Five communities in Bougainville get AUSAID support

Women carrying water in buckets.

FIVE communities in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville will now have improved access to Health, Education opportunities and Gender Empowerment Services thanks to AusAID funding for a range of new community development projects.

These communities located in Buin, Panguna, Siwai, Keita and Central Bougainville Districts, who have all rebuilt their lives after the Bougainville crisis, will receive (through the SPSN small grants scheme) funding of K325,652 from the people of Australia that will significantly improve village life. 

SPSN Program director Jeremy Syme and Mr Albert Kinani representing the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Administration officially handed over funding deeds to the five community groups at the Lumankoa Conference Hall in Buka on Friday, October 18 2012.

Mr Syme said “AusAID through SPSN is working to build stronger communities but in order to make this happen the commitment and drive must come from the communities themselves”.

The five grants are:

•  The Boreburu Ward (Makis Council of Elders) from Buin will receive K58,184 for a much-needed Water, Sanitation and hygiene project. This is considered a huge blessing, as it will ease the daily chores for women and children walking long distances over harsh conditions in search of clean water for day-to-day use.  The expression of interest was written and submitted by village women who are determined to create a brighter future for their community.

• The Rorovana 1 Community (through the Rorovana Catholic Womens Group in Panguna) will receive K57, 010 for a WASH project as well as support for community members skilled and knowledgeable on healthy hygiene practices.  With a growing population of 1000 the community faces an increasing demand for safe, clean drinking water and improved toilet systems.

• The Rabaulu Primary School in Siwai’s effort to improve the learning environment for students and teachers received a K72,333 boost for the refurbishment of staff houses, classrooms, and kitchens.

•  The St Joseph Navibi Primary School in Kieta with 150 students is experiencing housing shortages forcing teachers to share accommodation or live far from the school. This situation is affecting efficiency and morale.  A K75,502 AusAID grant for building and maintenance will make a huge difference.

• The Rotokas Fresh Food Producers from Wakunai in Central Bougainville will receive K73, 550 to train 60 model farmers to improve their skills on potato and rice management as well as identify new markets.  This training will be targeted particularly at women who are main players in this agriculture-based community.  This project will benefit the 6 main villages in Rotokas area with estimated population of 1,350.
  

Mr Jacob Rerevate from the Balbi Grains and Vegies speaking on behalf of the grant recipients paid tribute to AusAID for responding to the plight of these communities saying, “this assistance will make a huge difference to our lives”.