Japan embassy assists Bobolo community in Malaita
BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA
Located seven kilometres from Auki, Bobolo community in Malaita province is set to benefit from a new water supply project funded by the Japanese Embassy, bringing hope to community members after years of struggle to access clean water.
Project Coordinator Felix Bosokuru said water scarcity is an issue in the community since their forefathers were there. It forces community members to walk long distances to fetch water.
“Since women are the ones who do most of the household chores, they suffered the most. Our students also find it difficult because they have to walk through muddy paths to the water source often before they could attend school,” Bosokuru said.
He said the hardship prompted him to gather community members to form a committee to create a vision towards construction of the water supply.
“After searching for a donor for a long time, the Japanese Embassy has now responded to our need,” he said.
Community representative during the handover ceremony Joylin Oli expressed happiness following the project signing, saying today their stories will change.
“Today marks the day our stories will change. Since this project will bring clean water closer to our homes and will lift a burden we have faced for so long,” she said.
She said it is now the community’s responsibility to work throughout the project to ensure it finishes off at the right timeframe.
“As community members, we have to cooperate to make sure our vision towards having clean water comes to a success,” she said.
The total amount of grant assistance towards the project is USD43,333.
The project is under the Japanese Embassy’s Grassroots and Human Security Human Security Project. The scheme offers support to help meet basic human needs such as water supply.
Investment in this field is essential towards strengthening health and resilience in the country, moreover it will have positive impacts on the socio-economic development of Solomon Islands.
The Japanese Embassy hopes this project will serve as a symbol of good relationship between Solomon Islands and Japan.
Photo: Supplied
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