Australia and the World Bank have chipped in a further SBD$310 million to keep the highly successful and much-loved Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project (CAUSE II) going.
Building on the success of the original CAUSE project, which provided employment opportunities to over 8,000 people and delivered critical urban services, CAUSE II is expected to create over 360,000 paid workdays and expand job opportunities for 4,700 unemployed and out-of-school urban residents, with a focus on empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
CAUSE II was launched in Honiara last Friday, during which the project’s new log was also unveiled.
The project will continue to generate employment, improve urban infrastructure, and enhance climate resilience in Solomon Islands’ rapidly growing urban centers.
It will also invest in climate-resilient roads, drainage systems, and waste management services to address growing urban challenges in Honiara, Auki, Gizo, Noro, and Munda.
“The CAUSE project has been a lifeline for many Solomon Islanders, providing much-needed jobs while improving our urban centers,” said Solomon Islands Minister of Finance and Treasury, Manasseh Sogavare at the launch.
(PC: HCC) Minister of Finance and Treasury, Manasseh Sogavare, speaking at the event.
“The second phase will build on this success by creating more opportunities and enhancing essential infrastructure for local communities,” Sogavare added.
Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, said Australia is committed to partnerships that create more local jobs and economic opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
“CAUSE II brings more funding, bigger projects, and, most importantly, more benefits to Solomon Islanders around the country, especially women and youth,” Hilton said.
“The CAUSE project is the definition of locally-led empowerment, community development, and building the economy through local jobs, and Australia is proud to lend our support to this fantastic project,” he added.
The second phase will also contribute to strengthening public authorities’ capacities to plan and manage urban growth effectively.
This includes improving land administration, own source revenue, and asset management systems to support sustainable urban service delivery.
“The project provides a model for future urban management in the Solomon Islands, improving roads and services, creating jobs, and helping communities prepare for climate challenges,” said World Bank Country Resident Representative in Solomon Islands, Annette Leith.
“This project will continue to make daily life easier and safer for urban residents across the Solomon Islands,” Leith said.
CAUSE II is implemented by the Solomon Islands Government and is supported by the World Bank and Australia through the Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
