THE Government of Japan will assist water supply and sanitation projects for Afio and Faula in Malaita Province through it Grassroots and Human Security Program.
To formally facilitate the funding assistance, a signing ceremony was held yesterday at the Japanese Embassy in Honiara.
Speaking at the official grant signing of the grant contract, Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands H.E Morimoto Yasuhiro said Japan will assist Malaita Province build the water supply and sanitation for the two communities.
“I am pleased to announce that Japan will assist in water supply project in Malaita Province.
“The total amount of assistance reaches approximately 550,000 (five hundred fifty thousand) Solomon dollars.
“Through this project, the water supply system and sanitation facilities will improve in Afio and Fauala Community in Central Malaita.
He added people in the communities will have better water access and reduce waterborne disease using safe and clean water in daily life.
He said one of the priority areas of assistance under the Grassroots and Human Security Project Scheme in Solomon Islands is supporting basic human needs such as water supply.
“Globally, water is essential for the health and security of everyone.
“With the successful implementations, it is expected that not only valuable services would be provided but also the general health and well-being of the community will be greatly improved.
“Therefore, I do expect your strong commitment to the success of this project.
“I hope it will reach its successful completion in the near future,” he said.
He said this project is a very good example that the people of Japan are able to cooperate with the people of Solomon Islands and Japan continues to grow and I believe that the project will strengthen the friendship between our two countries.
In response to H.E Morimoto Yasuhiro Deputy Provincial Secretary of Malaita Provincial Government Mr David Tuita said on behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government he thanked Japanese Government through the Japanese Embassy for signing the water supply project for the two communities.
“On behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you the Japanese Government through the Japanese Embassy for inviting us to attend this signing of the contract agreement for the water supply project.”
He added the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project goal is to offer flexible and timely assistance for the development projects at the grassroots level.
He said the project attempts to have an impact on the well-being of grassroots communities.
“Therefore, on the note these two water supply projects once implemented and completed successfully will contribute to the improving of livelihood of the communities involved
“I look forward to giving full supports, in my capacity as the Provincial Secretary to make our collaboration fruitful,” he said.
The singing agreement will enhance partnership between Japan and Malaita Province to achieve the vision of providing clean water to improve livelihood of the two communities-Afio and Fauala communities.
Other officials witnessing the signing ceremony included; MPA for ward 29 in Central Kwara’ae Felix Bosokuru, Admin Assistance Officer of Malaita Province Richard Olita and Afio Community Leader Mr. Javin Rukia.
By LACHLAN EDDIE
Honiara Newsroom
