BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
For 75-year-old Chief Stephen Kunia of Mbebe Village in North Guadalcanal Constituency, the transformation of his community through improved sanitation and access to clean water is one of the greatest achievements of his lifetime.
This support was provided by UNICEF WASH program.
Chief Kunia said the construction of household toilets in the village began in November 2023 and has since brought significant improvements to the health and wellbeing of residents.
Mbebe Village, which is 99 per cent Open Defecation Free (ODF), is home to more than 18 people living in several households. Today, the community has 18 toilets, with many already completed and in use while a few are still under construction.
“Having toilets and proper sanitation is very important because it helps prevent sickness. We do not want to dispose of our waste carelessly. In the past, when we did not have toilets, people used the surrounding bushes, and sickness was common in the community,” Chief Kunia said.
He said villagers have noticed a positive change since the introduction of the sanitation facilities.
“After the toilets were established, we saw that sickness started to reduce. People are now familiar with using toilets and no longer use the bush for sanitation purposes,” he said.
Chief Kunia expressed his gratitude for the support that enabled the community to improve its sanitation facilities.
“I am very happy that my community received this support. Now we also have access to water, which makes me even happier,” he said.
Before the installation of the new water system, villagers relied mainly on wells for their drinking water.
“In the past, we did not have a proper water supply. We depended on wells for water. Even though we were close to large companies such as Gold Ridge Mining, we did not have access to proper water services,” Chief Kunia said.
As the traditional leader of the village, Chief Kunia said he is committed to preparing his people for a healthier and more sustainable future.
“As a chief, I want to ensure my community is well prepared before God calls me. I want my people to understand modern ways of living while continuing to protect and care for the environment,” he said.
He said he constantly encourages community members to maintain the positive changes that have been achieved.
“I always urge my people to continue the good work we have done so far. They must keep these practices alive for the benefit of everyone,” Kunia said.
Chief Kunia said maintaining proper sanitation and environmental cleanliness will help create a healthier future for men, women, children and the elderly.
“Our goal is for everyone in the community to live in a clean and healthy environment. That is the legacy I want to leave behind,” he said.
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