Four communities on Ranongga island declare no open defaecation status
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
Four communities in Ranongga Island, Western Province, have officially been declared as No Open Defaecation (NOD) communities.
Babagea, Retona, Central Buri, and Logha communities proudly celebrated their achievement yesterday in the presence of donor partners, stakeholders, and government representatives who have been instrumental in driving the initiative.
Officials from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), UNICEF, ADRA, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Western Provincial Health Authority, and the Western Provincial Government were among those who travelled to Ranongga to witness the communities’ milestone.
The declaration marks another major success under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS) Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (RWASH) Programme, implemented in partnership with UNICEF, DFAT, ADRA, and the Western Provincial Government.
The programme aims to promote healthier communities through improved sanitation and hygiene practices.
The four Ranongga communities are among seven others, including three from Kolombangara Island, expected to achieve NOD status this week.
The celebration highlighted strong community leadership and collective effort under the National Sanitation Sustainability Plan (NSSP), which promotes improved health, hygiene, and sanitation across the Solomon Islands.
Community leaders used the occasion to express their gratitude and share suggestions to further strengthen the project’s sustainability.
Chief of Niubare Community, Rodrick Tikera, thanked all donor partners and the government for their support, saying the declaration represents a new chapter for his people.
“This is a huge achievement for our community. It won’t be easy, but I will guide my people until using toilets becomes part of their daily lives,” he said.
Paul Votu of Central Buri shared similar sentiments, acknowledging that while the process was challenging, the results have been rewarding.
“It’s not easy to change human behaviour overnight, but I believe my people will adapt to this new system to keep our shoreline and bush clean,” Mr Votu said.
Women’s leader from Logha, Nastassia Tuti, expressed joy over her community’s success.
“Logha has beautiful beaches, and this NOD status will help us keep our environment clean and healthy. As a woman, I’m proud of what our community has achieved,” she said.
The event ended with celebration and optimism as communities pledge to sustain their new hygienic practices for a healthier and cleaner future.
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