The rapid growth of the community of Louna in the Russell Islands is worrying
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Louna community stands as one of the largest and most densely populated villages in East Lavukal, located within the Russell Islands, and its population is experiencing a concerning rate of growth.
Situated in the Central Province, the settlers in Russell are descendants of former laborers, now representing the fourth generation, and their demographic is increasingly comparable to that of the indigenous Lavukal people.
One of the primary sources of income for this community is copra production. Although a significant portion of the LSL plantation remains unused, it is accessible for individuals seeking to generate income. This situation raises alarms for the Lavukal elders, chiefs, and current leaders.
In light of these pressing issues, the chiefs and leaders have urged their local Member of Parliament and Member of the Provincial Assembly for the Lavukal ward to engage in discussions with community leaders and chiefs to address the growing population and associated social challenges.
“Perhaps this can be achieved through the governmental policy framework by considering the Lavukal Resettlement Scheme, which was approved by the government of Sir Alan Kemakeza in 1992. Presently, the status of this scheme remains unclear and ambiguous,” stated Chief Arthur Lavukalevem.
Access to water and sanitation is crucial for human health, requiring measures aimed at health improvement. Currently, only a limited number of family-owned water tanks are involved in a water-sharing initiative, as the community primarily depends on rainwater. Furthermore, sanitation issues are not adequately addressed, leading to ongoing pollution of seabeds.
“We sincerely hope that a viable solution can be found to address these problems,” he expressed.
Regarding health and medical services, the closure of the Louna Rural Health Clinic by the medical authorities in Tulagi, due to termite damage affecting both the clinic and the staff housing, has raised significant concerns within the community, particularly regarding access to urgent medical care. The restoration of the clinic to its normal operational status heavily relies on the community’s commitment to its upkeep.
The Louna community has previously faced challenges in sending their children to distant schools for both primary and secondary education.
“Currently, three educational sectors have been established through various funding sources, particularly in the primary and secondary school areas. The construction of staff housing for these educational institutions is a priority, and the community, along with the school board, is diligently working to finalize several staff accommodations by developing a more effective school development plan,” stated Chief Lavukalevem.
The community is also home to various women’s groups and youth. The women’s groups are divided into two main categories: the Catholic Mothers and several Women’s Saving Clubs. These groups are actively engaged in their respective programs, striving to maintain and sustain their initiatives, although they often face challenges in their efforts.
“As is well known, no community can thrive without its youth, and the Louna community is no exception. Our youth population is substantial and continues to grow each year. However, the absence of effective leadership and educational awareness has led to an increase in drug-related issues, which are becoming increasingly prevalent,” he said.
Despite the efforts of chiefs and elders within the Louna community to combat these activities, their attempts have not generated significant success.
“Consequently, it is imperative to identify solutions that will mitigate any potential social issues that may arise,” he said.
