TWO primary schools have signed SBD$1.3 million grant contract for the construction of their classroom buildings with the Japanese government at the Japan Embassy on Tuesday.
They are Ulunga in North West Malaita and Peava primary school in Marovo Lagoon, Western province.
Under the grant contract Ulunga primary receives SBD$690,000 while Peava school receives SBD$630,000.
The grant contract was signed by Japan Ambassador Kinichi Kimiya, chairman of Ulunga primary school Mauta Kemuel and headmaster of Peava primary school Webber Patovaki witnessed by Western provincial premier Wayne Maepio and committee members.
Speaking during the signing ceremony Mr Kimiya said the government of Japan is pleased to contribute to the development for the people of Solomon Islands.
He said the signing ceremony is the beginning of the day they will start implementing the project.
He pointed out, one of the priority areas of their assistance under the Grassroots and Human Security project is supporting basic education through the construction of school facilities such as classrooms for students.
“Education plays key role in development and we believe that this project will have positive impacts on the development of human resources in Solomon Islands,” he said.
Chairman of Ulunga Mr Kemuel acknowledged the government of Japan for approving their application for classroom project.
He said the Ulunga is one of the first primary school built in Malaita that has produced human resources for the country.
He said the school have been relocated several times with temporary rooms using raw bush materials to accommodate the students.
“That went on for two years but cannot continue as the place was occupied by villages that is not conducive for students and teachers.
“Now we have 200 students, nine teachers and slowly working on staff houses,” he said.
Mr Kemuel said the approval of their project is a dream come true for them since they submitted their application in November 2016.
Premier of Western province Mr Maepio on behalf of his people acknowledged the government of Japan for their continue support in terms of funding school projects.
He said, Japan has continuously assisted his province through building of classrooms.
He appeals to the committee members to implement the projects and ensure the projects are completed in time.
By CHARLES KADAMANA
