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SolAir discounts holidays for the vaccinated

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Solomon Airlines officials, stand with representatives from the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian High Commission and Strongim Bisnis, to announce the discounts for vaccinated holiday-makers.

Solomon Airlines announced new discounts for vaccinated passengers yesterday.

The holiday discounts are part of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (SICCI) “Bisnis for Vaccines” campaign, and are supported by the Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis.

The new holiday discounts will apply to ‘Iumi Tugeda Holidays’ packages purchased by any Solomon Islander or Solomon Islands permanent resident who can show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.

A 20 per cent discount will be applied to bookings of Iumi Tugeda Holidays packages, where all eligible travellers have received their first vaccination during or after 15 October 2021. A 10 per cent discount will apply if only some of those travellers are vaccinated.

In addition, a 10 per cent discount will be given to those Iumi Tugeda Holidays travellers who received their first vaccination before 15 October 2021, or are making their second Iumi Tugeda Holidays booking since the start of the promotion.

Discounted bookings can be made by calling Solomon Airlines on (677) 36362 or emailing [email protected] Proof of a COVID-19 vaccination must be shown when paying.

Solomon Airlines Manager Commercial, Colin Sigimanu said “We are proud supporters of vaccination efforts in our country to protect our communities, and this has not changed with the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“Vaccination is critical to being able to open our national borders to international visitors again, and so that our economy, tourism and international trade can recover.”

“The discounts available through our Iumi Tugeda Holidays program provide an extra incentive to reward those who support this national effort.

“Without this momentum, many businesses, especially in our tourism sector will struggle to survive.

“This latest offer provides a twofold benefit, as we increase support for the Iumi Tugeda Holidays program, we support more local operators and also the momentum towards ensuring their future,” he said.

The announcement of Solomon Airlines discounts coincided with the return of its A320 aircraft.

The aircraft completed an extensive maintenance C-check, which ensures the aircraft is in good operating condition. The announcement also coincided with SICCI’s third ‘Bisnis for Vaccines’ prize draw.

This prize draw is available to all Solomon Islanders and permanent residents who received their first COVID-19 vaccination during or after September 2021.

SICCI’s prize draw was also supported by the Australian Government initiative, Strongim Bisnis. Australian High Commission Acting Counsellor Economic, Alex Stephens said “Australia stands side by side with the Solomon Islands Government in its efforts to execute its vaccination rollout and strengthen its COVID-19 resilience and preparedness.

Supporting SICCI’s ‘Bisnis for Vaccines’ campaign is one of the ways we can contribute towards that goal, while helping Solomon Islands businesses during challenging economic times.”

There are still two remaining Iumi Tugeda Holidays available for vaccinated people to win. To enter, visit SICCI’s Facebook page. The next winner will be drawn on 29 October 2021.

New water supply for Guale communities

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Ms. Sally-Anne Vincent (Acting Australian High Commissioner)

More than 4000 people in seven communities affected by the Tropical Cyclone (TC) Harold in April 2020 will now benefit from a newly restored and constructed water supply system.

Previously, community members had to walk more than 1.5 kilometres to fetch water for cooking, drinking, cleaning and bathing. This support relieves the burden of women, children and carers for people with disabilities who often are the ones collecting water for family use. 

Jointly funded by the Australian Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this initiative came at the request of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in the aftermath of TC Harold to support the most affected communities in West Gudalcanal: Vatulovo Savoulu, Visale Community High School, Veuru, Mangakiki, Verahue, Hulavu and Selwyn College- .


Ms. Sally-Anne Vincent (Acting Australian High Commissioner) and Mr. Berdi Berdiyev (UNDP Country Manager) standing in front of a new water tank with COVID-19 stickers at Selwyn College.

Francis Sade, the Guadalcanal Province Premier, received the infrastructure and tools on behalf of the communities and thanked the development partners for this important effort during the project handover ceremony held at Visale on October 13, 2021.

“I would like to appeal to all the 490 households or the 4134 individual beneficiaries to take ownership of all these water supply infrastructures.

“We are grateful to our development partners such as UNDP and the Australian Government for reaching out to us during our most vulnerable moments.


Hon. Francis Sade (Premier of Guadalcanal Provincial Government) turning on a newly constructed water supply at Visale DIVIT community, while the Under Secretary Technical of Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology looked on.

“Thus, the responsibilities of ownership are now on your (communities) shoulders,” said Premier Sade.

Speaking on behalf of the recipient communities, Principal of Selwyn College Fr Davidson Ngwaeramo noted, “our communities are prone to natural hazards such as cyclones, flooding and landslides which damage our water sources. This intervention is a blessing for us, so we must care for the water infrastructures.”

The UNDP’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) project, which is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) with the financial support from the Australian Government, took on the initiative to work with the Guadalcanal Province and Rural WASH Programme of the Ministry of Health and Medical Service (MHMS) to construct the water supply systems.

Representing the National Disaster Council and the National Disaster Management Office, the Deputy Secretary (Technical), MECDM, Mr Chanel Iroi, expressed his gratitude to the development partners, the Provincial Government, Ministry of Health and Medical Services Rural WASH programme and ADRA for the productive collaboration.

“This project demonstrates the need for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction to utilise the existing arrangements defined by the National Disaster Management Plan 2018,” said Iroi.

As the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was observed on the same day, the handover event was a reminder of how climate change can lead to developing countries experiencing even more extreme weather events in the future, which can have a disproportionate effect on vulnerable communities in terms of mortality and damage to critical infrastructure.


Group photo of the key officials and beneficiaries from Vatulovo Savoulu, Visale Community High School, Veuru, Magakiki, Verahue, Hulavu and Selwyn College, who received the much-needed rehabilitated water supply and rainwater catchment systems.
 

The theme for this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction highlights the need for deeper international co-operation so developing countries can reduce their disaster risk and disaster losses.

Speaking to this theme, the Acting Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Ms Sally Anne Vincent, highlighted the need for a stronger cooperation amongst development partners.

“Supporting rural community development is a key priority for Australia, and we are pleased to have been able to support this important work in partnership with the National Government through the MECDM and the NDMO, the Guadalcanal Provincial Administration, UNDP and ADRA,” said Acting High Commissioner Vincent.

She added, “This partnership highlights one of the key themes of disaster risk reduction – enhancing cooperation. It also ensures communities are safer and more resilient.”

Reinforcing the message, UNDP Country Manager, Mr Berdi Berdiyev, commended the strong partnership with the community-based organizations, NGOs and Government institutions at provincial and central levels that was forged during the implementation, noting that “this was a truly joint effort and is a good example of the importance of working together when responding to a disaster.”

UNDP helps countries manage and mitigate disaster risk through preparedness measures and pre-disaster recovery planning and strengthen early warning systems and develop contingency plans and support systems.

–UNDP PRESS

AJ City Mall open for business

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his delegation walk down on the escalator.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

AJ City Mall at Lunga on the east of Honiara has opened its doors to the public yesterday.

The $120 million dollar investment offers offices for rent, gym, food courts, pubs, cinema, clinics and many other more.

Few businesses have already rented spaces in the building.

Speaking on behalf of AJ Enterprise Limited Director Aron Dawen Zheng at the grand opening, Chief Executive Officer, Ellen Inahia Maruarofa said AJ Hall is a dream come true for Zheng.

“Zheng always dreamt of constructing a large and unique building that hosts different businesses and service providers under one roof.

Government Ministers and guests witnessing the opening of the AJ City Mall

“Not only that, but he (Zheng) dream of founding a building that gives a glimpse and taste of the outside world into our community. And in doing so give a face lift the Lunga area,” she said.

“And it is only right because Lunga is the gateway into Honiara City hence the AJ City Mall will hopefully become the first impression of Solomon Islands when our borders open to tourists and visitors from abroad.

Guests and members of the public witness the cutting of ribbon to officially open the building

“Zheng will not erect any fence around AJ City Mall, simply because he wants people to have ownership and respect for the building,” she said.

“Zheng hoping that leaving the building open will influence our people to learn and respect such development which will benefit us all, as Solomon Islanders,” she added.

Some of the invited guests visit inside the AJ City Mall

As such, Zheng is urging other colleagues with businesses in Honiara City and the country, to invest and beautify our country.

“It is true that our primary objective as business owners is profit and to survive in the competitive business environment.

“But lest we forget, we must also give back to the country by making it look more beautiful and transforming this City into a modern one that we can all be proud off,” she said.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Premier of Guadalcanal, Malanga Chief, Walter Naezon, Willies and Electrics, Chinese Ambassador Li Ming, members of Parliament and other dignitaries have attended the grand opening.

Sade commends AJ Enterprise

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Eddie Osifelo
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AJ Enterprises owner Aaron Zheng, Prime Minister Sogavare and Guadalcanal Premier Sade cutting the cake

By EDDIE OSIFELO

GUADALCANAL Premier, Francis Belande Sade has praised AJ Enterprise Limited for listening to some of their recommendations to allow the progress of the AJ City Mall at Lunga, East Honiara.

This after former Premier Anthony Veke has tussled with the company at the early stage of the development in 2019.

Veke has denied giving approval to the project because the developer had not provided a geo-tech report of the development.

Speaking at the grand opening of the $120 million five storey mall yesterday, Premier Sade said the continuous dialogue with the company has overcome the issues.

Guests have the opportunity to walk up the elevator

Sade said Guadalcanal Provincial Government wants to see the development happen because AJ is one the Guadalcanal’s jurisdiction.

He said very soon the Henderson area will become a township.

However, Sade advised future developers on Henderson to provide their development plans to Guadalcanal Provincial Town and Country Planning Board to vet it first.

He said the provinces had four township projects and asked the government and investors to support them.

In addition, Chief of Malanga, Walton Naezon said the site used to be a sacred site in the past, however the white people came and chased them away.

He said the site is no longer on Honiara but on Malango.

As such, he said the House of Chiefs of Malango and Tandai was proud of the investment.

He said this building is a history.

Naezon urged the Prime Minister to upgrade medical services on Malango because it is the gateway to Honiara.

Herming rejects PARU

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Office of the Prime Minister

THE Government Communication Unit (GCU) in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet says it refuses to recognise the so-called Malaita Premiers Advisory and Research Unit (PARU) as an official institution to speak on behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government (MPG).

In a statement, Director of the Government Communication Unit (GCU), George Herming said the GCU is the recognised institution that officially speaks for the Government through appropriate channels to clarify any information or media statement that is misleading to the public.

“GCU understands that PARU was a politically established Office in the MPG in an attempt to mirror other set ups in the National Government that have political branches and claims to speak on behalf of the Office of the Premier,” Herming said.

“For the information of the public, the only authorized and recognised Officer that should endorse and give approval to media statements from Provincial Government’s is the Provincial Secretary (PS),” he added.

“In the PS’s absence, his Deputy or another designated supervising official can be nominated to the role and not a political appointee or Office.”

In addition, any major statements by the Provincial Government must come from the Premier with endorsement by the Provincial Executive.

Herming added that PARU will not be recognised and any statement that comes from that “Office” will not be recognised as official to represent the Malaita Provincial Government.

He urged the mainstream media to be mindful that any statement that comes from any Provincial Government must be sanctioned by the Provincial Secretary or his/her Deputy and not any bunch of so-called Political Appointees in the Provincial Government.

“For public knowledge, the PARU is not recognized and has now been ‘ceased’ after the discontinuation of the Advisor’s contract.

“All protocols by virtue of Provincial Governments ‘Staff Instructions’ should be followed when making public statements with approval by the Provincial Secretary or the Executive.

“In the history of PARU’s publications, these protocols have not been followed.”

Herming said the Malaita Provincial Government, could do better to be more credible by simply issuing media statements endorsed by the Office of the Provincial Secretary or the Deputy Secretary or the Supervising Officer to represent the MPG.

“For PARU to use unrecognized spokespersons only belittles the MPG which is not right.”

On accusations that GCU was attempting to mislead the Malaita public with an Official Government Statement on the USAID-SCALE Projects, Herming again re-iterated that the GCU only transmits information after seeking facts and statements from relevant Ministries that has a role in the SCALE projects.

“These are key line Ministries that must not be sidelined in the whole process and whatever information that comes out from these Ministries represents the facts and appropriate processes surrounding the SCALE projects,” Herming said.

In addition, the Government processes and procedures that are in place in dealing with such programs as the SCALE should be respected and that a body such as PARU being a political set up has misunderstood or intentionally misrepresented the truth possibly with the intention to misinform the public for its own ulterior motives.

WHY EXCLUDE US?

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Kava plants on Malaita

Mala Agriculture office unhappy with gov’t decision on ESP

By BRIAN LEZUTUNI

THE Malaita Agriculture Office has expressed disappointment in the government’s decision to overlook it in its implementation of the Economic Stimulus Package in the province.

The Auki Office said issues with identifying and monitoring recipients of the funding could be well managed by their office with the up-to-date data they have on active farmers in their area.

 “I feel that the monitoring and evaluation process of the stimulus package would be a challenge on Malaita,” according to Ledley Diudi, former public servant now contracted with the Provincial agriculture office.

He said the Auki Office only knew about the application process as it was flooded with people seeking information and submitting their applications.

“From then on, it was silent, we did not know who got the money and those who do not.

“The process with the ESP …was from the oversight committee to the farmers,” Mr Diudi adds.

He said the Agriculture extension office on Malaita and similar offices in other provinces deal directly with farmers.

“I think the funding component for the productive sector, especially Agriculture could be better dealt with if the agriculture extension office was part of the process.

“This is to ensure that government has a report on how many farmers benefit from it. So, we can monitor and evaluate the impact of this money,

 “Right now, the team from the oversight committee is doing everything, so the ministry offices within the provinces are left out.

The views of Mr Diudi are shared by senior Malaita agriculture officer, Patrick Maesuba who agreed such funding should come through the provincial office as they know those who are active farmers.

He said according to what he has seen, there are over 100 recipients around Malaita province.

“Whether the money would be used to achieve its intended purpose is to be known as we have been left out in identifying and assisting those who really need the support,” Mr Maesuba told Island Sun.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and Chairman of the Oversight Committee responsible for implementing the stimulus package, McKinnie Dentana told Island Sun the government had to act fast to implement the ESP as the aim of the program was to ensure the economy did not deteriorate during the time of the pandemic.

Like governments around the world, the Solomon Islands government injected money in different ways and not all aspects of the program went smoothly.   

Under the productive and resources sector component of the ESP “the funding was a challenge,” Mr Dentana said.

 “We have to implement it for up to a year as people were applying for their small projects which is challenging and takes a longer period to complete.”

He said the committee is currently conducting monitoring on Malaita Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Isabel and Central provinces.

 Mr Dentana said reports from the monitoring could be made available by the end of this month or next month.

Malu’u fisheries project nears completion

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The renovated Malu’u Fisheries Center

Renovation works on the Malu’u Fisheries Centre in North Malaita is nearing completion.

This project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources under the overall government policy to setup a mini scale commercial fisheries project in the Northern Region of Malaita.

The renovation component is funded by the Ministry of Commerce while the equipment for the facility will be sourced by the Ministry of Fisheries under a bilateral arrangement with the Overseas Fisheries Cooperation Fund (OFCF) of Japan.

Deputy Director for Provincial Fisheries Department, Bennie Buga said the equipment will be available around February 2022 and a formal handover to the Malaita Province Fisheries office and a private operator Rif Solomon Pty limited was proposed for the first quarter of 2022.

The Ministry Of Commerce through the Industrial Development division is currently in consultation with the fisheries office in Malaita province and Rif Solomon Pty Limited on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and operation of the fisheries centre.

The Fisheries centre once operational will involve the participation of local fishers to earn income and improve livelihoods for people in the Northern Region of Malaita province.          

Project Contractor Exodus Trade and Development Ltd has reached 95 percent completion of the renovation works.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

SCALE PROJECTS ANNOUNCEMENT MISLEADING

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Premier-Daniel-Suidani-meets-members-of-his-executive-upon-his-arrival-at-Auki-wharf.

The media announcement by Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani on the USAID SCALE Project for Malaita is incorrect and misleading.

The National Government clarifies that the announcement downplays the spirit of partnership and commitment by SIG and the Malaita Provincial Government to implement these projects in partnership with the USAID and other development partners.

This was following a series of meetings held between the National Government, the Malaita Provincial Government (MPG), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other stakeholders in Auki last month.

The series of meetings included a stakeholder dialogue on the SCALE programme jointly hosted by the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) and USAID and followed by a courtesy call on the Executive members of the Malaita Provincial Government.

The stakeholder dialogue on the SCALE programme discussed progress in rolling out the SCALE Programme as well as governance and coordination arrangements to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the programme.

The Auki dialogue was informed that a Draft Implementing Agreement, which the Government is working on with the USAID, is being worked on and will be finalized for Cabinet Approval.

The dialogue was also informed of the Solomon Islands Aid Management and Development Cooperation Policy and the Partnership Framework for Effective Development Cooperation.

The Aid Management and Development Cooperation Policy provides guidance on how donors and development partners should engage with government in ensuring effective aid delivery in line with the Paris Principles of Aid Effectiveness and other relevant international and regional frameworks for effective development cooperation.

The dialogue also acknowledged clarifications made in the meeting, on the funding process, and alignment with Government policies, which will set the course and direction for further follow up meetings and engagements between National Government and Malaita Provincial Government.

The National Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) confirms that they have not received any formal information on the projects from USAID.

Furthermore, the National Government through the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) confirms that they are still waiting for USAID to provide information on these projects so that both parties can agree on proper governance structures for SCALE projects.

The Government further clarifies that the Bonale Pineapple Project was initiated by the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) in 2017 and have signed an MOU with Bonale Lands Trust Board and Malaita Provincial Government during Premier Ramohia’s reign.

This project is ongoing one and is one of DCGA’s flagship projects and currently fully funded by the SIG Development Budget under its Value Adding program. The National Government also clarifies that talks are ongoing with the USAID under the SCALE programme to see where they can assist in the Bonale Pineapple project.

The other project is the Malu’u Fishery Center which is currently being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Fisheries with support from the Overseas Fisheries Cooperation Fund (OFCF) of Japan to support rural fisheries and income generation activities in the Northern Region. The Government through these Ministries at this stage is unaware of any interest from the SCALE programme but would welcome any interest in the future.

The Malaita Outer Island wharf project is still in its early stages which will require feasibility studies before any actual construction can take place. The Government is welcoming development-partner support on this project.

The Government reminds Provincial Leaders to be mindful when announcing projects by making sure information provided is accurate and not misleading to people.

–GCU

Leave no stone unturned

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Policeman stealing $300,000 One Link’s money must follow Dora: TSI

THE recent conviction and two years sentencing of the founder of the country’s largest Ponzi scheme becomes the case in point for the officer who stole $300,000 under police custody to follow suit.

While Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) appreciated the efforts by police to investigate, arrest and charge those who operated the Ponzi scheme known as One Link Pacifica, it equally calls for arrest and charging of the of the suspended police officer(s) alleged to have stolen more than $300,000 belongs to One Link, which went missing last year while kept under police custody.

Transparency Solomon Islands notes that sentencing of the Managing Director of One Link Pacifica, Mr. Charles Dora to two years imprisonment is vital in the journey for the One Link victims recovery of their stolen money and the missing $300,000 from police custody. Thus, TSI calls for both police and the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to leave no stone unturned, in order to bring true justice to the victims of the Ponzi scheme. In this case, the police officer suspected for stealing the confiscated One Link money kept under police custody as exhibit must brought before the courts.

If we are to fight corruption in public institutions and discourage corrupt attitude perpetrated by certain individuals or groups then it has to start with upholding and enforcing our laws the penal code. It is good to learn that police were doing their job to ensure those responsible for the Ponzi scheme are dealt with by the courts. However, the police officer alleged to have stolen the exhibit money must appear before the same court that sent Mr. Dora to serve two years imprisonment.

Further, the latest update by the Commissioner of Police during one of his press conferences that the report on the missing $300,000 has been complete by police and will be submitted for further assessment is welcoming. But since then, the matter was never updated but we hope things are progressing to reach the court room.

This case must serve as a reminder and a lesson to others involved in similar schemes depriving ignorant citizens of their hard-earned money. Solomon Islands has been a haven for Ponzi schemes, one such was the Charity scheme whose victims are still waiting and hoping to recover the money they lost. This case must serve as a lesson and a reminder to those who may want to operate other so-called banking or money schemes in the country to adhere to the laws of this country like the Financial Institution Act (FIA). It also served as a strong warning to scammers or bogus agents who are scamming people for money by means of collecting cash deposits or valuable assets from clients.

Lastly, discipline within the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has been on the public radar in the previous months, which many citizens express their disappointment with the work of the RSIPF. But thanks to the hardworking Commissioner of Police, who strive to bring back confidence and public trust in the work of the RSIPF, by ensuring there is strong discipline in the work of the force. We must continue support our Commissioner of Police and the hard-working officers who ensure the reputation and image of the RSIPF is not tarnished by the actions of one or two officers. TSI commends the Commissioner of Police for ensuring that investigation into this matter is now complete and calls on the Commissioner of Police to take this matter further and charge the officer(s) responsible for the missing One Link $300,000. The RSIPF is responsible for the maintenance and enforcement of law and order including detection of crimes and apprehension of offenders. This case of the stolen money from within what is supposed to be a safe and secured place is truly concerning and brings disrepute to the RSIPF. 

Transparency Solomon Islands in its continuous advocacy against corruption, mal-administration and high prevalence of corrupt practices strive to ensure a clean government operated on the principles and values of democracy. It must be noted that TSI is part of the global campaign to minimize corruption across the globe and ensure citizens are aware of their democratic rights and can exercise their rights when necessary. Corruption is everybody’s business and we must together work hand in hand to fight and eliminate corruption in Solomon Islands.

Tetupa primary school to benefit from WASH facility.

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Students of Tetupa standing infront of their WASH facility

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

AROUND 230 students from Tetupa Primary will benefit from a WASH facility funded by the New Zealand Government through UNICEF and implemented by the World Vision Solomon Islands.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony yesterday, Country Director Jimmy Nadapdap thanked UNICEF for the support given to World Vision Solomon through the the Solomon Islands Better Learning Environment-WASH in Schools Project (SIBLE.

He said World Vision as a child focused organization is always grateful for working with schools and communities because through their work, children are benefiting.

“I wish to highlight that the SIBLE Project key activity includes the construction of student friendly WASH facility and Teachers WASH facility.

“I believe the facilities handed over today, especially the students’ WASH facility and that of teachers address the issues the school has experienced in the past.

WASH specialist Abigail Tevera of UNICEF with Jimmy Nadapdap of World Vision SI, with World Vision team and school representative

“As we are aware, most schools in the country do not have proper WASH facilities, Tetupa you are lucky and today you are one step ahead of these schools. Congratulations to Tetupa”, Mr Nadapdap said.

He also said the facilities are a timely gift to Tetupa as the whole world is grappling with the deadly virus-COVID 19, and hand washing or proper hygiene practices are measures apart from the vaccine.

“I believe Tetupa is ready in its preparedness and I encourage students to practice the hygiene knowledge that you also learnt from the project.

“In addition, I wish to encourage teachers and the surrounding communities to also take COVID 19 vaccine as that is the only solution for us to go back to our normal life.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Tetupa Primary Bartholomew Vavanga thanked the stakeholders for their support and said it is a milestone for the school.

He said the school has been struggling in terms of development but such support has lifted the face of the school where children will and enjoy the health benefits of the facility.

UNICEF WASH specialist Abigail Tevera also reminded students and teachers to take ownership and maintain the facilities.

She said Tetupa is one of the schools that benefit from such projects.

She said that water sanitation and hygiene in schools are an important pre-requisite for ensuring the right to basic education.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed the criticality of the WASH facilities for handwashing, as one of the most cost-effective and relevant strategy to contain the spread of the contamination risks, Ms Tevera said.

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