Australia has handed over 19 community infrastructure projects in Gizo and Noro under phase two of the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project (CAUSE II).

The projects include solar LED lights, footpaths, a Jacob’s Ladder, lower landing deck and upgrades to Noro market facilities.

These practical projects are improving access to safer, more climate-resilient infrastructure and services, while creating local employment and skills development opportunities, with a particular focus on women and young people.

Representatives of the Australian High Commission joined Western Provincial Government Minister of Works Freedom Tozaka, Member for Gizo and Kolombangara Jimson Tanangada, the World Bank and government officials to mark the handover.

Minister Tozaka acknowledged the support of Australia and the World Bank in delivering the projects through CAUSE II, describing them as an investment in the people and communities of Western Province.

“Infrastructure development remains one of the key priorities of the Western Provincial Government,” Tozaka said.

“We recognise that quality infrastructure is essential for improving access to services, supporting economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and building stronger and more resilient communities,” he added.

Alongside these community projects, CAUSE II is working with national, provincial and town authorities to improve urban planning, maintenance and service delivery.

MP for Gizo and Kolombangara Jimson Tanangada attended the handover of nine projects in Gizo.

Tanangada highlighted the importance of investment in Gizo and its impact on the economic future of Western Province.

“Our town is not only a place where people live. Gizo is a centre of commerce, tourism, fisheries, transportation and community life in Western Province.

“As we look towards the future, I believe these projects will leave a long-term footprint in the lives of our communities and generations yet to come,” Tanangada said.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Jeff Roach said CAUSE II was delivering practical infrastructure while creating economic opportunities and strengthening local capacity to improve services in urban communities.

“CAUSE II is helping communities across Solomon Islands improve access to climate-resilient infrastructure and services, while expanding economic opportunities for women, young people and people with disability,” High Commissioner Roach said.

World Bank representative Ifeta Smajic highlighted CAUSE II’s positive impact on Vani Vuto Lizo, a community worker from Noro.

After completing CAUSE II’s Redi4Waka training, Vani applied her new skills on project sites and secured full-time employment.

“Vani’s story reminds us that community work is not only about the finished product,” Smajic said.

“It is about people’s motivation and their journeys to gain and apply skills in the service of their communities,” he added.

“As Vani herself said, ‘if it weren’t for the CAUSE II project, I would still be on the lookout for a job’ [Sapos CAUSE II Project nomoa bae mi no save faendim waka]”.

The CAUSE II Project is implemented by the Solomon Islands Government and jointly financed by Australia and the World Bank.