NEW COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR WEST NEW GEORGIA/VONA VONA

One of the 16 new water tanks that were installed across Parara, Kohigo Island, and Vonavona communities in Western Province’s Ward 13.

More than 630 people in Ward 13 Vona Vona will benefit from the new water tanks, which will not only provide a reliable supply of clean water but also support improved sanitation, cooking, and drinking practices within the communities.

This project has made a big difference for the Qurasae community by addressing their greatest problem – having to source water from brackish water.

The two 10,000 litre water tanks in Qurasae are helping to provide 140 people clean and reliable running water for drinking and household use.

The 51 solar streetlights were installed along a 1.5km stretch in Madou, providing bright and reliable lighting for over 700 people for the first time.

Three projects in West New Georgia/Vona Vonva funded under the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships program have been officially handed over, with the Australian High Commission currently accepting applications for the program’s second funding round of 2026.

The Qurasae Water Tank Project has provided access to safe water for approximately 140 people, addressing one of the community’s most significant challenges. Previously reliant on brackish water, residents now have access to clean running water for drinking and household use. 

More than 630 people across Ward 13 in Vona Vona will now also have access to clean and reliable water following the installation of 16 rainwater tanks across Parara, Kohigo Island, and Vonavona communities. The new water tanks will not only provide a reliable supply of clean water but also support improved sanitation, cooking, and drinking practices within the communities. 

In Madou Village, 51 new solar streetlights are providing bright and reliable lighting for over 700 people for the first time. Installed over a 1.5km stretch, the lights have significantly improved safety and security for the entire community, especially women and girls, and allowed for community gatherings to continue even after the sun sets.

Hon. George Temahua, Member of Parliament for West New Georgia/Vona Vona constituency, supported and made a contribution to these three important projects.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands,  Jeff Roach, said “Australia is supporting communities all across the country with life-changing small-scale community infrastructure projects, in partnership with national and community leaders. 

 “Where you live shouldn’t determine whether you have access to clean water or whether you feel safe at night. These communities in Western Province took action to address these challenges and Australia is proud to support them.”

High Commissioner Roach drew attention to the second Community Partnerships funding round of 2026, which is currently open. 

“We read every single proposal carefully. If you have a project that will make a tangible difference to the lives in your community, I strongly encourage you to submit an application.”

Since 2019, Australia has funded a total of 342 projects in every constituency in Solomon Islands, making a tangible difference to the lives of thousands of Solomon Islanders. 

The second application round for Community Partnerships is currently open, and the High Commission is welcoming applications until Monday 24 August 2026.

Australian High Commission Solomon Islands Press Release