THE Akwe Community in Ward 6 of Malaita Province’s Lau-Mbaelea Constituency and 23 other communities in the constituency have been declared No Open Defecation (NOD) communities on Monday 16 December.
This achievement follows the community’s active participation in the Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) project, promoted by World Vision.
The CLTS approach empowers communities to assess their sanitation needs and develop solutions based on local knowledge, technologyand innovation.
As a result, the Akwe Community has successfully constructed toilets for every household, making it one of the healthiest communities in Ward 6.
Akwe Community representative, Christina Afebuka stressed the importance of collaboration in reaching this milestone.
“Creating such change is not easy. It takes time and a deep understanding of the benefits of this programme,” she said.
Mrs Afebuka expressed pride in their efforts to improve health and thanked World Vision and UNICEF for their support that made the construction of toilets possible.
Nursing Director of the Malaita Provincial Health Authority and guest of honor at the event, Richard Maegerea congratulated the AKWE Community, calling their success a shining example for others to follow.
“This achievement demonstrates the power of unity and the acceptance of change,” he said.
Mr Maegerea also quoted Deuteronomy 23:13-14 to highlight the importance of sanitation and this portion of the Bible reads, “Whenever you relieve yourself, dig a hole with a spade and cover the excrement. For the camp must be holy, for the Lord your God moves around in your camp to protect you and to defeat your enemies.”
He emphasised that achieving NOD status is not just about eliminating open defecation, but about transforming lives.
Mr Maegerea expressed gratitude to partners such as World Vision for their technical guidance and support in empowering communities through the CLTS approach.
He also acknowledged UNICEF for its ongoing commitment to promoting health and well-being across Malaita, saying these partnerships are driving lasting change in the province.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
