COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT AND CONSULTATION CAUSE II ROAD AND DRAINAGE UPGRADES Honiara-Outcome Summary

The CAUSE II team successfully concluded its community assessment and consultation sessions in Honiara this week, recording strong and positive participation from residents from the surrounding neighbourhoods of the project areas. These engagements form an important part of the project’s Social Engagement Plan (SEP) and ensure that community voices guide the planning and implementation of CAUSE II’s road, bridge, and drainage works planned for 2026.

The consultations were held at two drop-in sessions at Rove Bulk Shop in West Honiara on 19 November and at the HCC Area in East Honiara on 20 November. Participants included women, youth, elders, people with disabilities, business owners, roadside vendors, and residents located near the seventeen proposed subproject sites. Community members shared views on access issues, drainage challenges, public safety, impacts on gardens and fences, and changes to movement within their neighbourhoods.

Project representatives from the Honiara City Council (HCC), CAUSE II Project Management Unit (PMU) and Kramer APAC facilitated open discussions and provided clarifications on the scope of works for locations including Tasahe to Ngossi Valley Road, Skyline Drive, Hibiscus Avenue, Mbokona and Kobito Bridges, and several drainage improvement sites.

Residents expressed appreciation for the early engagement and the chance to provide input before construction begins. Feedback gathered will be consolidated and used in the SEP and the site-specific environmental and social assessments to ensure compliance with World Bank Environmental and Social Standards and national requirements. Key themes raised included drainage blockages during heavy rain, safety concerns for schoolchildren, temporary access arrangements, and interest in local employment once works commence.

The CAUSE II team also encouraged residents to use the Project Grievance Mechanism (GM) as a reliable platform for raising concerns or following up on issues during implementation. The GM Hotline at 7294364 remains available for all community enquiries.

With the Honiara consultations now completed, the CAUSE II assessment and engagement team will proceed to the provinces on the following dates:
• Gizo in Western Province on Friday
• Auki in Malaita Province on Tuesday

These sessions will follow the same approach and will gather local insights, identify community specific risks, and strengthen two way dialogue to ensure the subprojects reflect local needs and priorities.

CAUSE II extends its gratitude to all community members who attended the Honiara sessions and shared their time and recommendations. The project remains committed to transparent, inclusive, and participatory processes as preparations continue for the rollout of infrastructure works in 2026.

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Photo Gallery

• Community representatives at the Rove Bulk Shop consultation
• Residents reviewing project maps for road and drainage sites
• CAUSE II team engaging youth and women’s groups
• Discussion table on drainage issues during the East Honiara session
• Site visit photos from selected Honiara subproject locations