THE World Bank has approved an additional US$1.5 million (SBD$11.9 million) in grants to extend the Rapid Employment Project (REP) in Solomon Islands until December 2016.
The additional financing will see REP continue its successful provision of short-term employment and skills training, while expanding the project to deliver improved access to markets and services for Honiara’s vulnerable communities, via safer, more reliable and climate resilient roads.
“In 2014 Honiara experienced severe flash flooding, killing 22 and causing more than US$100 million in damages,” said Anne Tully, World Bank Country Manager for Solomon Islands.
“The community infrastructure built with support from REP, such as footpaths, enabled many communities to escape flooded areas quickly.
“Usually the walking track is too muddy and unusable in wet weather, but with the new footpath families have been able to move to higher ground for shelter at a nearby school,” said Koa Hill community leader Simon Peter.
With the additional financing, REP will improve road access in flood-affected zones in and around Honiara, to give those most in-need easier access to essential services and markets.
“The project will develop two kilometers of climate resilient roads, with a further four kilometers of maintenance and spot improvements,” said Moses Virivolomo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.
“In addition to improving transport access, climate resilient roads will result in lower maintenance costs for road repairs, faster travel and lower vehicle operational costs.”
Since 2010, REP has generated short-term employment through labor-based public works, including road repairs and maintenance, footpath repairs and construction, and garbage collection.
More than US$2 million has been paid in wages and 600,000 days in labor have been created for more than 9,700 people – half of whom are women and youth.
Additionally, 11,000 people from vulnerable communities have taken part in REP’s pre-employment training program to attain basic skills for employment.
“As a demonstration of our commitment to REP, in July the city council passed a resolution inviting the project to continue its activities for a further five years,” said Alfrence Fatai, Honiara City Mayor.
“The city’s most vulnerable have benefitted from REP through employment, its public works program and infrastructure development, and we welcome its continuation.”
The US$1.5 million in additional financing consists of US$0.5 million from the World Bank’s International Development Association, and US$1 million from the Crisis Response Window – the World Bank’s special fund for use following exceptionally severe natural disaster and economic shocks.
– Source: World Bank
