CLEANING HONIARA, SUPPORTING LIVELIHOODS

EVERY morning before sunrise, groups of CAUSE II participants can be seen working along Honiara's busy roads, helping to keep the city clean while earning an income to support themselves and their families.

Under the CAUSE II Project's Street Cleanup Initiative, participants begin work as early as 6:00am, collecting litter and maintaining public spaces along key routes throughout the city. While the initiative contributes to cleaner, safer and more attractive urban areas, it is also making a meaningful difference in the lives of those involved.

For Unity, a resident of GG Valley, the opportunity has been life changing.

"I am a widow, and being part of this project really helps me earn an income to support myself and my family," she said.

Each day, Unity and her team work from Kukum SDA to Lawson Tama, carrying out street cleaning activities that help improve the city's environment and look. For her, the project provides not only employment but also a sense of purpose and stability.

"This project pays us for the work we do, and we are happy to be involved because it helps us provide for our families," she added.

Fellow participant Estella, also from GG Valley, shared a similar sentiment.

"Working in this project helps me a lot. It provides a stable income that allows me to support my family and meet our daily needs," she said.

The Street Cleanup Initiative is one of several community-based activities delivered under Component 2: Safe and Inclusive Communities of the CAUSE II Project. Through the Redi4Waka Programme, participants are engaged in environmental maintenance activities including litter collection, vegetation and drain cleaning.

Beyond improving the cleanliness and appearance of Honiara, the initiative creates employment opportunities and supports vulnerable community members with a reliable source of income.

Implemented by the Solomon Islands Government, the CAUSE II Project is supported by the World Bank and the Australian Government through the PNG and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
 

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