, the community of Pusiju successfully launched the Women’s hall at Valapata village, Vella la Vella Island in Western Province.
The Project was initiated by the Women and Girls of Pusiju with in-kind support from former Provincial Member for ward 8, Wyclif Sunga through the Ward Development Committee.
The small grant worth $15,000 was given to the community through the Planning Division, Western Provincial Government.
The one-day event was witnessed by Planning Division, Tourism Division officers from Western Provincial Government, WWF SI team, Church leaders, Chiefs and community members.
The Chairman of WDA – Bilua Ward 8, Chief Jule Tora highlighted the successful implementation of the bottom-up approach adopted by the Western Provincial Government through the Planning Division in working together with the Ward Development Committee under the leadership of the Provincial member.
Mrs Korolyn Makini further added that in the past the Provincial Government select communities when it comes to selecting the site for project implementation however it was proved that the top-down approach did not address the core challenge of the rural people.
Moreover, there was no genuine commitment from community people as in most cases there was no sense of ownership of the project.
With the adaptive approach the WPG took through the Ward Development Committee there has been successful implementation of small grants in the rural community.
Pusiju community is one of the communities that received in-kind support from its former Provincial Member for which the WDC – Bilua ward 8 has a crucial role in the direct management of the fund disbursed from the Planning Division.
Former Provincial Member for Bilua ward – Mr Sunga acknowledge the community of Pusiju for making this vision into reality and for the commitment shown in regards to the role they played such as preparing timber, manpower, and preparing the hall before the official handing over. It is a historical event for communities within ward 8 to have the most needed development in the rural area.
Mr Sunga also added that this is the way forward for the community to maximize the benefit from Provincial Government Grants and that is to work together with WDC, Provincial Member and the Planning Division.
Dr Hendrick Kaniki highlighted the benefit of a genuine network with partners and the cooperation among community members that resulted in the successfully handing over of the hall project to the community of Pusiju.
Dr Kaniki stated that this building will be used for its purpose and also for other community events that might be hosted in Pusiju village.
The WWF Pacific Director, Dr Mark Drew was overwhelmed by the event as he witness the celebration and highlighted the new partnership that the organization will have with Sirubai Voko Tribe Association concerning Community Based Fisheries Management.
The official handing over of the hall was led by Probationer Minister Frank Sidaka with a sermon that was based on faith with action to make things into reality.
He acknowledges the community of Pusiju for being vocal in community development within the region and with the involvement of religious and traditional leaders things have been coming forth and the women’s community hall is one of them.
The SVTA management committee believed that with the inclusion of partners like WWF Solomon Islands, Western Province Network for Sustainable Environment, Solomon Islands Rangers Association and other Environment, and development partners, rural communities will see positive changes in the future.
The event was concluded with a token of appreciation given to the guests by the community. Community members also celebrated the milestone achievement with social entertainment such as dances from children and women as well as live music entertainment from Jesse Lelokana’s band.
Source: Henry Kaniki, SVTA Media
