AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS NINE COMMUNITIES IN MILNE BAY

The Louisiade Women’s Association has paid a 10 percent contribution towards the project.

The Australian Government and the Milne Bay Provincial Government recently announced a funding package of PGK697,000   to support community development initiatives in nine local communities.

The funding, which was made available through Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen (SPSN), will improve access to clean water, literacy and education opportunities for women and children. SPSN is a democratic governance program implemented as a partnership between the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Three community organisations—Kalauna Ward Water and Sanitation (PGK73,541), Sausi Ward (PGK79,372) and Yeublopasi Community Group (PGK74,810)—received funding for improved water supply, health and sanitation.

Bwanabwana Sports Association will receive PGK79,042 to upgrade sporting facilities; Kehelala Women’s Fellowship will receive PGK73,541 for the building of a guest house to enhance the group’s income generation opportunities; and the Louisiade Women’s Association will receive PGK79,850 for the construction of a resource centre that will house life skills training and literacy programs.

The Asegamwana Elementary school in the remote Esa’ala District will improve literacy of students and locals with the construction of a library and resource centre through funding of PGK79,991. Similarly, Taulu Elementary school will be able to build a new double classroom for its 50-plus elementary school children through the support of PGK79,918.

In addition, the South Goodenough Court Service will receive PGK79,940 to promote peace and justice through the construction of a new court house for the South Goodenough local level government.

Grant agreements were handed over to the successful organisations in a small yet significant ceremony held at the Masurina Lodge in Alotau on 31 October 2014 following three-day training on project management and democratic governance facilitated by representatives from SPSN and the Milne Bay Provincial Government.
The Deputy Administrator for Milne Bay, Sharon Mua, said that this partnership will allow these communities to achieve improvements in health, education and gender equality and that the provincial government is keen and committed to see these projects deliver results that will be sustainable in the future.

“The grants are very significant as they will bring about changes for more than 50,000 people across 40 ward councils in the remotest islands of Milne Bay Province,” said SPSN’s Field Program Coordinator, Harry Gubala.

“Australia has provided PGK1.8 million to Milne Bay Province under SPSN’s community development grant scheme since 2012. Today, these 9 new grants now bring the number of grants provided to the Milne Bay Province under the community development grants scheme to a total of 17",” said Mr Gubala.

SPSN is currently working with 320 organisations through the provision of grants and capacity building to organisations promoting gender equality and improving access to health, education and disability services.