Gizo, Solomon Islands – Western Province in Solomon Islands is poised to transform its access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services after partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its Provincial Governance and Service Delivery project, supported by the European Union.

The signing of a Letter of Agreement seals this collaboration marking the initiation of a partnership aimed at enhancing essential services for the people of Western Province. At the heart of this initiative lies the welfare of communities, with an initial grant of SBD $246,476 (US$30,143) earmarked for pivotal interventions aimed at Babanga Primary School. These interventions are set to directly benefit 96 individuals, encompassing 40 girls, 51 boys, four adult women, and one adult man, thereby catalyzing positive change at the grassroots level.

Hon. Mr. Billy Veo, Premier of Western Province, expressed profound gratitude to UNDP and the European Union for their unwavering support. 

“This collaboration plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the basic needs of Western Province residents,” he said. 

Mozammel Haque, UNDP Project Manager, added: 

“The potential for further collaboration with additional funds in the future. With this project UNDP reiterates its steadfast commitment to bolstering provincial decentralization and enhancing service delivery, aligning closely with the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations.”

This milestone achievement firmly positions Western Province alongside other forward-thinking provinces, including Central, Guadalcanal, and Choiseul, which have already begun reaping the benefits of similar grants. With Isabel and Temotu provinces poised to follow suit, the Provincial Governance and Service Delivery project stands as a beacon of hope, addressing systemic challenges and propelling progress towards the 2030 SDGs.

In a concerted effort to spotlight the critical importance of the WASH sector, the project has also launched the Rural WASH Changemakers Awards, inviting nominations to recognize exemplary initiatives that have catalyzed transformative change within communities. This initiative serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders involved to effect positive change at the grassroots level.

For more information or media enquiries please contact:

Daniel C. Gonzalez, Communications Analyst, UNDP Solomon Islands Office, daniel.calderon.gonzalez@undp.org | +677 7740740 / +34 656560270